I am positive that either you or someone you know is lactose intolerant. Lactose is a type of sugar found in all dairy products. Being lactose intolerant is the inability to digest and metabolize lactose. Some people truly are lactose intolerant, but most people are just allergic to the GMO milk. Many of my clients come to me saying that they are lactose intolerant, but in a matter of a few weeks, they realize that they are not lactose intolerant. They are allergic to the non-organic milk and other dairy products. Many of my “lactose intolerant” clients drink organic milk. It’s all a matter of making a few slight adjustments.

But what if you really are lactose intolerant and cannot have dairy products? Many people struggle with getting enough calcium and therefore resort to calcium supplements, which is not ideal for your physiology. Many other foods contain calcium. Some vegetables which contain calcium are spinach, turnips, broccoli, peas, brussel sprouts, and bokchoy. Other foods are salmon, tofu, sardines, beans, sesame seeds, and almonds.

If you are eating proper, balanced meals, then you do not have to worry about where you will get your calcium from. Calcium is most needed in maintaining strong, healthy bones. Getting plenty of calcium in your diet and with proper exercise can prevent osteoporosis. In fact, studies show that women you consume the same amount of calcium in their diet have a higher bone density than those who consume that same amount of calcium as a supplement.

It is possible to overcome being lactose intolerant. In most cases, it is about strengthening your digestion. With a strong enough digestion, you can digest anything you consume. Most people have become lactose intolerant due to all the unnecessary chemicals and hormones that are in the non-organic milk. Organic milk is much richer in nutrients, higher in antioxidants, and it tastes much better.

Ayurveda has always promoted milk for great health. Some of the most prominent benefits of drinking milk, especially cow’s milk is that it instantly nourishes all the tissues of the physiology and acts as a rejuvenate. Cow’s milk is also rich in protein, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamins A, B12, and C. With all the nutrients milk has to offer, it will also give you more strength, energy, and increase Ojas (immunity) in your physiology. If you feel that you are not able to digest milk well, boil it first and then drink it. Boiling milk allows the milk to become lighter and therefore it is more easily digestible.

Enjoy your milk!

Varsha