SoyMilk Crossroads

Today we’re going to take a look at our greatest commodity as we view another myth about the nutritional value of cow’s milk, our offspring.
 

The Myth:

Cow’s milk is a good substitute for mother’s breast milk.

These days we see more and more mothers breast feeding their babies.  This is a good thing.  Human milk is designed for human babies.
 

A new born calf weighs around 90 pounds and in two years it will weigh 2000 pounds.  A human infant is born at 6 to 8 pounds and it takes 18 years to reach 100 to 200 pounds. 
  

I say let nature be your guide.  The structure of the milk for each species is designed to meet the specific needs of that species.  Humans do not need to put on weight as fast as cows.  The high fat and cholesterol content of cow’s milk should be on every one’s list of things to avoid.  It’s for cows!  It’s designed to very quickly create a huge, large-boned animal that has four stomachs.  This is not the way to begin the life of a human baby.
 

As a side note, have you seen the commercials that encourage the use of milk as part of a weight loss program?  What an advertising spin!!

What if breast feeding is just not an option? 

Human mother’s milk is only 2% protein.  So if you must look for an alternative examine the options closely.  Up to 30% of newborns that given formula made from cow’s milk experience a variety of reactions.  These can include: colic, fussiness, abdominal cramps, bloating, skin rashes, vomiting, eczema, wheezing, and excessive crying.
  

Studies have shown that a soy-based formula can reduce these issues by as much as 90%.  Babies that suffer from eczema, which is caused by an intolerance to the protein in cow’s milk, can be completely reversed when switched to a soy-based formula.
  

Whatever options you choose, it would also be good to supplement the baby’s diet with high quality seed and nut milks.  You can make them from raw almonds, sunflower or sesame seeds.  Long before dairy became a profitable business, nut and seed milks were used by the American Indians, Europeans, and Asians as a great source of calcium, protein, minerals and vitamins.
  

Tomorrow’s addition…. Our children need milk to make strong and healthy.  Back to Day 1.