Dairy Products and Risk of Breast Cancer

QUESTION: What information do you have regarding Jane Plant's book [Understanding, Preventing, and Overcoming Breast Cancer]? Is dairy-free really a miracle cure?

ANSWER: The dairy-free diet is intriguing, but it's certainly not a miracle cure. It's true that cows are sometimes fed lots of hormones to increase their milk production, as well as antibiotics, and that the grass or hay they eat may contain some pesticides. Toxins do tend to be stored in fats or "hang out" in fat. Dairy products tend to be full of fats. Cheese, for example, is basically concentrated animal (cow) fat (and very delicious! — I can't live without blue cheese myself). So if it's true that fat isn't good for you because of the possible toxins in them, and because they can increase blood cholesterol, etc., then a diet that limits dairy fats is probably a good idea. Having said that, it's important to keep things in perspective. Non-fat organic dairy products can be very healthy and tasty. Keep in mind that life is meant to be enjoyed. Organic regular cheese can be an occasional special treat. And a nice bowl of ice cream every once in a while is a great way to celebrate a good day or a wonderful moment.

—Marisa Weiss, M.D.