Let’s talk about something I’ve been digging deeper lately: A2 Dairy. You may have heard it died and was mentioned in a conversation about food intolerance and inflammation. So why exactly does A2 dairy stand out from standard A1 dairy products? Why should we care about the difference? Is it just another health epidemic, or is there real scientific evidence behind it?
If you’ve ever had digestive problems after drinking milk or feel like your favorite dairy product, you might want to read it if you’re just not sitting with you. A2 dairy products may be a game changer you didn’t know you needed. And it could be a solution to help your body feel more comfortable while enjoying creamy and delicious dairy products.
A2 Milk and Dairy Products
Recently I have been trying A2 dairy products specifically. Ultra-filtered A2 milk. This version of dairy has up to 50% more protein and 30% less sugar than other dairy products.
In this post, we categorize everything you need to know about how A2 dairy products differ from A1 dairy products. We will also investigate why A2 dairy products have become easier in the digestive system, why they contain less sugar, more protein, and less inflammation. Spoiler alert: If you’re struggling with bloating, stomach pain, or other digestive issues related to dairy products, A2 dairy products may be a great option to help you do your best.
Dairy Protein Quick Primers
Let’s start with the basics. Milk has several types of protein, two main ones are casein and whey. Casein accounts for about 80% of the protein in milk, and there are different varieties within casein. The two most common (about 30% of milk protein) are A1 betacasein protein and A2 betacasein.
- A1 casein is the most common type found in most cows around the world, especially in milk in North America and Europe. This includes Holstein cows.
- A2 caseinOn the other hand, it can be found in certain cattle breeds, including jerseys, guernseys and other heritage varieties. Although not as common as the A1, it is making waves in the wellness community due to potential health benefits.
So what’s the big deal between A2 vs A1? Why should you be concerned about the difference between these two types of beta-casein proteins?
Important Differences between A2 and A1 Dairy Products
At first glance, we might assume that all milk is almost the same. That’s milk, right? What is the difference? But here’s it: Both A1 and A2 milk may look and taste the same, but the way our bodies process them is actually quite different. The main distinction depends on how the body digests milk protein.
A2 dairy products are easy to digest
One of the biggest reasons why A2 dairy products are so attractive is that they are easier to digest than A1 dairy products. This difference is mainly due to the way proteins break down in the digestive system.
When A1 dairy products are consumed, casein protein breaks down into a compound called BCM-7 (beta-casomorphin-7). This compound can cause some people to experience digestive discomfort, bloating, gas, and even diarrhea. For some people, BCM-7 is also associated with intestinal inflammation, which can stimulate conditions such as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and other digestive problems.
On the other hand, A2 dairy products do not create BCM-7 when digested. Because of this, it tends to be gentle on the stomach. Without the BCM-7, this will allow the digestive system to process A2 milk more smoothly. It is also the reason why many people realize that they do not experience the same digestive discomfort as A2 dairy products as regular A1 milk.
Therefore, it may be worth trying two dairy products if you have had problems with traditional dairy products in the past (bloating, discomfort, gas, etc.).
A2 Dairy and less inflammation
Let’s get into the science of inflammation for a moment. We know that inflammation is one of those mean and quiet perpetrators that can affect almost every aspect of your health. Inflammation plays a role in everything from gut health to skin, joints and even mental clarity. Chronic inflammation is linked to a variety of conditions, including autoimmune diseases, heart diseases, and digestive diseases.
it’s not Inflammatory in itself That’s a bad thing. Something like healing wounds requires it in the short term. The problem is when we become chronic as a response to something that stimulates our bodies. Reaching the underlying causes of health problems reduces the associated inflammation.
A1 casein is associated with higher levels of inflammation. As mentioned above, digestion of A1 milk can break down into BCM-7, causing an inflammatory response in the body. Several studies suggest that BCM-7 can even cross blood-brain barriers and affect the brain’s immune response. Not ideal, right?
However, A2 dairy products do not create BCM-7. Several studies have shown that there is less inflammation. As a result, it is becoming a popular option for people who are sensitive to inflammation, or those with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, digestive problems, and even chronic skin problems.
A2 dairy products are high in protein and low in sugar
So let’s talk about macronutrients, protein and sugar. As you probably know, we all need proteins to build muscle, tissue repair and metabolism support. Protein is one of the most important nutrients for overall health, and A2 dairy products give an increase in protein without sugar overload.
- More protein: A2 milk contains more protein than A1 milk. The difference may be small, but it can be a bit helpful when trying to increase your protein intake. This is especially true if you are following a high protein diet or are trying to build lean muscle. More protein means more muscle building and satiety benefits. Furthermore, it also helps in the body’s stress response. When your body is under stress, proper protein levels will support muscle repair and recovery.
- Low sugar: A2 milk contains slightly less sugar than regular A1 milk, which is a good reason for those who want to reduce their sugar intake. Milk is not usually a sugary drink, but reducing unnecessary sugar is always a good idea for your overall health, and A2 dairy products can help you do just that.
The Ultra Filter A2 Milk I’ve tried has significantly more protein and less sugar than other milk. It is used as a protein source while you are out and as an alternative to protein drinks.
How A2 Dairy Products Can Support Your Gut and Your Health
So, we know that A2 dairy products are easier in the digestive system and can help with inflammation, but they do more than the advantages of surface level. For people with sensitive digestive systems, switching to A2 dairy products can provide much needed relief.
Many people with dairy intolerance (not true milk allergies) struggle to digest the proteins of regular A1 milk. As a result, they often experience symptoms such as bloating, stomach cramps, or irregular bowel movements. A2 dairy products can offer a milder alternative that offers the same nutritional benefits as regular dairy products without all the discomfort.
A2 milk is also a great source of calcium, vitamin D and healthy fats. Supporting the digestive system and providing high quality nutrition can help promote overall gut health, support bone health, and help with hormonal balance.
Are A2 Dairy Products a Miracle Food?
With all the topics surrounding A2 dairy products, you might wonder if this is a miracle treatment of all sorts of miracles, from digestive issues to inflammation. A2 dairy products are certainly a great option for many people, especially those who have experienced discomfort with traditional dairy products. However, it is important to remember that it is not a “one size fit” solution.
A2 dairy products are best used as part of a balanced nutritional diet. It can support your gut health and reduce inflammation, but if you’re not taking care of other aspects of your health either, such as sleep, stress management, hydration, etc., it’s not going to solve all your problems. It is also worth noting that if you have a true milk allergy, A2 dairy products are not a suitable option as they still have milk protein.
Today, more and more raw milk farmers are offering A2 dairy products. Raw milk is a live food rich in probiotics and nutrients that are destroyed during the pasteurization process. A2 raw milk is often easier to digest for people with lactose intolerance, as it naturally contains the digestive enzyme lactase (which is destroyed during pasteurization). However, not everyone has access to high quality A2 milk sources.
Why do I like A2 dairy products (and why might you be too)
Now that we’ve explored the science behind A2 dairy products, let’s talk about why I love it and why you want to try it. I’ve tried the ultra filter A2 milk from Pioneer Meadow For a few weeks, I found it to be much easier to digest compared to regular milk. It’s nice to know that you can enjoy your morning coffee with a creamy milk splash (it won’t bloat or become gas after that). Additionally, A2 dairy products feel like a more natural and healthy choice.
Final Thoughts
So you have it, you need to know everything you need to know about A2 dairy products and how it differs from traditional A1 dairy products. A2 milk is easier to digest, less inflammation, and provides less sugar and more protein. If you have problems with regular dairy products or are trying to improve your digestive health and overall well-being, it is worth switching to A2.
But like all, the key is balance. A2 dairy products are a great option to consider, but should be part of your overall approach to health, including proper sleep, stress management, and dieting with nutritional concentrations.
Have you experienced digestive problems with regular milk? Thinking about trying A2 milk? Leave a comment and let us know!
