Here’s What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Drinking Milk for 30 Days

By Juliet Smith 1 year ago

1. You can get less headaches

Migraine vs. headache: How to tell the difference(Image/ Source: medicalnewstoday.com)Thinking about cutting milk out of your diet? If you do, you might find that you end up with fewer headaches. Headaches can come from dairy because of a natural chemical that's often found in dairy products- tyramine. This can contribute to the onset of headaches if you’re drinking a lot of milk, so be careful!

2. You lose Vitamin B2

What Drinking Milk Every Day Really Does To You - YouTube(Image/ Source: youtube.com)
While a reduced milk intake may help with headaches, others may not be so lucky. Dairy products contain the important vitamin B2, and a deficiency of this vitamin is also associated with the possible side effect of migraines. If you’re deciding to go milk-free, make sure you replace your B2 intake with mushrooms, almonds and spinach.

3. You might become less bloated

Influencers Showing Reality of How Female Bodies Bloat During Periods(Image/ Source: insider.com)
You might not be officially diagnosed with lactose intolerance, but according to the US National Library of Medicine, 65% of the world’s population actually has difficulty digesting milk! If you cut this out of your diet, you may find that your digestion improves, which should make you feel less bloated.

4. Your gut health can suffer

Why the Gut Microbiome Is Crucial for Your Health(Image/ Source: healthline.com)
Improved digestion is one thing, but that doesn't guarantee the health of your gut will get any better if you stop drinking milk. Dairy products are packed with good bacteria and probiotics which help keep your gut healthy. If you get rid of dairy products, try and replace them with options that still contain live cultures. You can also take probiotic supplements.

5. You might miss out on vital nutrients

Drinking skimmed milk instead of semi-skimmed 'can add 4.5 years onto your life' - Mirror Online(Image/ Source: mirror.co.uk)
Just like fats and carbs, milk can be a pretty important part of your diet, as it contains calcium and Vitamin D. If you stop drinking milk, you’ll need to make sure you’re not missing out on these nutrients! Certain plant-based milks have fortified with vitamin D and calcium, and you can up your intake with oily fish like sardines too.

6. Your skin can actually improve

The Ultimate Skin-Care Routine Guide | SELF(Image/ Source: self.com)
It used to be an urban myth, but cutting down on milk really does improve your skin. Cow’s milk often contains hormones, which may react to the hormones in your own body and lead to an increase in the production of sebum in your skin. This is what clogs your pores. If you stop drinking milk for 30 days, you may find it improves the look and feel of your skin!

7. You can get ill more easily

6 Ways to Love Your Body on Bad Days with a Chronic Illness(Image/ Source: healthline.com)
When some people cut milk out of their diet, they can find that their immune systems grow weaker. This may be because you’re lacking an important vitamin- B12. B12 is commonly found in dairy products, and helps regulate the immune system while fighting bacteria. If you lack B12, you may find that you feel weaker, and can pick up illnesses more easily.

8. You can feel more energised

How To Become an Energetic Morning Person | by Michael Rauscher | Change Your Mind Change Your Life | Medium(Image/ Source: medium.com)
When you give up dairy foods like milk, you might start to think more carefully about the foods you eat. For example, if you’re combatting the lack of calcium in your diet, you’ll likely find calcium-rich replacement foods like spinach and kale. Eating these vitamin-rich foods can end up giving you much more energy as your diet becomes packed with more nutrients!

9. You can get withdrawal symptoms

Alcohol and Drug Withdrawal Symptoms Before Detox - Heroes' Mile(Image/ Source: heroesmile.com)
When your body is used to milk, it may be quite difficult to give it up at first. It’s natural to experience withdrawal symptoms if cut it out of your diet completely, so give your body some time to adjust. Your body is reacting to dietary changes, so you may be tired and have trouble sleeping for a while.

10. Your body can lack protein

7 Signs of Protein Deficiency - Protein Deficiency Symptoms(Image/ Source: menshealth.com)
Dairy-based products like milk contain protein, which is essential for building muscles and helping your organs and bones function properly. According to nutritionist Frida Harju-Westman, “Other foods can provide your necessary intake of protein, but you may find if you decide to go dairy-free that you need to pay closer attention to this. Try to make a point to eat more protein-rich foods such as quinoa and almonds."

10. Your moods can stabilise

How to Help Your Teen Control Mood Swings(Image/ Source: verywellfamily.com)
There are tonnes of hormones like oestrogen and progesterone in cow's milk. So when you drink it, your body ends up taking in these hormones as a bi-product. These additional hormones (along with your own!) can end up causing mood swings, but if you remove milk from your diet, this can help stabilise your mood.

11. You might end up losing weight

How to Lose Weight? Best Weight Loss Tips - Weight Loss Diet Tips | GQ India | GQ India(Image/ Source: gqindia.com)
When you consume milk, it doesn’t always leave your body fulfilled, so you end up eating more. Certain fatty acids in dairy may be linked to fullness," nutritional epidemiology professor Katherine Tucker said. "When you eat fat-free versions of milk, yoghurt, and cheese, you may feel less satisfied (and eat more later)."

12. You might feel constipated

Yes, People Who Hang Toilet Paper Rolls This Way Often Do Make More Money | Inc.com(Image/ Source: inc.com)
While eliminating bloat and gas may be a big win when cutting milk out of your diet, it doesn't mean it will be easier for you to go to the bathroom. The lack of probiotics is the reason for this, so again, make sure you’re getting your intake from other foods or supplements. Pickled foods are a pretty good source.

13. It can combat tiredness

4 Reasons Why You Can Wake Up Feeling Tired | Psychology Today(Image/ Source: psychologytoday.com)
According to Nicole Caldwell, CEO of Better Farm, “dairy products, especially milk, are loaded with amino acids, which makes you want to lie on the couch and watch football for the rest of the day.” Apparently, milk calms our bodies and puts us to sleep, but if you cut it out of your diet, you may be less tired than usual.

14. You can boost your thyroid health

5 Natural Ways to Recharge Thyroid Health - Woman's World(Image/Source: womensworld.com)
Did you know that dairy products are mucus-forming? According to health experts, the protein in dairy has been found to increase inflammation in vital parts of the body such as the thyroid gland and digestive tract. Cutting out milk for 30 days can improve your metabolism and energy levels, which are linked to thyroid health.

15. You can curb Candida overgrowth

Young man drinking milk | Stock Video | Pond5(Image/ Source: pond5.com)
Milk is a food to avoid if you’re at risk of Candida overgrowth. Candida is a fungus that lives in the body, and when it overgrows, it can lead to yeast infections. Dairy has been shown to cause inflammation with Candida, which may promote the growth of unhealthy gut bacteria linked to some chronic diseases or conditions like leaky gut. If you cut out milk, you can reduce your risk of Candida overgrowth.

16. You can lower the risk of cancer

Obesity has become the new normal but it's still a health risk(Image/ Source: theconversation.com)
According to scientific research, people who stop drinking milk, and those who remove it from their diet completely, are at a lower risk of developing cancer. This is an area that’s still being studied at the moment though, so don’t expect huge, life-changing results if you’re giving up milk for just 30 days.

17. You can reduce the risk of diabetes

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Results of research and studies are still fairly mixed right now, but there seems to be an emerging link between high consumption of milk and Type 2 diabetes. While packaged milk may be low in fat, it can also be high in sugar. High volumes of sugar in your body can lead to diabetes, so by cutting it out of your diet, you may well end up reducing your chances of getting it.

18. You stop ingesting pus cells and antibiotics

Calcium intake: How to get enough calcium if you don't eat dairy products | Kidspot(Image/ Source: kidspot.com.au)
When cows are given rBGH (Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone) it makes them susceptible to chronic mastitis (an infection of the udder). So it’s not surprising that this ends up in our milk, along with the somatic cells which come from the infection. And when cows receive antibiotics, guess what- it ends up in the milk too. By removing milk from your diet, you curb these rather unpleasant side effects.

19. You can lessen your chances of diarrhoea

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If you’re one of the many people out there who struggle with lactose (apparently 68% of the world population have struggled with dairy at some point) then you’ll already be painfully aware of the effects that milk can have on your digestive system. If you decide to remove milk from your diet, you can then curb the likelihood of diarrhoea, as well as those horrible stomach pains.

20. You can improve your rosacea

11 People Describe What It's Really Like to Have Rosacea | SELF(Image/ Source: self.com)
Rosacea- a skin condition that causes facial pinkness or redness and visible blood vessels- can actually get worse if you’re drinking a lot of milk. According to The National Rosacea Society, some dairy products may trigger flare-ups of the condition. If you’re giving yourself a break from milk, keep tabs on how your skin reacts to this. You may find the results pretty impressive!

21. You may end up getting more creative with your diet

Healthy Eating - HelpGuide.org(Image/ Source: helpguide.com)
If you’re ditching the milk for a while, you may well find that you start to become a little more adventurous with your diet. When we go through dietary changes, we tend to look for new foods and recipes to replace what we had before. Don’t be afraid to push the boundaries and try something different!

22. You could lower your risk of heart disease

Signs and symptoms of heart disease in men(Image/ Source: medicalnewstoday.com)
As milk can sometimes contain a LOT of saturated fat, it can seriously take its toll on your body. Too much saturated fat can contribute to heart disease, which has led to a lot of people actively reducing the amount of milk and dairy products they consume. Research is still being carried out on the effects of milk at the moment, so don’t get rid of your daily milk and cereal unless you really want to.

23. You might avoid IBS symptoms

What causes irritable bowel syndrome pain? It may be a local immune reaction | Science | AAAS(Image/ Source: science.org)
According to research, many with IBS people report that milk is triggering their symptoms, though it’s unclear if people with IBS actually have true lactose intolerance. If you feel that dairy or milk products are causing uncomfortable digestive problems, try switching to dairy alternatives such as plant milk.

24. You might reduce your risk of Alzheimer's disease

We may finally know what causes Alzheimer's – and how to stop it | New Scientist(Image/ Source: newscientist.com)
Studies are still being carried out for this, but there seems to be an emerging link between high full-fat milk consumption and Alzheimer’s disease. One study showed that consuming milk less than twice a week was not significantly associated with the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, compared with daily or 2 to 4 times a week milk intake.

25. You can reduce Crohn's disease symptoms

Can Crohn's disease cause cancer? Prevalence and explanation(Image/ Source: medicalnewstoday.com)
Many people with Crohn’s disease end up cutting milk from their diet. While not everyone who has Crohn’s disease is lactose intolerant, gastroenterologists claim it can exacerbate symptoms over time. This is because sufferers may lack the natural enzyme lactase, which is needed to digest lactose. If you stop drinking milk, you may find some relief!

26. You miss out on lowering your stroke risk

Milk and Arthritis: Pros, Cons, and Recommendations(Image/ Source: verywellhealth.com)
A LOT of studies have been carried out to find out whether there’s a link between milk consumption and strokes. While a lot of people think milk can increase your risk of strokes, researchers have actually found the opposite. An increment of 200 g of daily milk intake was associated with a 7% lower risk of stroke by Aha Journals.

27. Your thinking can get clearer

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Milk contains a protein called casein. Along with lactose, casein can cause an allergic reaction in some people, which can affect the brain. Another study found that cow’s milk can disrupt the receptors that carry folate to the brain. Low folate levels are associated with depression and “foggy” thinking, which affects concentration. So if you want sharper thinking, it might be helpful to ditch the milk!

28. You might lower the risk of fractures

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Back in 2014, The BMJ published a study on milk intake and the risk of mortality and fractures in women and men. Basically, researchers were studying the relationships between drinking milk, the rate of death, and the rate of fractures. The results showed that regularly drinking milk
did
lead to higher mortality and more fractures. This field still requires more research though.

29. Your body might be less inflamed

What Are Characteristics of a Healthy Person?(Image/ Source: reference.com)
Dieticians have advised that inflammation can cause many issues, such as joint pain. But removing milk and other dairy products from your diet can reduce inflammation for those who are sensitive or allergic to it. if you’re concerned about inflammation but aren’t sensitive to dairy, there are other ways to reduce it- just step up your intake of Omega-3 foods like avocados and walnuts.

30. You might lower your chances of breast cancer

10 Ways to Lower Breast Cancer Risk(Image/ Source: healthfitnessrevolution.com)
We’ve already seen how the saturated fats in milk can affect your health. But it turns out that these saturated fats may also affect the risks of developing breast cancer. The Life After Cancer Epidemiology study found that, among women previously diagnosed with breast cancer, those consuming one or more servings of high-fat dairy products (e.g. whole milk and cheese) daily had a 49% higher breast cancer mortality, compared with those consuming less than one-half serving daily.

31. Your Sinus Problems May Improve

(Image/ Source: WebMD.com)
Studies have found that drinking milk and consuming dairy amongst other things may worsen sinus problems. However, there is no evidence of this in isolation. A milk allergy affects around 5% of infants who may find their symptoms worsened by the consumption of milk.

32. You Could Wake Up Looking Less Puffy

(Image/ Source: Avogel.com)
Many people find in the morning that their face looks a little bit puffy - especially around the eyes for example. Some people associate this with dairy and drinking milk. These people believe that there is correlation between puffiness in the morning and how much milk you drink.

33. You May Find Your Breasts Decrease In Size

(Image/ Source: wikidita)
Now this is not proven, but some people have noticed that when they stop drinking milk, their breasts actually ever so slightly decreased in size. Now people have assumed that this could possibly be linked again to the hormones found in milk which increase our own hormones.

34. It Could Make You Less Irritable

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It has been found again that the hormones in milk can gave an effect on our moods. So, when you completely cut out milk it stops these hormones interfering with our own natural hormones. And so, it could make you feel less irritated after quitting for a while.

35. You May Notice Less
Psoriasis

(Image/ Source: CubaHeal)
Some people who suffer with psoriasis have notice a direct link between drinking milk and their symptoms. Some found that when they drank a lot of milk and had a lot of dairy in their diet their symptoms increased. As such, when they quit milk the symptoms eased.

36. You Could Get Less Stomach Cramps

(Image/ Source: Good Housekeeping)
This one is a common thing experienced with a lot of people. It has been shown in studies as we have seen that not drinking milk can improve IBS. And, a lot of people have a mild intolerance to dairy that they are not even aware of so when they stop, their stomach pains also stop.

37. You May Notice Less Gas

(Image/ Source: DailyExpress)
If you have ever stopped drinking milk then perhaps you may have noticed that you experienced less gas. The Mayo Clinic lists milk as well as milk products as one of many gas-producing foods. Which of course inevitably leads to an increase in flatulence...

38. It Could Improve Eczema

(Image/ Source: Wikipedia)
Milk has been linked to several skin conditions such as acne...but also eczema. Now a lot more research is needed on this subject to make concrete facts. But it has been suggested that milk and milk products could perhaps worsen the symptoms of eczema.

39. You May Possibly Feel Less Anxious

(Image/ Source: Reach Out Australia)
This point is linked to the effects of milk and the hormones and chemicals that are put into the animals and the milk itself. As we have established, it can affect our minds. So, some people have found that cutting out milk was actually a good thing for helping to improve their anxiety.

40. Your Memory Could Improve Over Time
(Image/ Source: Vox)

Some studies have suggested that cutting out milk in the long term can have a positive impact on your memory. This is not scientifically proven, it is believed by some to have an impact. So perhaps if you give up milk your memory could improve over time.
 

You thought milk was good for you - did you know that breast milk can actually help with all of these things...  Make Homemade Soap!

Image source / Practical Self Reliance
Homemade soaps are relatively easy to make and have a luxurious feel when compared to their shop-bought alternatives. If you’ve ever considered making your own soap, add some breast milk - the nutrient-rich liquid is creamy and nourishing and should leave you with
softened skin.

2. Healing umbilical cords

Image source / What to expect
After a baby is born, their umbilical cord is a short stump, clamped with a plastic clip. These stumps need to be handled delicately and over the course of the first week or two will dry up and naturally fall off, leaving behind your baby’s very own navel. Amazingly,
studies have shown
that applying breast milk to the stump can reduce the number of days it takes for it to heal, dry and fall off.

3. Breast milk jewelry - yes really!

Image source / Etsy
When we first heard this we thought it sounded pretty weird - how can you turn a milky liquid into solid jewelry? Well, turns out you can! Check out this gorgeous ring… the pearlescent center is made from breast milk that has been specially preserved and dried. They’re pretty cute and would make gorgeous gifts.

4. Cure warts

Image source / Healthline
This one proves just how incredible the
healing power of breast milk
is. Warts are notoriously tricky to cure - from doctor prescribed meds to freezing treatments, they don’t budge without a fight. If however you have breast milk to hand, use a gloved hand to rub some milk onto the site of the wart and before long you may notice that stubborn wart vanishing. Why?
Breast milk contains a compound found to kill skin warts.

5. Soothe sunburn

Image source / Wikipedia
Whilst we wouldn’t recommend using breast milk as a sun lotion, its soothing properties may be effective at treating nasty sunburns. So, if you find your skin red and stinging from sun exposure, massage with breast-milk and you might just see that red sting reduce.

6. Chickenpox rash

Image source / Cleveland Clinic
Did you know that exposure to chickenpox as an adult can be dangerous. That’s why ‘pox parties’ are common - aiming to spread the infection to children who haven’t yet had the itchy ailment. So although kids getting chicken pox is actually a good thing, dealing with the rash can be tricky. Luckily, if you have breast milk to hand, freeze it into cubes and use these as cooling aids to reduce the rash and accompanying itch. It can even
shorten the duration of the infection
, amazing!

7. Help you shed those pregnancy pounds

Image source / Efelya
Breastfeeding is tiring work - your body is literally producing a 24/7 supply of nutritious food to keep a baby alive! So, it’s a welcome benefit that it can help you to shed that pregnancy weight. When you feed,
you burn fat cells stored in your body along with the energy from the food you’ve eaten.
Just remember to keep hydrated and eating well yourself - healthy mom, healthy baby!

8. Canker sores

Image source / Kids Dental Online
Ouch! Nothing worse than a canker sore. Those raised, sore lumps on your gums are hard to ignore and make eating and drinking a challenge. Luckily, breast milk has
antibacterial properties
so rinsing breast milk in your mouth
may help to kill the bacteria
and help your sores heal up more quickly.

9. Heal cracked nipples

Image source / Mamava
Sore, cracked nipples are a common plight for nursing moms. Regular feeding is tiring business so it’s little wonder that the delicate nipple skin becomes chaffed and dry. When you’re not feeding, the last thing you might want to do is think of breast milk but let me assure you, rubbing a little around your nipples
can work wonders
. Top tip: saturate a nipple pad with milk and place on your nipples, allowing the milk to slowly be reabsorbed.

10. Donate it

Image source / Mom loves best
This one is actually so important. Whilst many lucky mammas have an abundance of milk and in some cases more than they can keep up with, some don’t. For some moms, trouble breastfeeding can be a cause of stress, just when they should be smiling. Also, if a baby is away from its mom in the ICU then breast milk can be hard to come by. In both these cases, donated breast milk is a lifeline. Have too much? Consider donating to a milk bank.

11. Homemade chapstick

Image source / Reddit
Sore lips? Guess what… just like soap, breast milk can be made into an extremely effective chapstick. We recommend combining the milk with your current favorite stick to make a mixture personal to you. Pop the blended mixture into a cute container (you can buy chapstick tins online) and freeze. Once set, use daily and you’ll be ready to pucker up in no time.

12. Reduce the risk of breast cancer

Image source / Mayo Clinic
For any moms-to-be there can be a degree of pressure to breastfeed. ‘Breast is best’ you’ll hear your grandma cry! Look, at the end of the day it’s your choice whether to breast or bottle feed but if you’re looking to be convinced, this one may sway you… Did you know that breastfeeding moms are
statistically less likely
to get breast cancer than those who have never breastfed?

13. Baby popsicles

Image source / budy Mommy Media
Now this is smart. Many mothers have an excess of milk - or they may have milk they’ve expressed only for it to sit in the freezer for months on end. The solution? Baby popsicles! Get a popsicle mold and pour your excess milk in along with a wooden stick. Bingo! You’ve made the
perfect teething tool.
Add fruit for a twist or leave them as they are - both are delicious and seriously easy.

14. Breast milk cheese

Image source / Avocados and Ales
Admittedly, this one takes a little more culinary expertise to pull off but we’ve heard the results are pretty phenomenal. Cheese lovers, listen up! By combining your breast milk with cows’ milk, yogurt, rennet (me neither) and sea salt you’ve got your own cheese! The recipes don’t actually look that complicated, maybe we’ll give it a go. Question is, would you tell people before offering it to them…!?

15. Baby boogers

Image source / VideoHive
Anyone with babies will know that they get snotty, blocked noses all. the. time. Their little nostrils are so small that digging out those crusty blockages can be a pain, to put it lightly. You can even buy little suction contraptions - this is serious business! But did you know that some people rely on breast milk as a fix for this pesky problem… By adding 1 drop of breast milk into each nostril you may be able to soften the boogers and even make your baby sneeze, clearing any blockages.

16. Face masks

Image source / troop365.org
It should be clear by now that breast milk is pretty powerful stuff. Of all its properties, the
softening
and
antibacterial qualities
really stand out. So it makes sense that breast milk can make for one heck of a face mask! There’s a ton of recipes out there but the simplest ones suggest mixing your milk with some bentonite clay until you get a spreadable consistency. Apply, wait to dry and then simply wash off. Ta da!

17. Baby eczema

Image source / The Sun
Newborn skin is so delicate and sensitive, it’s little wonder they often develop ‘baby eczema’. Small (or sometimes larger) patches of your bubba’s skin become red, dry and flaky, leaving your confused bundle of joy grumpy and scratching at the itch. A few drops of breast milk on a cotton pad can provide instant relief as the
healing properties
of the milk get to work.

18. Banish those stretch marks

Image source / Parents
One of the plights of pregnancy are unsightly stretch marks appearing on the tummy and breasts. For some of us, we don’t even need to be pregnant to be familiar with those silvery friends. But, your body is amazing and
for some
, the earliest breast milk called colostrum reduces those lines.

19. Coffee creamer

Image source / ganshoren.be
We’ve heard how to use the milk for frozen popsicles and even how to combine it into cheese. So why not use it in its most natural form - as a milk. After expressing half a cup, warm the milk and stir it into your coffee for a creamy, sweet alternative to cow's milk. No sugar needed - your body’s milk is more than sweet enough. Don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it!

20. Diaper rash

Image source / Healthline
Mothers of newborns will know all too well about the dreaded diaper rash. Sure, there are plenty of creams out there to treat the sore, red skin but there’s no simpler solution than, you guessed it, breast milk. It’s free, available on demand and
as effective as many over-the-counter creams.

21. Pink eye

Image source / Men's Health
Another common infection affecting youngsters is pink eye. The causes of pink eye are debated but none are very pleasant. Put simply, some claim that bacteria from your back passage ends up in your eye and unsurprisingly, it causes some issues (eye discharge being one). The answer? Well, teach children correct hand-washing practises firstly but if they do get the bacterial eye infection and you have breast-milk to hand, it’s well worth a try.
Breast milk has been shown to be effective at treating eye discharge in babies under 6 months.

22. Acne

Image source / The Mirror
Wonderful breast milk contains lauric acid, a naturally occurring super ingredient well-known for its
healing properties
. If you suffer from blemishes, squeeze a little breast milk onto a cotton ball and gently apply to unbroken skin. Repeat twice a day for 2 weeks and you may be amazed at the results!

23. Milk baths

Image source / Mother Earth News
In some spas you’d pay good money to enjoy a luxurious milk bath. Known anecdotally for their cleansing properties and ability to cause deep relaxation, they are a go-to for many women looking to chill out. So why not make your own milk-soak from the comfort of your own home?

24. Contact lens solution

Image source / PerfectLensWorld
Now this one is purely anecdotal (there’s
no scientific evidence
showing that this works) but some moms have found a few drops of milk to be a great substitute for their contact lens solution. Personally I’m not convinced, wouldn’t the white color make your vision blurry? Hmm, no thanks!

25. Ear infections

Image source / Emergency Physicians
One of the most common ailments for young bodies are ear infections. Not only are children’s immune systems not fully formed, they are pretty darn good at poking their fingers and god knows what else into their ears - it’s little wonder they get sore ears. Just a few drops of breast milk into the ear canal though and the
natural antibiotic properties
may well work wonders.

26. Make up remover

Image source / Don't waste the crumbs
We’ve all been there, your face is covered in heavy makeup and you’ve run out of remover (or forgotten it if you’re at a friend’s house). Well, panic not -  mix a few drops of your liquid gold with warm water to create a gentle cleansing solution. After helping to remove even the heaviest makeup,
it will leave your skin feeling soft and moisturized too.
Stunning!

27. Breast milk and deodorant

Image source / FirstCry Parenting
Did you know that many deodorants contain
aluminum chloride
which clogs pores and prevents your body from releasing toxins. What’s more, this aluminum can make its way into your breast milk and to your baby -
not advisable
. The solution? Switch to a natural deodorant - it may take your body some time to adjust to the new formula but you’ll be glad you did.

28. Moisturizer

Image source / Natural Beauty with Baby
You’d be forgiven for finding the idea of rubbing milk on your skin a bit weird. Surely it dries and smells? Well, maybe but mixed with other ingredients like beeswax and essential oils it can be
transformed into an all-natural lotion
, perfect for mamma and baby alike!

29. Cradle cap

Image source / Wikipedia
Those poor little babies! They come crying and screaming into the world, blinded by the light and spend the next few months in a state of utter bewilderment. Add to this their tendency to get cradle cap - a drying and crusting of the skin on the top of their head - and you can feel rather sorry for the poor helpless souls! Some say it’s the hormones in the breast milk that cause cradle cap, eek! Luckily, breastfeeding moms can alter their diets to prevent it from happening.
Eating a diet low in sugary foods as well as eating fresh fruit, vegetables and whole grains can help.

30. Cuts and grazes

Image source / Pixels
Picture the scene - you’re out and about with your little one and they fall and graze their knee. They start crying at the pain and panic ensues as you’ve left wipes and bandaids in your car. Well, if you’re a breastfeeding mom, panic not! A few squirts of your milk onto the wound and the
natural antibacterial properties
of the milk will get to work. It might not be a long-term fix but for the time-being, you’ll be glad to know this trick.

31. Soothing sore throats

Image source / Wikipedia
If your breastfeeding little one has developed a cough then naturally you’re going to want to get them to the physician to be checked over. In the meantime, rest assured that continuing breastfeeding is the perfect choice - the milk will help your baby to
develop their immune system and build antibodies to fight any infections.

32. Treating Blocked Tear Ducts

Image Source / Verywell Health
Babies will most likely have blocked up eyes during the first few months, such as crusty and teary eyes. This is usually caused by the tear ducts being blocked. You can tackle this with breast milk by putting a few drops into the eye that's suffering discomfort.

33. Treating Baby Acne

Image Source / Pampers UK
Acne isn't just for teenagers. Newborns can suffer from acne right after birth, and these breakouts are nothing to worry about - but they can be treated by breast milk, which can help to ease the breakouts on a baby's sensitive skin. You can apply breast milk to a cotton ball and pat it onto your baby's face.

34. Reduce The Risk Of Diabetes

Image Source / Healthline
There have been clinical studies which suggest that the act of breastfeeding as a parent can help to reduce the risk of diabetes (alongside breast cancer, as previously mentioned). So you should definitely try and breastfeed to take advantage of these possible health benefits.

35. Tackle Those Wrinkles

Image Source / Real Simple
If you want a homemade remedy for those wrinkles and want to use what you already have for anti-aging products, then breast milk developed early after birth has a lot of natural colostrum - this is believed to help smooth out those wrinkles. You can also place frozen breast milk on the wrinkle site.

36. Create A Lotion For Sensitive Skin

Image Source / DermNet NZ
Both babies and parents can get sensitive skin, so you can develop your own soothing lotion using breast milk and use it to help lessen the sensitivity. You can combine breast milk with beeswax for a homemade sensitive skin lotion.

37. Breast Milk For Cooking

Image Source / NBC News
If you're using milk in any of your cooking, such as in your favourite curry recipe or anything else that needs a touch of milk, you can instead substitute your regular milk for breast milk. You can get creative with whatever you use it for, whether cooking or baking.

38. Use For Poison Ivy Stings

Image Source / Amory Urgent Care
If you're unfortunate enough to be stung by poison ivy, there are believed to be certain healing properties in breast milk which may help to sooth that itching sting. It's not a guaranteed treatment, but the soothing properties in breast milk as a lotion may help to ease any irritation.

39. Ease Congestion

Image Source / Insider
Cold and flu season is bad enough for any adult, but when you've a newborn dealing with congestion, it's ten times worse. But it's suggested that breast milk may be able to help ease congestion by inserting directly up the nose - just a squirt or two.

40. Breast Milk Ice Cream

Image Source / The Washington Post
If you're looking for ways to stay cool during those hot summer days, or a baby who is struggling with the heat, you can make breast milk ice cream too. As mentioned, breast milk can be used as a substitute for regular milk, so you can use any extra breast milk to put into your homemade ice cream recipe.

41. Burn Treatment

Image Source / eMediHealth
It's already been mentioned how breast milk can help to soothe the pain from sunburn specifically, due to the hard work of the antibodies present in the milk. This logic can also be applied to other very minor burns, too, to help soothe the burn. This only applies to extremely minor burns, of course, as any other will need medical attention.

42. Homemade Yoghurt

Image Source / BBC
Yoghurt is a delicious and healthy snack, and especially for babies who want something soft and tasty to manage in their diet. If you want to try making homemade yoghurt, you can add some breast milk to the recipe to make it the perfect treat.

43. Help Reduce A Fever

Image Source / Texas Children's Hospital
Fever is very common in young babies, and it can be an uncomfortable time for both babies and their parents. Breast milk has the potential to help ease any fever, due to its natural antibody ability to help babies stay hydrated, which may help to tackle a fever.

44. Give The Immune System A Boost

Image Source / FirstCry Parenting
Colds and flus are the worst, and the best way to avoid them altogether - as well as treat them when you have them - is to make sure your immune system is the best it can be. If you're looking to recover from cold or flu as quickly as possible for your baby, breast milk may help to boost the immune system.

45. Use As Your Next Favourite Face Cleanser

Image Source / SkinKraft
If you have very sensitive skin and need to use extremely gentle face products, then breast milk can be a fantastic option as a natural cleanser. Use as an alternative to harsh soaps - you can simply rub into the skin like you would a normal cleanser and wash away.

46. Tackle Those Puffy Eyes

Image Source / Medical News Today
Puffy eyes can always betray your mood or how much sleep you've had. Whether you haven't got a good night's sleep or maybe your baby's eyes are puffy from crying too much, you can use breast milk to dab around the eyes to help soothe puffiness. This only applies to puffiness not caused by any other medical problems, of course.

47. Help With Insect Bites

Image Source / Healthline

It makes sense why breastmilk would be perfect for insect bites due to its soothing properties. If you've been stung by a pesky bug, keeping some breastmilk cool in the fridge or freezer and then applying to the bite site could help to provide some cooling relief.

48. Help With Circumcision Healing

Image Source / Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials
If your baby has been circumcised, some parents have claimed that breastmilk can actually help to ease the healing process. It would make sense due to breastmilk's soothing properties, but if any infection occurs due to a circumcision, it will take medical attention rather than relying solely on breast milk, of course!

49. A Pain Relief Tool

Image Source / The Guardian
It's also claimed that breast milk applied to a site of pain in your child could actually help to reduce pain felt. It could also be a comfort mechanism, seeing as your baby will see and feel something similar in its parent's breast milk, therefore could help to soothe any moments of pain and discomfort that way, too.

50. Clean Your Contact Lenses

Image Source / Healthline
If you don't have any saline solution, maybe running out unexpectedly, some people have claimed to use breast milk to use to clean your contact lenses. It's important to always consult with your optometrist before doing this for professional advice, as you don't want to risk compromising your lenses!
 

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