Everyone should understand the benefits of milk for gut health instead of hastily eliminating it from their diet.
For many years, dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese have been recognized as important sources of calcium and vitamin D that help strengthen bones.
However, few people realize that dairy products also play a significant role in maintaining gut health, which is essential for the immune system and overall health.
Milk and dairy products. (Source: iStock).
The Importance of Gut Health
According to Christopher J. Cifelli, Vice President of Nutrition Research at the National Dairy Council, the gut microbiota (or gut microbiome) plays an incredibly important role in human health. It houses a large part of the body’s immune system, capable of protecting against external pathogens while helping the body absorb and utilize nutrients from food effectively.
A healthy gut microbiome not only aids in good digestion but also supports the immune system’s effective functioning, helping the body cope with illnesses and enhancing overall health.
Each person’s gut microbiome can become imbalanced due to various factors, from an unhealthy diet and prolonged stress to antibiotic overuse.
Therefore, maintaining a balanced diet that includes foods supporting gut microbiota balance is extremely important.
The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in human health. (Illustrative image: Freepik).
Milk and Dairy Products – A Rich Nutritional Source for the Gut
In dairy products, especially fermented products like yogurt and kefir, there are beneficial microorganisms (probiotics) that help improve and maintain the balance of the gut microbiota.
Research has shown that these beneficial bacteria enhance the digestive process, helping the body absorb nutrients better and boost the immune system.
Yogurt and kefir are particularly rich in beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which can inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria while supporting the development of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
Additionally, dairy products provide many essential nutrients for the body, such as protein, vitamin A, vitamin D, zinc, and selenium—all closely related to immune function.
A balanced diet that includes both plant-based foods and dairy products will help the body maximize these nutrients, thereby improving overall health and maintaining a healthy gut microbiome.
Outstanding Benefits of Milk for Gut Health and the Immune System
Although there are misconceptions that dairy products can cause digestive disorders or allergies, the reality is that milk is not a factor causing digestive issues; rather, it can be a helpful solution in improving gut problems.
Many people, including some doctors and nutritionists, tend to advise patients to eliminate dairy from their diets when facing digestive issues, but Cifelli asserts that this is incorrect. Maintaining or incorporating dairy products can help rebalance the gut microbiota and enable the body to absorb nutrients optimally.
Cheese produced at P.A. Bowen Farmstead in Brandywine, Maryland, USA. (Photo: AFP/TTXVN).
Dairy products, especially yogurt, have been studied and proven to help improve digestive health, support the growth of beneficial bacteria, and help the body combat harmful factors.
Therefore, Cifelli encourages everyone to understand the benefits of milk for gut health instead of hastily removing it from their diet.
Not only beneficial for the gut, dairy products also contribute to enhancing the body’s immune system. Milk, cheese, and yogurt provide important nutrients such as vitamins A, D, zinc, and selenium—essential factors that help boost disease resistance. Specifically, vitamin D helps regulate immune cell activity, while zinc and selenium play crucial roles in enhancing the body’s immune response to pathogens.
A diverse diet that combines dairy products with plant-based foods will enable the body to easily absorb and utilize these important nutrients. This is particularly important for those who wish to maintain a strong immune system, protect the body from diseases, and enhance overall health.
