Patrick Oconnell
Dairy products such as cheese, butter, and yogurt are important components of the human diet, especially in Western culture. However, the presence of hormones in these products has raised concerns about their potential impact on human health. Studies have indicated that hormones in dairy, such as estrogens and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), may contribute to the initiation and progression of certain cancers. Additionally, the high fat content in cheese and other dairy products has been linked to increased levels of circulating estrogen, which can have implications for hormonal balance and conditions like endometriosis and PCOS. While some sources suggest completely eliminating dairy, others recommend moderation and incorporating anti-inflammatory foods to counteract potential negative effects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effect on hormonal balance | Dairy products such as cheese contain hormones like estrogen, IGF-1, and steroids, which can disrupt the body's natural hormone cycle. |
| Cancer risk | Cheese contains hormones and other chemicals that can increase the risk of hormone-related cancers such as breast, prostate, and endometrial cancers. |
| Inflammatory response | Dairy products, especially full-fat varieties, can be pro-inflammatory, which may worsen hormonal imbalances like PCOS or endometriosis. |
| Cardiovascular health | Cheese is high in saturated fat, which has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. |
| Bone health | Cheese and other dairy products create an acidic environment in the bloodstream, causing the body to leech calcium from the bones. |
| Addictiveness | Cheese contains casein, a protein that contributes to its addictive properties. |
| Nutritional value | Cheese is a significant contributor of sodium and saturated fat to the diet. |
| Alternatives | Hard cheeses, such as goat or sheep milk cheese, are easier to digest due to lower lactose content. |
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What You'll Learn
Cheese and cancer risk
Dairy products, including cheese, have been found to contain hormones that can affect the body's natural hormonal balance. These hormones, including steroids, estrogens, and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), have been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, particularly hormone-related cancers such as breast, prostate, and endometrial cancers.
Dr. Neal Barnard, an activist and author, has highlighted the potential dangers of consuming cheese due to its hormone content. He argues that cheese contains trace levels of estrogen and other chemicals given to pregnant cows, which can disrupt the body's natural hormonal balance and increase the risk of cancer. According to Barnard, even one serving of cheese per day can increase the risk of hormone-related cancers. He also points out that women with breast cancer who consume fatty foods, including dairy products like cheese, have a higher chance of recurrence and dying from the disease.
The presence of hormones in dairy products has been a topic of discussion for decades. While hormones in milk are essential for infant growth and immunity, recent evidence suggests that these hormones may have negative effects on human health, particularly in adults. The hormones in cheese, as a concentrated form of milk, can act as growth promoters and have been linked to the initiation and progression of certain tumours.
In addition to the hormone content, the high-fat content of cheese has also been associated with increased cancer risk. Dairy fats are mostly saturated fats, which have been linked to higher levels of circulating oestrogen. Consuming high amounts of saturated fat can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and contribute to inflammatory conditions. Therefore, it is recommended to consume cheese and other dairy products in moderation or opt for leaner alternatives.
While breaking the habit of consuming cheese may be difficult due to its addictive properties, there are alternative options available. Hard cheeses, such as goat or sheep milk cheese, contain less lactose and are generally better tolerated. Fermented dairy products like yogurt, kefir, and cultured cottage cheese are also recommended as they contain beneficial probiotics and higher protein content. Additionally, a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables can help reduce the negative impacts of dairy consumption.
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Dairy and hormonal acne
Dairy products, including cheese, are known to contain various hormones, such as steroids, estrogens, progesterone, and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). These hormones are naturally occurring in milk and can have biological effects on humans, including potential impacts on hormonal balance and health risks.
One of the hormones found in dairy, IGF-1, has been linked to the initiation and progression of certain hormone-related cancers, including breast, prostate, and endometrial tumours. Dr Neal Barnard, an activist and author, has highlighted the presence of trace levels of estrogen and other chemicals in cheese, which can disrupt the body's natural hormonal balance. He suggests that consuming even one serving of cheese per day can increase the risk of these hormone-related cancers.
In addition to cancer risks, dairy consumption has also been associated with hormonal acne. Dairy, especially full-fat varieties, can be pro-inflammatory, which may exacerbate certain hormonal imbalances like PCOS or endometriosis. High-fat dairy products, such as cheese and ice cream, contain significant levels of palmitic acid, which has been linked to higher levels of circulating oestrogen. This can further contribute to hormonal acne, particularly in individuals with endometriosis or oestrogen dominance.
While dairy may not be inherently bad, the conventional dairy products commonly consumed in America are often exposed to excess hormones, antibiotics, and other pharmaceuticals. These additional hormones can disrupt the body's natural hormone cycle and place a greater burden on the liver for detoxification. Furthermore, dairy is inflammatory for about 50% of consumers, which can further contribute to skin issues, including acne.
To mitigate the potential negative impacts of dairy on hormonal acne, moderation is key. It is recommended to balance dairy consumption with anti-inflammatory foods, such as steamed vegetables, fresh salads, oily fish, olive oil, and flax and chia seeds. Additionally, opting for lean meats and skimmed dairy products can help reduce the intake of saturated fats and hormones associated with acne.
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Dairy's impact on PCOS and endometriosis
Dairy products contain hormones, including steroids, estrogens, progesterone, corticoids, and androgens. These hormones are thought to have an impact on human health, with some suggesting that they may be a risk factor for various cancers, including breast and prostate.
Dairy's impact on PCOS
There is conflicting evidence regarding the impact of dairy on women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Some studies suggest that a diet free of dairy may benefit women with PCOS. For example, a small study of 24 women with PCOS found that a low starch/low dairy diet resulted in weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, and reduced testosterone. Another study found that a high intake of low-fat dairy was associated with an increased risk of ovulatory infertility. However, the International Evidence-Based Guidelines do not recommend that people with PCOS need to avoid dairy, and there is limited research investigating the link between PCOS and dairy.
Dairy's impact on endometriosis
Some studies suggest that dietary changes, including cutting out dairy, may help reduce the pain of endometriosis. A recent large international survey found that 45% of respondents who cut out dairy reported an improvement in their pain. Another study found that people who consumed more than 18 servings of high-fat dairy products per week had a reduced risk of endometriosis. However, it is important to note that there is limited research on the impact of diet on endometriosis, and more high-quality evidence is needed.
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Dairy and liver health
Dairy products, such as cheese, butter, and yoghurt, are staple components of the human diet, especially in Western cultures. However, the presence of hormones in these products has raised concerns about their potential impact on human health. While hormones in milk and dairy are essential for infant growth and immunity, emerging evidence suggests they may have adverse effects on adults, including an increased risk of certain cancers.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease, and it is closely associated with metabolic dysfunction, including insulin resistance, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. Several studies have investigated the relationship between dairy consumption and NAFLD, with conflicting results. Some studies have found an inverse association, suggesting that dairy consumption may reduce the risk of NAFLD. For example, a study of 5171 adults aged 40-69 years from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study showed that higher dairy protein intake was associated with a lower risk of NAFLD in men and women aged 50 and older.
Additionally, dairy consumption has been linked to an improved blood lipid profile, which may contribute to a reduced risk of NAFLD. Specifically, dairy can help lower triglyceride and total cholesterol levels, which are strongly linked to fat build-up in the liver, and raise HDL cholesterol levels. However, it is important to note that the quality of data from observational studies varies, and further large-scale research is needed to confirm these findings.
In contrast, some studies have suggested that the saturated fats in dairy products could contribute to the development of NAFLD and other liver diseases. For example, a study of 486 healthy Iranian women aged 40-60 years found an inverse association between low-fat dairy intake and certain inflammatory markers, while reporting an increase in serum amyloid A and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 among women with high-fat dairy consumption.
Overall, while the specific link between dairy and liver health remains unclear, dairy products are generally considered to be nutrient-rich and beneficial for overall health. However, due to their high levels of saturated fat and cholesterol, it is recommended to limit excessive consumption to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
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Dairy's effects on calcium levels
Dairy products, including milk and cheese, are well-known sources of calcium, a mineral essential for maintaining healthy bones and teeth. Calcium also plays a crucial role in blood clotting, muscle contraction, and regulating heart rhythms. While dairy is a significant source of calcium, it is important to note that the body's ability to absorb this mineral from dairy may vary.
Calcium is a nutrient of public health concern, and dairy foods are commonly associated with calcium intake. However, in recent years, there has been a growing preference for plant-based alternatives to dairy. This shift has sparked discussions about the relative absorption of calcium from dairy versus plant-based sources. While dairy products like milk and cheese provide a substantial amount of calcium, it is worth noting that the body's ability to absorb this mineral may differ between individuals and depend on the specific type of dairy consumed.
The absorption of calcium from dairy products is generally considered more efficient than that from plant sources. For example, softer cheeses tend to have lower calcium content, with Brie providing only 4% of the daily value (DV) per ounce. On the other hand, harder cheeses like cottage cheese and ricotta cheese have been associated with a reduced risk of kidney stones in men, suggesting a potential benefit in calcium absorption and utilization.
While dairy is a rich source of calcium, it is important to consider the overall dietary pattern and individual health status. For instance, in cases of hormonal imbalances like PCOS or endometriosis, dairy, especially full-fat varieties, can be pro-inflammatory. Therefore, moderation or even temporary elimination of dairy may be recommended until the hormonal imbalance is addressed. Additionally, the protein in dairy can be acidifying, which can impact the body's ability to eliminate excess hormones and maintain bone health.
In conclusion, dairy products like milk and cheese are significant contributors of calcium to the diet, and this mineral is essential for various physiological functions. However, the absorption and utilization of calcium from dairy may vary, and individual health considerations may influence the recommended intake of dairy products. Therefore, while dairy can be a valuable source of calcium, it should be consumed as part of a balanced diet that includes a variety of other calcium-rich foods to ensure optimal health outcomes.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, cheese contains growth hormones and sex steroid hormones like estrogen. These hormones can mess with the body's natural hormonal balance.
The hormones in cheese can disrupt the body's natural hormone cycle. They can also lower your ability to eliminate toxins and excess hormones, increasing the burden on your liver.
Soft cheeses like burrata contain more lactose and are harder for the body to digest. Harder cheeses like parmesan are lower in lactose and generally better tolerated.
Eating cheese can increase your risk of hormone-related cancers such as breast and prostate cancer. It can also contribute to cardiovascular disease, acne, and bone mineral loss.
It is recommended to eat cheese in moderation. One serving of cheese per day is enough to place a person in a higher-risk group for certain cancers.
