By Otis Collier, personal trainer

You know the saying milk does a body good? I know I have heard this until the cows come home (no pun intended). You know what? This statement is absolutely true. Milk provides an abundance of nutrients including protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. There is only one problem. Adults are not able digests dairy adequately because of the lack of rennin. Rennin is an enzyme that acts on casein, a milk protein, converting it to a substance that resembles sour milk (Marieb & Hoehn, 2007). Rennin also causes the protein to precipitate so it can be acted on by pepsion (Columbu, 1985). Adults lack the quantity of rennin found in the digestive systems of babies and toddlers.

Moreover, many adults lack lactose, which is an enzyme that converts milk sugars into simpler sugars (Kloss, 2009). When unchanged during digestion, lactose can cause gas, constipation, headaches, coated tongue, cramps, and lose bowel movements. That doesnt sound fun to me. How about you??!! If that wasnt enough, diary causes a layer of fat to form beneath the skin and results in a loss of definition (thats lean and tone folks). No wonder Arnold Schwarzenegger said milk is for babies. Its because adults have major allergic reaction to dairy. Now I know this doesnt hold true for every single adult population do not take well to dairy. You can ingest appropriately, by all means go for it. As for the rest of the adult population, another alterative is warranted.

I suggest nut milks, such as almonds or cashew. I personally do not suggest soy due to the uncertainty of the soy quality within the United States. So please do your research prior to making your nutritional decisions. Diary has been promoted as a great overall nutritional source and that is accurate for babies and toddlers, not adults. I guess cows will have a lot more time on their hands, lets hope anyway!!!

Reference
Marieb, E.N., & Hoehn, K. (2007). Human anatomy & physiology (7th). Pearson Benjamin Cummings: San Francisco.
Kloss, J. (2009). Back to eden. Revised & Expanded 2nd. Lotus press: Wisconsin.
Columbu, F. (1985). The bodybuildings nutrition book. Contemporary Books: Illinois.