Bringing Back Traditional Cheese-Making — A Movement to Redefine Cheese as a Superfood- Discussion Between Ashley Armstrong and Dr. Mercola
Aug 20, 2024
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In this discussion, Ashley Armstrong, a traditional cheese-making advocate, highlights the nutritional decline of modern, industrial cheese. Alongside health expert Dr. Mercola, they delve into the adverse effects of synthetic ingredients on our health, advocating for high-quality, raw cheese made from grass-fed cows. They explore the gut health benefits connected to traditional cheese and discuss the importance of balancing calcium and phosphorus in diets. Their conversation promotes support for small-scale farmers and the revival of artisanal cheese practices.
The industrialization of cheese production has significantly impacted quality, making traditional cheese rarer and less beneficial than its synthetic counterparts.
Adequate calcium intake from high-quality cheese supports bone health, challenging the mainstream view of dairy being harmful in modern diets.
Managing exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) is crucial as they can disrupt cellular health, exacerbating inflammation through increased intracellular calcium levels.
Deep dives
The Role of Cheese in Nutrition
Cheese has historically been a staple in human diets for nearly 10,000 years, primarily due to its convenience and nutritional benefits. Despite mainstream narratives that suggest dairy is detrimental to health, cheese, particularly from high-quality sources, is rich in essential nutrients like calcium. Contrary to common misconceptions, adequate calcium intake is crucial for preventing negative health outcomes, such as calcification of tissues. This perspective challenges the notion that dairy should be avoided, positioning raw, high-quality cheese as a beneficial addition to a balanced diet.
Impact of EMFs on Cellular Health
Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) can significantly disrupt cellular function, paralleling the effects of other mitochondrial toxins. When cells are exposed to EMFs, it triggers the influx of calcium through voltage-gated calcium channels, leading to increased oxidative stress and potential DNA damage. Elevated intracellular calcium can exacerbate inflammation and stress metabolism, resulting in numerous health issues. Understanding this mechanism emphasizes the importance of managing exposure to EMFs to maintain cellular health and overall wellness.
The Calcium to Phosphorus Ratio
The dietary balance between calcium and phosphorus is critical for optimal health, yet many people today consume excessive phosphorus and insufficient calcium. High phosphorus intake, common in modern diets rich in processed foods, can lead to elevated levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), which disrupts bone health by increasing bone resorption and decreasing formation. Studies have shown that achieving a higher calcium-to-phosphorus ratio can yield significant health benefits, enhancing bone density and reducing the risk of metabolic disorders. Tracking this ratio through tools like food diaries can facilitate better dietary choices and promote long-term health.
Concerns with Commercial Cheese Production
A significant portion of cheese available in the US is produced using synthetic rennet, which can cause digestive issues and has potential health risks due to its lab-based origins. This genetically modified enzyme replaces traditional animal rennet in many cases, raising concerns about its impact on gut health and allergenic reactions. The shift towards synthetic cheese production is largely driven by profit motives, often leading to lower quality products that do not provide the same health benefits. Prioritizing cheese made from animal rennet sourced from regenerative farms can help consumers avoid these adverse effects and support sustainable agricultural practices.
The Benefits of Raw Dairy Products
Raw dairy products, particularly cheese made from the milk of pasture-raised cows, offer a wealth of nutritional benefits, including higher concentrations of beneficial bacteria and enzymes. These raw cheeses are often richer in phytonutrients due to the diverse diets of the cows, which contribute to improved gut health and immune function. Additionally, the unique fatty acid profile of raw dairy can provide essential nutrients that support metabolic health. Consuming these high-quality dairy products, along with awareness of their sourcing and production methods, can substantially benefit overall health and well-being.
In this Interview, Ashley Armstrong discusses how the advent of industrial cheese production has dramatically altered its quality, making real, traditional cheese increasingly hard to find in the U.S. Instead, the market is now flooded with cheese made using synthetic, lab-produced rennet, which alters its nutritional profile and fails to match the quality and benefits of traditionally made cheese.
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