Reputed Hospital In Chennai Asks People To Ditch Dairy

On the 10th of June 2022, Fortis, a well-known hospital in Chennai, resorted to social media to advise people to stop drinking milk. They stated, "Food products that consist of milk and its byproducts are known to increase the risk of heart disease. Research shows that several commonly consumed types of Indian bread contain more trans fat than French fries. Use non-dairy alternatives of milk, like oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk to lower the risk of heart disease."

Several doctors and nutritionists have championed the benefits of a plant-based diet throughout the last decade. The major benefits for patients who decide to start a plant-based diet, according to the National Library of Medicine, include the possibility of reducing the number of medications they take to treat a variety of chronic conditions, a lower body weight, a lower risk of cancer, and a lower risk of death from heart disease.

“A plant-based diet is not an all-or-nothing program, but a way of life that is tailored to each individual. It may be especially beneficial for those with obesity, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, lipid disorders, or cardiovascular disease.“

Dr.Arun Kalyansundaram, an interventional cardiologist, has been following a plant-based diet for more than seven years and shared, “Why do we talk about eliminating animal products in our teachings? Because they are very high in saturated fats and contain high amounts of animal protein and iron that can cause inflammation. Inflammation puts you at higher risk for heart diseases and by reducing inflammation you can do a lot better. What we eat impacts our health, it’s not just cardiovascular diseases, it affects a host of other health problems. Eating a more plant-based diet will reduce your heart disease risk. We are increasingly eating a lot of junk food and meat consumption has increased over the last few years. But you can get all your nutrients from plants if eaten in a balanced way. Dr Cadwell’s recent study found out that there was a 25% lower chance in heart disease in vegans.”

In May 2022, a group of Scottish doctors requested the NHS to reconsider its nutritional policy for meals supplied in hospitals. A group of clinicians, including GPs, nutritionists, and plant-based health specialists, wrote an open letter to the NHS, which was published in The Times, to highlight the issue of hospital meals.The letter said, “replacing meat, eggs, and dairy with vibrant vegan foods is vital if we are to protect the health of Scottish people and the planet.

It is a dereliction of duty that meals offered in hospitals are often far from healthy and can even include red and processed meats, which are known to be carcinogenic.”

Readers who have benefitted from a dairy free diet reacted to this news positively.

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