Indeed, sugary drinks, such as soda, many juices and sports drinks with added sugar are best to be avoided by both adults and children alike. It is commonly accepted that there are no nutritional benefits of such beverages, especially in the presence of much healthier options. However, when it comes to cow’s milk, there are certain nutritional benefits, but they are negated and outnumbered by many unhealthy side effects. A number of which are as bad as the side effects of any sugary soda or sports drink, and often times worse in the long run. Despite the attempts of a multi-billion dollar industry known as “Big Dairy” to convince us otherwise, there are many little-known, yet well-documented side effects of cow’s milk, which strongly suggest that we would be wise to choose other options.

Just as tobacco can be used to regulate digestion and ease anxiety, cow’s milk can be used for extra dietary calcium and protein. However, just as there are safer ways to regulate digestion and ease anxiety, there are safer ways to add calcium and protein to a child’s diet. Smoking advertisements of past generations touted a “smooth taste for expectant mothers,” and “more doctors smoke Camels than any other cigarette”. We now know we can greatly reduce our risk of many types of cancer, as well as lung and heart disease if we abstain from smoking. Likewise, today we see such contradictions as the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation sponsoring Yoplait Yogurt, while dairy-consumption has been conclusively linked to the growth and development of cancer. (See the “relevant material” section at the end of this letter for sources.) We are learning that a liquid intended to bring a baby cow from 80 pounds to 500 pounds in a matter of months might not be entirely safe for humans to consume.

Aside from the antibiotics, somatic cells (pus), and tidal wave of inherent cow hormones contained in dairy, the protein found in cow’s milk, casein, is identified as “the most relevant chemical carcinogen known to humans” (Dr. T. Colin Campbell, The China Study). The links to breast cancer (and others), obesity, osteoporosis, acne, various allergies, Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes and more, are significant. And by significant, I mean well-documented in peer-reviewed scientific journals time and again. The dairy industry has its sticky fingers in nutrition boards, school lunch programs, nutritional science and popular culture. Even on the USDA “MyPlate,” which replaced the Food Pyramid in 2011, Dairy managed to score an awkward little spot as a glass next to the plate, implying that the consumption of bovine lactation is necessary for good health, though there is no unbiased nutritional science to support this claim. We’re entrenched in industry-funded studies and propaganda. Milk does a body good? The objective science says otherwise.

 There is no debate in regard to calcium’s importance to optimal bone-heath, and there are many plant-based drinks and foods that are much safer sources of calcium for our children than the mammary secretions of a cow. Hemp milk, oat milk, almond milk, cashew milk, coconut milk, and soy milk are fantastic options to deliver the required calcium and vitamin D ratios needed for growing children. Soy milk only has one fewer gram of protein per serving than cow’s milk! Furthermore, soy is a complete protein, meaning that it’s a protein containing all of the “essential amino acids” needed in our diets. Dairy also contains a complete protein, but as the research shows, it is a carcinogenic one. Soy is just one of many plant sources of calcium and complete protein available without any of the harmful baggage.

We can look back at culture surrounding smoking and easily identify it as misguided. Someday, and someday soon, thanks to accessibility of quality and unbiased information, we will look back at our society’s obsession with the breast milk of a different species and wonder, what were we thinking? Though I think that it’s not too soon to question whether this is a beverage we should be serving our children. But don’t take my word for it– research it yourself! Set aside an hour or two to learn whether cow’s milk is right for your family. You won’t regret it.

Relevant material:

The China Study, Dr. T Colin Campbell

How Not To Die, Michael Greger M.D.

Eat To Live, Joel Fuhrman M.D.

“What The Health” (documentary found on Netflix)

“Forks Over Knives” (documentary also found on Netflix)

Nutritionfacts.org (non-commercial science-based online nutrition resource)

Justina Miller, RN and Christopher Harvey,

nutrition enthusiast