Is Dairy Good or Bad For You?

One of the most common questions I’ve run into during my time as a nutritionist is whether dairy is good or bad for you, and what role it plays in a whole foods diet. Indeed, I myself have gone back and forth on this question over the years. I used to staunchly advocate a dairy-free diet for everyone, arguing that dairy is universally inflammatory and that it wasn’t necessary for bone health and is pushed far too hard, because of subsidies from the dairy industry. And it remains true that the “milk, it does a body good” message is subsidized by the dairy industry and that many important minerals for bone health can come from other foods, such as small fatty fish with the bones in and fermented foods and dark leafy greens. However, in recent years, I have become increasingly aware of the benefits of GOOD QUALITY, FULL FAT dairy for individuals who can tolerate it. I have even learned about some of the anti-inflammatory benefits of good quality, full fat dairy.  So in this episode we will discuss what the science shows about dairy consumption, and how it could be a beneficial part of nutrient dense food for those who tolerate it.