Recently, at Monash University in Australia, one of the highest-ranked health universities in the world, a thorough study was conducted with surprising conclusions. Many of their findings were unexpected…

The study involved 1600 young Australians. The participants had very diverse diets. Scientists tracked 25 nutrients and 120 types of foods to determine what truly impacts the occurrence of asthma. Those who drank a cup of full-fat milk every day had a 34% lower likelihood of developing asthma compared to those who drank skim milk or none at all. This is a significant figure: almost a one-third reduced risk with just one cup of milk daily.

What about fruits and vegetables?

In the same study, researchers found something else interesting. If you consume apples, pears, and green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, or chard more often, the risk of asthma decreases by an additional 16 to 17%. The saying "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" clearly applies to asthma as well.

What about dairy products like ricotta cheese?

Here, things become more complex. While full-fat milk showed positive effects, soy milk and ricotta (a type of Italian cheese made from whey) were identified as potential allergens that can trigger allergic reactions, including breathing issues, in certain people. An allergen is a substance that elicits an exaggerated response from the immune system, such as sneezing, coughing, difficulty breathing, or even an asthmatic attack. Soy milk has been under scrutiny for a while and contains substances called phytates that can affect the absorption of certain minerals and cause sensitivity in people with allergies. Ricotta, despite being a mild dairy product, evidently doesn't work well for some individuals. Perhaps due to the protein structure, which differs from that in regular milk…

What do scientists say?

The lead researcher, Dr. Katrina Woods, emphasizes that traditional recommendations often advised asthmatics to avoid milk quite categorically. However, this new study has shown that the truth is nuanced.

According to her, diet doesn't affect all asthmatics the same way. In reality, it has been revealed that diet plays a crucial role in only 2 to 5% of individuals who have asthma related to food allergies. This means that for more than 90% of asthmatics, the cause of the disease lies elsewhere. This means that they don't necessarily have to automatically eliminate milk from their diet.

What do other studies say?

Studies on this topic have intensified in recent years. In the British Medical Journal, an article was published in 2018 analyzing data from over 46,000 people, revealing that full-fat dairy products do not increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, as previously assumed. Furthermore, some results indicate that they can lower blood pressure and improve metabolism.

Additionally, a study published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition (2022) showed that children who consume full-fat milk have lower levels of inflammation in the body, leading to a reduced risk of developing chronic diseases, including asthma.

Interestingly, researchers from the Netherlands found in a study with 2600 children that those who consume more natural milk fat are less likely to suffer from allergies and skin rashes. Fats evidently play an important role in the development of the immune system.

Folk Wisdom about Milk

If we momentarily step away from laboratories and numbers, milk has always been a double-edged sword in traditional medicine. Many are familiar with the advice that warm milk with honey helps with dry cough and insomnia. On the other hand, some have warned that milk produces mucus, which supposedly leads to more mucus in the airways.

However, new research questions these claims. While some people are lactose-sensitive (the natural sugar in milk), it doesn't mean that milk is harmful to everyone. In fact, it can be very beneficial for most people if the right type is chosen: full-fat and minimally processed.

What to Choose: Skimmed, Full-Fat, Plant-based?

If you don't have lactose issues or confirmed milk protein allergies, feel free to indulge in full-fat milk, maybe even raw if you get it from a trusted source. This way, you not only provide your body with natural fats and calcium but also with substances that can help regulate inflammation in the body.

Plant-based milks, such as soy, oat, or almond, are a good alternative for those who don't tolerate cow's milk, but in the context of asthma, they don't have proven protective effects. Some are even linked to a higher likelihood of allergic reactions.

How Else Can You Help Yourself?

If you have respiratory issues, in addition to full-fat milk and fresh fruits, we also recommend homemade thyme tea, a well-known medicinal plant that acts against inflammation and opens airways. Inhalation with eucalyptus oil also helps… Interesting options are herbal ointment made from spruce resin and avoiding food with artificial additives…

As a preventive measure, we recommend regular outdoor activities, sufficient sleep, and a diet rich in antioxidants that help the body cope better with inflammations, which are often part of asthmatic problems.

Conclusion

If you have believed so far that you must remove milk from your diet when experiencing respiratory issues, you can now breathe a sigh of relief. Full-fat milk is making a comeback as a natural ally for healthy lungs. Of course, it's not a miraculous cure, but with a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, it can make a significant difference.