Milk – good while you are growing, but not in later life

New research recommends switching to plant milks from your 20s

You may be old enough to remember the “Milk's gotta lotta bottle” campaign in the 1980s. And it’s true that cow's milk contains protein and calcium for teeth and bones. [In many countries it is fortified with vitamin D, but not in the UK.]

BUT the latest research recommends less dairy milk from your 20s on – and switching to plant milk alternatives. Oat milk is particularly good, as oats have a high nutritional value, and they are grown sustainably in the UK and Europe.

Here’s why.

Humans are the only animals consuming milk beyond infancy

Humans are the only animals that continue to consume milk beyond infancy, questioning its role in the sort of diet that supports health span in older years.

One clear factor from ageing research is that you do not want to stimulate growth receptors – which can lead to accelerated ageing and cancer.

Milk contains substances that activate growth receptors – which is why calves thrive on it.  And human babies.

But excessive stimulation of insulin receptors, mTOR receptors, and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) receptors, accelerates ageing. And they increase the risk of ageing-related diseases by compromising DNA repair.

[Ref. Nutrient Sensing, Signaling and Ageing: The Role of IGF-1 and mTOR in Ageing and Age-Related Disease - PubMed (nih.gov)]

Dairy consumption linked with increased risk of cancer and other diseases

Higher risk of prostate and breast cancer

All this is why dairy consumption has been linked with an increased risk of prostate and breast cancer.

[Ref: The Role of Cow’s Milk Consumption in Breast Cancer Initiation and Progression - PMC (nih.gov)]

This is logical because, if milk strongly induces growth, and cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells, then substances that induce cellular growth can also increase the risk of cancer.

A Swedish study on milk intake in men and women found that:

“ A high milk intake in both sexes is associated with higher mortality and bone fracture rates and with higher levels of oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers. Such a pattern was not observed with high intake of fermented milk products.”

[Ref: Milk intake and risk of mortality and fractures in women and men: cohort studies | The BMJ ]

So, yogurt and cheese do not seem to present the same problems. However, there are now very tasty plant alternatives to dairy yogurt, so switching seems a good idea.

Skin health problems

Milk may also increase the severity of skin health problems such as eczema and acne for certain people.

Milk contains galactose, a molecule found in lactose, the sugar in dairy products. When the intestine breaks down lactose, galactose is released. This can increase oxidative stress, chronic inflammation and the formation of crosslinks.

Crosslinks are where sugar molecules coat proteins in the body and are associated, not only with wrinkles, but with a general acceleration in the ageing process, and stiffening of blood vessel walls which is linked to blood pressure.

Increased insulin resistance and Parkinson's

Milk consumption can also negatively affect insulin sensitivity, thereby increasing insulin resistance. As we age, our ability to metabolise sugars effectively lessens, making us less insulin sensitive.

Various studies have even shown an association between milk intake and Parkinson’s disease.

[Ref: Intake of dairy foods and risk of Parkinson disease - PMC (nih.gov)]

Summary

It's much easier to switch to plant milks these days, and they are fortified with calcium, vitamin D and vitamins B2 and B12.

Oat milk is my personal favourite, and it was easy to get accustomed to the flavour over a period of a couple of weeks. The brands do vary – particularly in price – so, check out the discount supermarkets for the best deals. (And no, I'm not a shareholder!)

Thanks for reading

I spend my time researching natural healthy living, including the new science of healthy, successful ageing.  And how to extend health span rather than just lifespan.

And if you enjoyed it, please send the link of this article to any friend or family member who might benefit.

Colin Rose