Why I Ditched Dairy

A surprising truth about dairy: it weakens the bones.

When I first transitioned to living a plant-based lifestyle, I started by letting go of red meat. I let go of the dairy last because I was completely addicted to cheese and ice cream. Dairy contains casein, a protein found that can activate the brain’s opioid receptors, making it highly addictive. I was unaware of how inflamed my body was, and I did not realize that the foods I was eating, especially dairy, contributed to the inflammation and other symptoms I was experiencing. I grew up believing that I needed to eat dairy because of the “healthy” protein component as well as the calcium content claiming to strengthen my bones and teeth.

It was not until later did I understand the truth about dairy. Contrary to what we’ve been taught, dairy actually weakens the bones and teeth, decreasing their density. While the dairy has been “fortified” with Calcium and Vitamin D, these forms of Calcium and Vitamin D are not bioavailable nor absorbable, therefore cannot be utilized by the body. The correct form of the Vitamin D and Calcium is essential as the body is unable to assimilate the incorrect forms of these nutrients. Dairy creates acidity in the body. Disease thrives in an acidic body, yet it does not survive in an alkaline environment. 
Our bodies thrive when we eat foods that alkalize the blood and body, yet so many of the foods we eat create acidity. Intelligently designed, the body has designed ways to maintain homeostasis and maintain the body’s pH within a specific range. To counteract the acidity that is created by dairy and other acidifying foods, calcium, magnesium, and other trace minerals are extracted from the bones and teeth to buffer the pH to create a balanced environment. Consequently, this protection mechanism weakens the bones and teeth, leaving them less dense and more brittle.

Dairy is highly inflammatory, so by eliminating dairy from my diet, my body became less inflamed. The high fat content in dairy burdens the liver, which contributes to a sluggish lymphatic system. The sluggish lymphatic system is reflected in systemic inflammation and fluid retention. All of this began to reverse after I eliminated dairy and began to cleanse my body. Another reason dairy is so addictive is because of the adrenaline reaction it causes. Dairy thickens the blood, causing the heart to work harder to pump the blood.

Eliminating dairy transformed my health. The digestive issues I had been experiencing for as long as I could remember began to heal. I no longer experienced the severe constipation nor bloating. I felt more energized. The brain fog cleared. My eczema and acne healed and my skin began to glow. The recurring headaches I experienced for years dissipated and my period became healthier and less painful. It was evident that dairy was not supporting my body nor was it creating radiant health, rather it was compromising my health and hindering my healing. I did more research and learned that so many of the research studies supporting the consumption of dairy for “health” reasons are actually funded by the dairy industry itself. I was surprised and confused… I felt like so much of the knowledge and information I had been taught as truth was actually false and greatly misconstrued.

I committed to embracing and living a plant-based lifestyle as I began to unlock new levels of health and wellbeing I didn’t believe possible. My intention is to share my own experience, what I’ve learned through research and experimentation, and provide truthful information to support you in elevating your health, reversing symptoms, and reclaiming your power. My clients have experienced amazing health transformations and noticed such stark changes when they quit eating dairy. This information has the power to change your health and your life and is something that is important to become aware of and consider. The more aware you become, the more empowered you will be in your health and life.
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There are other ways to support the health and strength of our bones, teeth, and bodies. The most foundational way is to eliminate acidifying foods

Acidifying Foods to Eliminate:

Eggs — feed pathogens like Streptococcus + EBV, contain a high fat content which prevents cleansing and creates acidity in the body, thus weakening the bones and teeth

Dairy— high in fat which prevents cleansing, acidifies the body, clogs lymphatic system + liver, and feeds pathogens that cause health symptoms, conditions, and illnesses

Canola Oil + Other Processed Oils (soybean, safflower, etc.)— creates inflammation, free radicals + oxidation, high fat content burdens the liver and slows the lymphatic flow, and creates an acidic internal environment within the body

Alcohol— dehydrates the body + skin, creates acidity, weakens bones and teeth, taxes the liver, and promotes premature aging.

Caffeine— dehydrates the body and skin, accelerates aging, creates acidity, taxes the adrenals, + hinders collagen formation. Caffeine is hard on the adrenals, liver, and lymph.

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Foods to Incorporate:

Leafy Greens — one of the most alkalizing foods on the planet, they create an alkaline environment within the body, specifically the lymphatic system thus preventing bone and tooth decay and weakening,

Oranges + Tangerines — contain bioactive + bioavailable calcium that is directly absorbed into the bones and teeth

Fruits + Vegetables — alkalize the body, contain essential nutrients that support the bones and organs
Eating an abundance of fruits + vegetables is an amazing way to create alkalinity and create, support, and maintain vibrant health!

Kale — is a powerful source of omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins A, C, E, K, and B-complex. It contains bioavailable iron, magnesium, copper, and potassium and supports the health of the bones and teeth, and also prevents the onset of osteoporosis. The teeth

Swiss Chard — is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, C, and K. It also contains minerals such as iron, calcium, and magnesium, which are bioavailable and easily absorbed into the body and promote bone strength and density. Swiss chard is essential to maintain bone health and prevent breakage.

Hydrate:

Coconut Water — hydrates the body on a cellular level and provides the body with bioavailable potassium. Coconut Water is an abundant source of electrolytes + trace minerals, replenishing the body’s reserves and strengthening the bones.

Lemon Water — strengthens the immune system, supports weight loss, and alkalizes the body. It also supports the strength of the bones and teeth. Lemons contain bioactive calcium and absorbable Vitamin C.

Celery Juice — alkalizes the body, remineralizes teeth and bones, strengthening and densifying them.

Elevate Bone Strength with Supplements:

Silica — one of the foundational minerals in our bodies, Plant-Based Silica is a powerful collagen booster that supports the hair, skin, nails, bones, teeth, tendons, + ligaments. It is highly absorbable and bio-available, meaning the body is able to utilize the silica as a building block to create collagen. Silica has anti-aging benefits and radically strengthens and densifies bones and teeth.

MSM — promotes joint health and strengthens the bones and teeth.

Vitamin D3 — promotes bone health, strengthens the bones and teeth, and supports the absorption of calcium.

Horsetail — is a powerful anti-inflammatory herb that is abundant in vitamin C, B-complex, silica, calcium, magnesium, iron, and manganese. Horsetail strengthens and densifies bones and teeth, improves bone flexibility, and accelerates bone healing time.

Nettle Leaf — a powerful adaptogenic herb that contains bioavailable silica that strengthens the bones and teeth.

The effects of dairy:

• Dairy feeds pathogens inside the body, thus perpetuating symptoms, conditions, and illnesses

• Dairy contributes to indigestion, bloating, and constipation

• Dairy prevents cleansing in the body due to its high fat content

• Dairy causes insulin resistance, thus weakening the pancreas and liver

• Dairy is mucogenic, meaning it creates mucus in the body and clogs the lymphatic system and the liver

Forms of Dairy:

Milk | Cream | Cheese | Butter | Ghee (Clarified Butter) | Ice Cream | Frozen Yogurt | Yogurt | Kefir | Whey Protein | Casein