Why I do not think we should drink milk

Most parents in the western world are telling their children to drink milk because it is important to get calcium, among other things. However, green leafy vegetables such as broccoli, kale, and collard contain a good amount of calcium and has a better absorption rate than milk. Cow's milk is also meant for calves. Yes, that is correct. We are not suppose to nurse from animal milk.

And that is why a lot of us becomes sick. We become lactose intolerant or develop a milk allergy.

Historically, we were all lactose intolerant. Once breast feeding was over and the child moved over to solids, the body did not need any milk. Also, all mammals' milk-digesting enzyme shuts down soon after weaning. So what has happened since then?

We are talking genetics here, and more specifically mutations. About 10,000 years ago, sometime after humans started domesticating milk-producing animals, a mutation occurred that caused a deviant gene on the second chromosome to become lactose persistent (For those of you with genetics interest, this gene is SNP C/T13910).

This gene for lifelong lactose digestion has an over 85% frequency in northern Europe. However, in many other countries, people cannot digest lactose, and in the Far East, this gene is absent.

So just because you see ads about drinking milk does not mean that milk is good for you. It might even make you sick.

So if you experience belly pain, gas, bloating, or diarrhea, you might want to check if you are lactose intolerant or have a milk allergy. And while you are at it, check for gluten intolerance because the symptoms are the same.

There are of course other reasons not to drink milk as well, especially from cows kept on big industrial farms that pump cows full of antibiotics, feed cows with corn that they have a hard time to digest, and keep cows in environments that are down-right awful.

So what shall we drink instead and what shall we eat with our cereal? How about a food revolution! Let's take a look at what you are eating and make some changes. If you really need to eat cereal in the morning, how about trying it with nut milk or hemp milk. And how about making smoothies with fruit, fruit juice, and even some greens. Kids will love that, and you too!

Good luck in your endeavours!