Is it necessary for people of all ages to drink milk?

 Is it necessary for people of all ages to drink milk?

In Nepal, milk is consumed by people from children to the elderly, but milk is not mandatory at all ages.

Milk contains calcium, protein, and vitamin D, which help in bone health and development.

In Nepal, it is customary to feed children milk as soon as they wake up in the morning. Milk is given to children from children to adults and the elderly to give them strength to strengthen their bones. When children start eating solid food, milk is also given as a must. In other words, milk is considered synonymous with nutrition.

But is it really necessary to drink milk at all ages? Or should it be limited to childhood only?

Milk contains essential nutrients like calcium, protein, vitamin D, and phosphorus, which are very important for the development and health of the body. However, these days, many people are looking for alternatives to drinking milk.

Some people are lactose intolerant, which causes gas, stomach pain, or diarrhea when drinking milk. Similarly, some believe that they can get the same nutrition from alternatives like green vegetables, yogurt, sesame seeds, almonds, and soy. This is why this debate is heard frequently.

Is it necessary to drink milk at every age?

Milk is an excellent source of nutrition, but its needs vary at every age. If someone has trouble digesting milk, it is not necessary to force it, but instead, other alternatives can be adopted. Milk or dairy products provide elements such as calcium and vitamin D, which improve bone health and protect against age-related problems. However, even if milk is not considered mandatory, these elements can be obtained from a balanced diet.

Milk for children

Milk is necessary for children because the calcium and protein it contains help in their growth, bone strength, and brain development. It also supports their immunity and helps in bone development along with height. However, cow's milk should not be given to children under 1 year of age, as it can cause iron deficiency.

Milk in adolescence

The body undergoes rapid changes during adolescence. It is very important to strengthen bone density during this time so that diseases such as osteoporosis can be avoided in the future. It is especially important for teenage girls to consume milk during adolescence because bones become weak due to calcium deficiency after menopause. If you have the habit of drinking milk since adolescence, your body will remain strong in the future.

Milk in adulthood

Milk is necessary in adulthood, but not mandatory. If you are eating a balanced diet at this age, which includes green vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, lentils, yogurt, sesame seeds, soybeans, almonds, and tofu, then you will not be nutritionally deficient even if you do not drink milk. Many adults do not consider milk necessary, but they can get calcium and protein from other sources, but too much milk can also cause health problems.

For adults, 2-3 cups of milk a day may be sufficient, but if you are on a completely vegetarian diet, alternatives like soy milk are good, as they contain protein and calcium.

Milk for the elderly

The elderly can drink a glass of milk a day. This helps meet the calcium and vitamin D deficiency and also improves sleep. Dairy products are beneficial for muscle health and bone strength in old age, which protects against osteoporosis and muscle weakness. However, according to the US Dietary Guidelines, even the elderly can get nutrition from other sources without considering milk essential, especially if milk consumption causes problems. Milk consumption in the elderly helps maintain muscle, but it is better to choose low-fat milk.

When should you not consume milk?

Milk is not beneficial for everyone. People with lactose intolerance may experience stomach pain, gas, bloating, diarrhea, or vomiting when drinking milk. In this case, lactose-free milk, lactase enzyme supplements, or alternatives such as almond, soy, and oat milk can be used. Lactose intolerance affects 65 percent of adults worldwide, especially people of Asian and African descent.

Similarly, people with kidney problems should not drink too much milk without medical advice, as the protein, phosphorus, and potassium it contains can put pressure on the kidneys. For those with chronic kidney disease, milk intake should be limited, and low-phosphorus alternatives such as almond milk or rice milk are good.

Things to note

Drinking milk is beneficial at all ages, but it cannot be called mandatory. It is very necessary for children and the elderly, while a balanced diet may be sufficient for young people and adults. If milk does not harm the body, it is good to drink one glass a day, but if there are problems, alternatives can be resorted to.

According to health experts, milk can be replaced with other nutritious sources like green vegetables, seeds, and pulses. Milk has a traditional importance in Nepal, but modern science has made it an alternative. It is always best to consult a doctor or nutritionist.