You’re probably wondering why in the world, anyone would want to go dairy free? Did you know that many scientific studies have shown an assortment of detrimental health effects directly linked to milk consumption? The question you might ask is, where does one get calcium from then?

The surprising answer is that not only do we barely absorb the calcium in cow’s milk (especially if pasteurized), but to make matters worse, it actually increases calcium loss from the bones. What an irony!

Here’s how it happens. Like all animal protein, milk acidifies the body pH which in turn triggers a biological correction. You see, calcium is an excellent acid neutralizer and the biggest storage of calcium in the body is – you guessed it… in the bones. So the very same calcium that our bones need to stay strong is utilized to neutralize the acidifying effect of milk. Once calcium is pulled out of the bones, it leaves the body via the urine, so that the surprising net result after this is an actual calcium deficit!

Knowing this, you’ll understand why statistics show that countries with the lowest consumption of dairy products also have the lowest fracture incidence in their population.

Dairy products are also linked to chronic inflammation in the body, and I had developed Neuromyelitis Optica. Which basically translates to inflammation of the optic nerve, leading to blurry vision or in some cases, blindness.

I grew up in an environment that encouraged alternative medicine; ayurveda, homeopathy, and home remedies. Conventional medicine was the last resort, as drugs only get to the root of the symptom, rather than the disease.

I had only recently begun to read about beating lifestyle diseases with lifestyle changes, so I was ready to give ‘dairy free’ a serious try.

I experienced the first change going dairy free, within a week! My eye improved about 50%. And today, my eye is 95% back to normal! This improvement meant the world to me, because I am a pilot. This one big change motivated me to keep going.

The second change I noticed was significant weight loss. About 5 lbs, in a span of two to three weeks. My body felt light and airy. I go to the gym at least four days a week, and I had reached a weight loss plateau. No matter how I changed my routine, I wouldn’t shed more pounds. Well guess what!? When you quit that saturated fat loaded milk, ice cream, cheese, butter, paneer, you WILL shed pounds, and feel more healthy than ever before. Mind you, I am not an advocate for extreme diets, or for eliminating entire food groups. I believe in listening to my body. Notice how you feel after you’ve eaten some fruit, versus how you feel after you ate some deep fried potato chips. Note that I’m talking about how your body feels. You may have a mental orgasm when you bite into something creamy and sugary. But did your body feel light and wonderful? I can assure you, there is a difference if only you stop to notice.

Third – Clear skin! I have had problematic skin since I was a teenager. So having normal skin is literally new for me. I could literally go run outside, grab random strangers, all the while shouting “I have new skin! I have new skiiiinnn!”. No, I won’t do that. But I wouldn’t trade anything for looking dewy and healthy!

The fourth change, I have noticed is a disappearance of ‘mental fog’. Increased concentration, alertness, and retention. I read and focus, like never before. It’s like I have brain all of a sudden.

Fifth – tons of energy! I go to Crossfit, and as you can imagine, it’s well.. to put it mildly – competitive. I was that girl who always finished last or couldn’t finish within the ‘time cap’. If you WOD, you know what I mean.

Well.. <<sound of trumpets>>

I am still that girl!

Haha. Yes, there’s nothing wrong with being that girl. I know I am getting better, stronger, fitter. I can run without feeling like I would rather trip and fall so I can rest on the ground for a few seconds.  Your body will change in ways you didn’t anticipate. You will thank yourself.

So, dear readers, if you liked my post, try going dairy free for 21 days, or 7 days. I love how it feels, and wouldn’t go back for anything!