There are so many children now that benefit from a dairy free diet that I am constantly asked about the calcium concern of "where do I get it, if I don't drink milk?"
Milk is unnecessary for good bone health! Blasphemy in the eyes of traditional nutritionists. However, modern data supports the bone/calcium health of humans who avoid dairy and also have a high quality diet with vegetables and fish in it. In 1992 Dr. Oski, a preeminant pediatrician at John's Hopkins University, wrote a book denouncing milk as unnecessary and frankly bad for you - Don't Drink Your Milk. Read it and make your own conclusions.
If you choose to avoid dairy, make sure that you get adequate amounts of calcium in your diet. Calcium is critical for many cellular functions especially for the heart and bones.
The best sources of calcium are:
1) Canned fish with bones in - Excellent to make salmon sandwiches with or eat sardines
2) All green leafy vegetables and BROCCOLI (superfood)
3) Tofu
4) Fortified foods - cereals
5) Soy and alternative milks
6) Blackstrap molasses (loaded with iron)
These foods are also healthy in many other ways.
Adequate vitamin D is critical for bone health. Remember the sun and the 30 minute per day rule (no sunscreen).
*If your child is constipated, removing dairy has a 70% cure rate.
If you do choose to consume dairy, make it hormone free and antibiotic free. Local and raw dairy is a whole other discussion because of the inherent risk of bacterial contamination and subsequent infectious issues.
Dr. M
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