Layin' Off the Milk!

 
Kind of a gross post, and a little rant-ish, but worth a read :-)
I've known forever that milk causes lots of extra mucous/phlegm (or whatever gross term you may want to use for that icky stuff that sits in various places between your lungs and your nose.)  I've read articles about it, my mom is a nutrition expert and has told me all about it, and I've always believed it to be true.  That is partly why after weening Isaac we went straight to rice milk and almond milk.  I tried getting used to those milks on my cereal, but just never could.
With that said, I never chose to give up cow's milk myself.  I've never been a milk drinker, because I'm not really a fan of the taste of straight up milk.  However, I eat cereal for breakfast 95% of the time.  I buy organic 1% milk from Costco (with the hopes that at least it is hormone/antibiotic free.)  I LOVE my cereal and milk.
I was at Winco a few weeks back and saw, in the refrigerated section next to the soy, rice and almond milk, Silk brand Coconut Milk.  I was sure it was going to be loaded with fat, because the coconut milk in the can always is.  I was pleasantly surprised to see that it has less fat than 2% milk, half the sugar, fewer calories, and twice the amount of calcium and vitamin D than 2%.  I am a huge fan of coconut, so I thought "what the hell...I'll try it, and if I don't like it, I have my precious Costco milk still."
I poured it on my cereal the first morning and was not sure what to think.  It was a bit thick and the taste was a little strong.  The next day I watered it down a little with about 3 parts coconut milk to one part water.  I liked it.  I put it on my cereal every day for the next 2 weeks straight.
I really didn't think I noticed any difference in how I felt or the mucous factor.  I ran out, and since I wasn't going to be going to the store soon, but was going to Costco, I decided to just get my regular Costco milk.  I used it on my cereal the next day and........
WHHHHHAAAAT?  I noticed within hours!  My face was a mucous trap again.  I used the cow's milk on my cereal again for a few days and it was no coincidence - definitely mucous-ee.  So, I have officially decided to switch to coconut milk.  It's definitely more expensive than regular cow's milk, but almost exactly the same price as I was paying for organic milk.
With that being said, I can't say I am going to give up cheese or occasional dairy based deserts because I'm not that strong-willed.  However, I will not be buying cow's milk anymore.  I also found this interesting article:  The Dangers of Cow's Milk that helped cement my decision.
It's definitely a matter of personal choice/taste preference, but I would say that if you or your child suffers from lots of mucous, it's worth taking the two week test to see how you feel.  Don't forget, though, if you are doing it yourself, try drinking cow's milk again after the two weeks is up and that's when you'll really notice the difference (at least that's how it was for me!)