The milk. Few foods spark such passionate discussions. On one side, it is defended as a complete nutritional source, essential for strong bones and a pillar of diets in various cultures. On the other, it is criticized for being associated with digestive discomfort, allergies, and even inflammatory processes. This duality turns a simple dietary choice into a field of uncertainties for many people, who wonder: after all, why do we still recommend milk?

The most immediate answer lies in its rich and accessible composition. With remarkable nutritional density, milk provides high biological value proteins, calcium, vitamins, and other minerals essential for the body’s functioning. For many, it represents a practical and economical way to address nutritional deficiencies, being a true ally in the quest for a balanced diet. However, reducing the analysis to its biochemical components ignores a fundamental part of the health equation.

The problem is that, often, how our body reacts to a food does not depend solely on its intrinsic properties but also on our emotional and mental state. Symptoms such as bloating, poor digestion, or abdominal discomfort, often attributed to milk, can be intensified—or even triggered—by episodes of stress and anxiety. The gut-brain axis is a two-way street, where what we feel directly affects our digestion, and vice versa.

This is where the discussion transcends nutrition and enters the field of holistic health. The Brazilian Society of Hypnosis understands that well-being is a complex and interconnected system. We believe that everything that stress and anxiety can worsen, scientific hypnosis can help. This includes our relationship with food and the way our body processes the foods we consume. How we interpret our body’s signals and react to them is crucial.

In this article, we will explore not only the nutritional reasons why milk remains a relevant food but also dive into the fascinating connection between mind, body, and nutrition. We want to show you, future health professionals, how a broader perspective, considering emotional factors, can transform the way we help people live healthier and more balanced lives. Let’s demystify milk and, more importantly, understand the role of thoughts and emotions in our overall health.

The Nutritional Basis of Milk Beyond Calcium

Although milk is widely recognized for its calcium content, the nutritional benefits of this beverage go far beyond this important mineral. This food is a rich and diverse source of essential nutrients, playing a vital role in our physical and emotional health.

Milk contains high biological value proteins, such as casein and whey proteins, which are fundamental for the construction and repair of muscle tissues. These proteins not only promote muscle growth but also strengthen the immune system, helping to protect the body against infections. The digestion of these proteins is gradual, providing amino acids in a sustained manner to the organism.

In addition, milk is an excellent source of essential vitamins. Vitamin D, often added to milk, is crucial for calcium absorption, just like Vitamin A, which contributes to eye health and immune function. Regarding the B vitamin complex, Vitamin B12 stands out for aiding in red blood cell production and maintaining nervous system health, being particularly important for people on restrictive diets.

We must also not forget the minerals present in milk, such as phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium. Phosphorus works together with calcium to maintain bone health, while potassium is essential for neuromuscular function and blood pressure regulation. Magnesium also plays a crucial role, aiding in muscle function and nerve impulse transmission.

• Calcium: Fundamental for bone and dental health.
• Proteins (casein and whey): Aid in muscle building and support the immune system.
• Vitamin D: Improves calcium absorption and promotes bone health.
• Vitamin A: Supports eye health and immune function.
• Vitamin B12: Important for nervous system health and red blood cell production.
• Phosphorus: Contributes to maintaining bone structure.
• Potassium: Helps in blood pressure regulation and muscle function.
• Magnesium: Participates in neuromuscular function and energy production.

These nutrients demonstrate that milk can be a powerful ally in a balanced diet, contributing not only to physical health but also to emotional and mental well-being.

Myths and Truths Unraveling the Controversies

The consumption of milk has always generated controversy and a web of myths. One of the concepts frequently confused is lactose intolerance and milk protein allergy. Lactose intolerance is a digestive difficulty caused by a lack of the enzyme lactase, which prevents the proper digestion of the sugar in milk. On the other hand, milk protein allergy involves an immune system reaction that can lead to more severe symptoms. It is crucial to distinguish between these two conditions, as treatment and dietary options vary considerably.

For those who suffer from lactose intolerance, there are alternatives on the market, such as low-lactose or lactose-free milks, which allow the inclusion of milk in the diet without associated discomfort. On the other hand, for those with allergies, options that are completely free from dairy proteins should be explored.

Another common myth is the idea that milk is inherently inflammatory. Research indicates that inflammatory processes in the body are more complex and that the overall diet should be evaluated. One cannot attribute the cause of inflammation to a single food, as it involves multiple factors, such as lifestyle and the composition of the entire diet.

Regarding saturated fat, it is important to emphasize that moderate consumption of whole dairy can be incorporated into a balanced diet. Whole, semi-skimmed, and skim milk offer diverse options, catering to the needs and preferences of each individual.

Plant-based alternatives have their value and, if well chosen, can comprise a healthy diet, especially for those following veganism or with dietary restrictions. However, it is vital to consider that their nutritional compositions are different and may not offer the same benefits as cow’s milk.

The key is to have a balanced view, not demonizing milk, but rather recognizing individual particularities. Including milk or its alternatives in the diet depends on personal, digestive, and nutritional needs, always based on overall health and well-being.

The Relationship Between Nutrition, Habits, and Well-Being

Eating is much more than a simple biological act; it involves a complex web of emotions, culture, and habits. Every bite is an expression of ourselves, shaped by experiences and situations we have lived. For this reason, the way we relate to foods, like milk, influences not only our nutrition but also our emotional health.

An important aspect of this relationship is the concept of ‘automatic thoughts.’ These thoughts manifest in quick responses that are often not critically evaluated and influence our food choices. Have you ever noticed how, in moments of stress, your mind may crave something sweet? Or how the idea that “milk always makes me sick” can lead to a feeling of discomfort simply because of the negative expectation we carry? These associations can distort our perception of foods and even their effects on our bodies.

The phenomenon of ‘comfort food’ exemplifies this dynamic well. During periods of stress, almost instinctively, we seek foods that make us feel good. These choices are often not the healthiest and can result in a vicious cycle of impulsive eating and regret. And, when associated with stress, foods may be misinterpreted; the digestive discomfort that follows may be wrongly attributed to what we ate, not taking into account the mental state we were in at the meal.

Additionally, the environment and mindset during meals are crucial for digestion. Eating hurriedly or under tension can cause sensations such as bloating and discomfort, which could be avoided with a more relaxed approach. Reflecting on these relationships is vital: how do our environment and internal states shape our eating experiences?

This connection between what we eat and how we feel is the first step towards greater understanding of our well-being. Alongside nutrition, our interpretation of the world and our emotions can have a profound impact on health. In the next chapter, we will explore more about this link, especially how emotional states affect digestive health and, therefore, our relationship with fundamental foods such as milk.

Stress, Anxiety, and the Impact on the Digestive System

The concept of ‘gut-brain axis’ refers to the complex communication between the nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract. This bidirectional pathway is fundamental to maintaining not only digestive health but also emotional well-being. The brain and gut are interconnected through various pathways, including neural and hormonal routes. Thus, our emotional states directly affect digestion, and on the other hand, gut health can influence our minds.

Stress is a triggering factor that impacts this axis. When the body faces a stressful situation, levels of hormones such as cortisol increase. This hormone can alter intestinal motility, increasing the permeability of the intestinal barrier and modifying the microbiota, which is the population of bacteria present in the gut. These imbalances can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation, all common in conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

The maxim of the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis (SBH) — “Everything that stress and anxiety can worsen, scientific hypnosis can help” — is especially relevant here. The constant state of alert to which many people are exposed can amplify sensitivity to certain foods, including milk. Milk, often recommended for its nutritional benefits, can become a source of discomfort when the nervous system is hyperactive and the body reacts in an exaggerated manner.

When we are anxious or stressed, our perception of foods changes. What should be a safe food can be seen as a trigger for unwanted symptoms. Therefore, it is crucial to recognize that emotional stress can be a significant contributing factor to digestive problems. By addressing them in an integrated manner, we can find more effective treatment options.

Thus, preparing the ground for hypnosis as an emotional management tool becomes essential. Hypnosis can help modulate perception and interpretation of body signals, helping individuals better cope with anxiety. Through relaxation techniques and positive suggestions, hypnosis has the potential to reduce the body’s reactivity to stress, promoting a beneficial effect on the gut-brain axis and, consequently, on digestive health.

Hypnosis in Building Healthy Eating Habits

Scientific hypnosis proves to be a powerful tool in building healthy eating habits, especially when we deal with emotions that impact our relationship with food, such as sensitivity to milk and other foods. The Brazilian Society of Hypnosis (SBH) emphasizes that hypnosis does not “cure” intolerances or allergies but works on managing emotional factors that can worsen symptoms, promoting broader well-being.

During a hypnosis session, the patient enters a state of focused attention, allowing for a greater capacity to respond to beneficial suggestions. This is crucial for transforming how they interact with their body signals. For example, many experience hypervigilance around foods, especially if they have had negative experiences in the past. Hypnosis helps to reframe these experiences, reducing fear and anxiety associated with certain foods.

The use of hypnosis aligns with practices such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, focusing on altering automatic thoughts and behaviors that can be harmful. When a patient learns to interpret their body signals in a less reactive way, they place themselves in a position of greater control and well-being. Hypnosis promotes a state of deep relaxation that can reduce reactivity to stress, positively impacting the gut-brain axis, which is essential for digestive health.

Additionally, hypnosis can facilitate the practice of relaxation techniques, which, when applied, bring direct benefits to emotional health. Reducing stress results in more balanced intestinal function and less anxious food responses. Thus, people can develop a relationship with food that is more conscious rather than reactive. The connection between what we eat and how we feel is undeniable, and hypnosis can play an integral role in this process.

Through scientific hypnosis, health professionals have the opportunity to enhance evidence-based treatments. This ethical and responsible practice, when utilized by qualified professionals, promotes a true transformation in patients’ holistic health. The SBH firmly believes that everything that stress and anxiety can worsen, scientific hypnosis can help. In this way, we are creating a healthier and more conscious path, where nutrition and emotional balance go hand in hand.

Conclusion

At the end of this journey, the question ‘why do we still recommend milk?’ gains a much broader and integrated answer. We have seen that from a nutritional standpoint, milk remains a valuable source of essential nutrients for a large segment of the population. Its proteins, vitamins, and, of course, its calcium play crucial roles in maintaining physical health. Controversies exist and individualities must always be respected, but its nutritional foundation is scientifically solid.

However, the central point we seek to highlight is that human health cannot be fragmented. The way we feel emotionally has a direct and profound impact on how our body functions, including the digestive system. Stress and anxiety are not mere co-stars; they can be protagonists in the intensity of the symptoms we experience, transforming a mild discomfort into a chronic and debilitating problem. The perception that a food ‘is harmful’ can be both a biochemical reality and an interpretation amplified by our mental state.

It is in this complex scenario that scientific hypnosis presents itself as a valuable clinical tool for health professionals. Aligned with evidence-based practices, it allows us to help people manage the anxiety and stress that profoundly affect their well-being. By inducing a focused attention state, hypnosis facilitates the restructuring of automatic thoughts and dysfunctional behaviors, promoting a healthier and more conscious relationship not only with food but with life.

For you who seek a career dedicated to helping others, understanding this mind-body connection is a transformative differentiator. Empowering health treatments with tools that address emotional management is the future of a truly humanized and effective approach. Scientific hypnosis offers an ethical and proven path to achieve this goal, empowering professionals to promote lasting changes in their patients’ lives.

Are you interested in learning scientific hypnosis for professional application? To enhance your results in your current profession or even to have a new profession? Explore the training and postgraduate courses in evidence-based hypnosis by the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis through the link: https://www.hipnose.com.br/cursos/

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is milk considered an important nutritional source?

Milk is considered an important nutritional source due to its rich composition of high biological value proteins, calcium, vitamins, and minerals. These components are essential for bone, muscle, and immune health. Milk offers a practical and economical way to address nutritional deficiencies, being an ally in the quest for balanced diets for many.

What are the main controversies about milk consumption?

The main controversies regarding milk consumption include lactose intolerance and milk protein allergy. Intolerance is a digestive difficulty, while allergy is an immune system reaction. Additionally, many question whether milk can be inflammatory, although research indicates that overall diet and lifestyle play more significant roles.

How does stress influence digestion and the relationship with milk?

Stress can alter the perception of foods and affect the digestive system, amplifying symptoms like bloating and discomfort. The gut-brain axis indicates that emotional states affect digestion and vice versa. Thus, milk can be seen as a trigger for unwanted symptoms due to anxiety, even if it does not directly cause problems.

What is scientific hypnosis and how can it help with eating?

Scientific hypnosis is a technique that helps manage the emotions impacting the relationship with food. It does not cure intolerances but can assist in reframing negative experiences related to food, reducing fear and anxiety. This promotes more conscious and healthy eating, improving overall well-being.

What alternatives to milk are recommended for those with intolerance?

For those with lactose intolerance, options such as low-lactose or lactose-free milks are available. These alternatives allow for the inclusion of milk in the diet without discomfort. For those with milk protein allergies, it is essential to explore products completely free of dairy proteins. Plant-based alternatives are also an option, but their nutritional compositions may vary.