I work with a number of people who are lactose intolerant. Considering that a good percentage of the human population is lactose intolerant, it’s not so surprising. These people all have different ways of dealing with it. One avoids all things with milk in them (but still eats meat, mind you). One takes lactaid pills when she has dairy products (which is pretty often). Another just consumes dairy, gets upset stomachs, and then complains to us about it!

Not a single one of them has stopped to consider the possibility that maybe they’re not supposed to consume dairy products. Suggest this to them, and all of a sudden I’m the crazy vegan again (geez, and I was doing so well at blending in!). A large number of people are lactose intolerant because (shock of all shocks!) humans aren’t meant to consume cow’s milk. Our bodies aren’t designed for it. Those who don’t get sick from it are like that because of our genes’ wonderful ability to adapt to conditions we force them into. Whose bodies are designed for drinking cow milk? The answer should be fairly obvious: baby cows. Not baby humans and especially not adult humans.

So, crazy vegan that I am, I’ve suggested alternatives to cow milk. I’ve gotten everything in response from people completely ignoring me (real strong argument there), to “Eww that’s gross!” (consuming a cow’s reproductive secretions isn’t?) to “I tried it once and didn’t like it” (like diarrhea better?). Tried what? Soy, hemp, rice, almond milk? There are so many different alternatives to cow milk. There are different flavors (plain, unsweetened, vanilla, chocolate…). Even from brand to brand, there’s a huge difference. Ask a group of vegans which kind tastes most like cow milk, and you’ll get a variety of responses; most likely the majority of brands/flavors/sources will be represented. We all have different taste receptors, so of course you have to apply trial and error.

Me? Personally, I don’t want to be reminded of cow milk. But it’s out there for those who do.