Lactose intolerance is the inability to fully digest the sugar or lactose in the diary products. It is caused by the deficiency of an enzyme called lactase that can digest the lactose in milk and other milk products. Gas, bloating, diarrhea and vomiting are some of the common symptoms of lactose intolerance. This condition is either hereditary or caused by the insufficient production of lactase when there is a lesion in the small intestine. It could be due to indigestion and other gastric problems as well. Lactase deficiency is usually found in pre term babies. However, this could be overcome by following a well-balanced and healthy diet. It is important to note that medicines cannot boost the lactase production.
Quantity of milk
Before introducing milk into the diet of children, it is important to decide whether the quantity of it should be determined based on the other foods that they regularly eat. A dietician’s help could be sought for that. However, be careful not to over feed your kid with milk. Similarly, make sure that the quantity of the ‘energy products’ that are added in the milk too is not too much. Doctors advise against depending on milk powder while preparing milk for kids. The allopathic medicine doesn’t suggest avoiding milk and milk products if the kid is running a fever or cold. The modern medicine, however, suggests that milk should be avoided when diagnosed with problems related to digestion. Some may be allergic to dairy products. It is always better to stay away from the food items that trigger an allergic reaction depending on medicines.
Cold milk and shakes
Nutrition experts say that chilled milk is not good for health. People often do not bother about the quality of the milk while enjoying chilled and delicious shakes. However, nutrition experts say that it is important to ensure that fresh milk is used in shakes and other drinks. Raw or unboiled milk is often used to prepare shakes. Though packed with calcium and other nutrients, milk gets stale quite easily due to bacteria and viruses. So, milk and milk products shouldn’t be stored for many days.
Water in milk
Though the Ayurveda talks about eight different kinds of milk, cow’s milk has been dealt with importance as it is the most commonly used variety. In Ayurveda, milk is described as a sweet tasting drink that grants energy and essential nutrients. Milk has also been described as a cure for arthritis.
Ayurveda validates the great nutritional benefits of the warm milk that is freshly milked. However, it has to be boiled if its natural warmth has been lost. Cow’s milk is excellent for teenage girls, pregnant women, nursing mothers and women who reached menopause. But those who suffer from phlegm-related problems should say ‘no’ to cow’s milk.
Milk could turn harmful for health if it is not handled properly. One should realize that human beings are consuming the milk that is meant for the calves. Human beings are supposed to be nursed by their mothers. So, Ayurveda suggests some methods in which cow’s milk could be included in your regular diet.
Consume milk only after boiling it.
Cow’s milk should be used by adding water in equal parts. One glass of water should be added into one glass milk. This should then be boiled and reduced into 1 glass.
Four times more water should be added if you are using goat’s or buffalo’s milk. This too should be boiled and reduced to a glass.
In Ayurveda, milk is an important ingredient while preparing many medicinal concoctions. Milk is an excellent remedy to keep away fatigue.
