Fatigue, Pain, and Skin Issues: Perhaps Milk is to Blame

From brittle bones to fatigue, dairy products may be a major cause of some health issues. And you may not have even thought to blame milk.

So, the next time you prepare your shopping list, you might want to consider this. We have listed symptoms that you should consider when reflecting on your relationship with dairy products.

1. YOU FEEL TIRED MOST OF THE TIME.

Milk contains opioid molecules that make you sleepy. But scientifically, this does not mean it will help you sleep well. Since it is hard to digest, it exhausts your body trying to produce energy to break it down, disrupting your sleep cycle. To sleep better, you might try eating fruits and vegetables rich in tryptophan, such as broccoli, sweet potatoes, bananas, or apples.

2. YOUR DIGESTION IS SUFFERING.

Research shows that 65-70% of the world's population suffers from lactose intolerance. Even though breast milk contains relatively more lactose, cow's milk is harder for us to digest. Complaints such as bloating, nausea, gas, and diarrhea on a regular basis may indicate that you should stop drinking milk.

3. YOU HAVE PAINS THAT SEEM TO COME OUT OF NOWHERE.

Milk causes inflammation that harms joints and muscles. If you are active and find it hard to recover from sore muscles, try reducing your milk intake.

4. YOU HAVE ALLERGIES AND OTHER SKIN CONDITIONS.

Due to similar early symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, and colic, a milk allergy can be confused with lactose intolerance. While 5% of children have a milk allergy, it can also develop later in adulthood. Eczema can also flare up due to dairy products. Try eliminating dairy from your diet and see if your condition improves.

5. YOU HAVE HIGH CHOLESTEROL LEVELS.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 100 g of regular cow's milk contains 10 g of cholesterol, making it dangerous to consume in large amounts daily.

6. RISK OF FRACTURES.

Calcium is essential for bone development and health, especially in childhood. However, all dairy products—or animal proteins in general—are acidic, which decreases calcium absorption. Research shows that women who drink 3 or more glasses of milk a day have a higher risk of fractures.

7. YOUR BODY IS RESISTANT TO MEDICATIONS, AND YOU TAKE A LONG TIME TO RECOVER.

While milk itself cannot be blamed here, antibiotics given to cows may indirectly affect your health, studies show. On one hand, the medication is vital for animal health, but on the other hand, it leads to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.