Tag: Health risks of milk

Over 65% of the world's population is lactose intolerant, raising questions about whether humans are biologically supposed to drink milk. This phenomenon, combined with the fact that humans are the only species to regularly consume milk beyond infancy, sparks a complex debate involving genetics, history, and nutrition.

According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, milk is actually more hydrating than plain water in certain situations, due to its nutrient composition. Despite this intriguing fact, completely replacing your water with milk is a dangerous idea, posing significant health risks and nutritional imbalances. This guide explores why milk and water serve different purposes and the consequences of swapping your primary fluid source.

According to the USDA, most adults need about 3 cups of dairy per day, which can come from milk, yogurt, or cheese. However, exceeding these guidelines and consuming what is considered excessive milk drinking can lead to a variety of health complications, from digestive issues to long-term risks.

While some studies indicate that milk's unique composition can make it more effective for hydration than plain water in certain circumstances, for regular daily intake, it is absolutely a bad idea to only drink milk instead of water. This is due to milk's higher caloric load and potential for serious nutritional imbalances.

Up to 70% of adults globally experience some degree of lactose intolerance, which affects how their bodies process milk. Considering what would happen if you drank a lot of milk, this statistic highlights why overconsumption can trigger a range of uncomfortable symptoms for many people.