The question has come up about whether everyone is actually allergic to milk. After all, milk is made by animals, for animals and it seems strange that humans would drink it for their own diet and nutrition. The truth is that "allergic" may be a bit of a strong word for the reaction that most people have, but problems digesting milk are really quite common.

After worldwide research and study, many scientists believe that the natural state of people is to be lactose intolerant. The human body is not ordinarily capable of digesting the milk sugar efficiently or effectively. Drinking milk can cause obvious symptoms such as nausea, cramps and diarrhea for those who do not tolerate it well. It can also cause some more subtle symptoms that may not be readily associated with the milk intolerance, such as bloating and skin disorders.

As it turns out, the worldwide prevalence of milk-drinking is very low compared to that of Americans. Lactose intolerance in the world is more common than the ability to digest it completely. People in many other countries do not drink milk as a part of their daily diets, nor do they want to drink it. They find their calcium from other sources.

However, the fact that most people cannot drink milk should not discourage those who can. Milk is a good source of protein, calcium, energy and other nutrients. It contains both whey protein and casein protein - two of the highest quality proteins around. It can help a bodybuilder's diet and nutrition regimen tremendously if he can tolerate it; but if he cannot, there are many possible substitutes.

One theory about why some people can tolerate milk is that it is a genetic mutation. Far back in the past, there may have been a food shortage in Northern Europe because of failed crops. People who tended animals may have resorted to an unfamiliar food source to sustain them during these hard times. This is when adults may have started drinking milk on a regular basis.

The theory is that some of these people developed the ability to digest the milk well, and passed that ability on to their children. As time went by, this milk tolerance genetic code became more prevalent. Granted, this is not proven, but it would explain a lot. It would show why so many people are lactose intolerant, but some people have no problem with milk. It would also explain the locality of the majority of the people who are milk tolerant.

Everyone may not be allergic to milk, but it should be treated with caution. Find out the symptoms of milk intolerance, and be sure to notice them if they arise. Remember that it is easier to adapt your diet and nutrition for life without milk than it is to live with the sickness and discomfort of milk intolerance or allergy. On the other hand, if you get along well with milk - drink up!