Hi Dr Hyman! I’ve been nursing my baby for a year and am starting to think about weaning her off. I’m trying to decide if I should introduce any kind of milk (a2, goat, plant based, etc) and am finding it very challenging to navigate this decision! I’ve been listening to your podcast for years and would LOVE your thoughts on this! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

Dr. Mark Hyman emphasizes that you don't necessarily need to replace breast milk with another type of milk. Many cultures, especially outside the Western world, don't routinely give milk to children after weaning and still maintain good health. The key is providing a balanced, nutritious diet rather than focusing on a specific type of milk.

When considering dairy alternatives, Dr. Hyman advises caution due to potential environmental impacts and added ingredients. For instance, almond milk requires a lot of water to produce and can contain thickeners like carrageenan, which may disrupt gut health. It's essential to check the ingredients and choose alternatives without harmful additives 1.

Overall, Dr. Hyman suggests focusing on a diverse diet that includes various foods rich in calcium and other nutrients rather than feeling compelled to offer dairy or its alternatives exclusively 1.