Recently Kazumi Maruyama and his associates at the Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine and Engineering in Japan published a study called Exposure to Exogenous Estrogen through Intake of Commercial Milk Produced from Pregnant Cows. This study looked at the long-term health effects of year-round global milk production through modern, genetically improved dairy cows, and from pregnant cows in particular. Their conclusions were as follows:
The present data on men and children indicate that estrogens in milk were absorbed, and gonadotropin secretion was suppressed, followed by a decrease in testosterone secretion. Sexual maturation of pre-pubertal children could be affected by the ordinary intake of cow milk.
What does this mean? Simply put, that the hormones fed to dairy cows are absorbed by the humans who drink their milk, leading to early sexual maturation of children and estrogen-dependent malignant diseases. The decades since year-round milk production began has seen a dramatic increase in ovarian, breast, testicular and prostate cancers. These findings have serious implications for those interested in the natural prevention of disease and unnatural early maturation.
Recent surveys on the onset of puberty show an alarming trend toward early sexual maturation in girls. There is strong evidence to show that the intake of milk from genetically-enhanced cows has a great deal to do with this phenomenon. According to Maruyama et al,
The relationship between estrogens in pregnant cow’s milk and sexual maturation in children must now be acknowledged.
Are there any viable alternatives to factory farmed dairy cows as sources of milk and other dairy products? First, regular readers of this blog already know about the importance of decreasing the intake of dairy foods as a way of preventing any number of inflammatory diseases. For those who wish to consume these foods in moderation, the organic, sustainable movement in food production once again provides the healthy alternative.
Ideally, we should be eating dairy products from grass-fed cows raised in sustainable conditions. Cows that live in their natural environment (on a pasture), and which receive no artificial hormones, are the best choices for sources of healthy dairy foods. Not long ago, it was a challenge to find such foods; today, they can be found in nearly any supermarket. Look for the phrases “grass-fed,” “organically bred,” and “a sustainable dairy product” on the labels. You’ll be decreasing the likelihood of various malignant diseases in your family, as well as preventing the early sexual maturation of your children.
William K. Ferro