Antibiotics and Hormones in Your Milk

In our last newsletter we talked about how processed (homogenized) dairy can impact our digestion therefore our health. Unfortunately, it looks like that is not all we need to know when consuming milk products.

During my first course of Holistic Nutrition studies I was exposed to a lot of information about dangers of growth hormones and antibiotics that cows are being treated with. Especially on of the “greatest” Monsanto products rBGH (recombinant bovine growth hormone), which basically increases milk flow in lactating cows. Consequently, greater lactation increases mastitis infection and makes farmers to use antibiotics to treat such infection in cows. This practice leads to high levels of antibiotics and its byproducts (toxins) in the milk that we drink ourselves and give to our children.

I don’t even want to mention the ethics of animal rights; it breaks my heart to think what these poor farm animals have to go through. Sadly, there were quite a few studies that suggested how genetically engineered rBGH may promote hormonal cancers (breast, prostate, ovarian), colon cancer as well as hypertension and diabetes. Other studies suggested that lab animals who were fed rBGH developed illnesses like thyroid cysts and prostate tumors, evident signs of disrupted hormonal levels. While other studies show no increase in health risks associated with the use of rBGH, cows treated with rBGH do have increased levels of IGF-1 (insulin growth factor). rBGH is said to be removed from milk during the pasteurization process, but IGF-1 is not. Organic Consumers Association published the following regarding the usage of rBGH: “Eli Lilly, in its application for registration of rBGH, admitted that IGF-1 blood levels of injected cows are increased up to ten-fold. IGF-1 is resistant to pasteurization and digestion, and is readily absorbed from the small intestine. Monsanto’s own data revealed that feeding IGF-1 to adult rats for only two weeks significantly increased body and liver weights, and bone length.” Research published by Harvard Medical School in 1998, clearly showed that that IGF-1 is a potent risk factor for prostate, breast and colon cancers.

Excuse me being straight-forward, but sometimes I wonder…does Monsanto has some kind of a deal with FDA and pharmaceutical giants?! “We produce the cause of the illness and you do your best to find the right drug for it”…to me it looks like a win-win deal for those folks, but I refuse to be an experimental lab rat! If you are of those dairy consumers who may start to wonder: “What am I suppose to replace my milk and cheese with then?!” or “How can I make healthier choices?” Well, there are plenty of choices like rice, almond, hazelnut and hemp milk. Farmers Markets and Whole Foods Markets all carry wide variety of delicious cheeses made out of rice, soy and almond. There is huge variety of yogurts made with coconut and rice milk. So all you need is a desire of making a change ? If you decide not to give up your dairy just yet, at least try to buy organic dairy.

We at Nature’s Lovers will be happy to provide you with our monthly dairy-free and cruelty-free recipe that you may find even more appetizing knowing that no animal suffered in order for you to enjoy every bite!

Should you like more information about dangers of growth hormones in dairy, I would strongly suggest to read the following article published by brilliant Hans R. Larsen, MSc ChE - http://www.notmilk.com/drlarsen.html

With healthy blessings,......................................................................................................................Top...

Katie’s Quick Pizza

Serves 1

1 Rudi’s Organic Spelt Pita Bread (any other flat bread will do)
1tsp Organic Extra Virgin Olive oil
pinch of dry basil (optional)
pinch of dry oregano (optional)
1 slices medium tomato
salt (optional)
¼ cup grated Mozzarella Style Rice Cheese

Pre-heat your oven to 450 F. Place flat bread on a cookie sheet, brush with olive oil, equally sprinkle basil and oregano, arrange a layer of sliced tomatoes, add salt and spread grated cheese to cover all the tomatoes.
Bake for 8-10 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

With healthy blessings,......................................................................................................................Top...

I recently purchased St. John Wort essential oil, what are the benefits of it and how can I use it?

Vicky: St. John Wort Essential Oil is widely used for anti-inflammatory purposes. It is very helpful for soothing inflamed nerves, also great for neuralgia cases and sciatica pain. This essential oil is very effective on sprains, burns, bruises.

What would be a good supplement or food to combat bowel irregularity?

Vicky: Best foods that are helpful with bowel irregularity would be beets, oatmeal, green salads, dried fruits (previously soaked in water for 10-15 minutes) and drinking enough water at least 8-10 glasses a day. When it comes to supplements, I wouldn't advise using any harsh laxatives or strong herbs, as our body may become dependent on those. However, Magnesium Citrate capsules or Epsom Salts could be occasional helpers, especially during traveling.

With healthy blessings,......................................................................................................................Top...

Got Milk?! - (chapter 2) I will talk about the high level of Antibiotics, its toxin byproducts, and Hormones in the milk we give to our children. Harvard Medical School in 1998, clearly showed that that IGF-1 is a potent risk factor for prostate, breast and colon cancers.

June's Recipe - Katie's Quick Pizza. dairy-free and cruelty-free delicious Pizza.

Ask Vicky - this time about the benefits of St. John Wort Essential Oil and what can help with bowel irregularity.

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