Butter Milk

Question
Thanks!, I read an article in one of the health magazine, I don't recall which one, but it stated that butter milk is good for persons who have diabetes.  Is there any truth to this ?

Answer
Hi Una,

Type 1 and type 2 Diabetes have very different mechanisms within the body...since you haven't specified which you were referring to, I will assume type 2 as it is by far the more common (approximately 90-95% of cases).  I've never heard anything about buttermilk specifically being beneficial for diabetes, though I suspect that it could be more generally stated as "probiotics are beneficial for diabetics."

Probiotics are the "good bacteria" in our intestinal tract. Maintaining balanced intestinal flora is important for everyone, regardless of whether or not they are diabetic. The bacteria in our large intestine are very much involved with our immunity and digestion, among many other actions in the body. Probiotic-containing foods have been a part of all traditional cultures, and include foods such as live yogurt, kefir, miso, sauerkraut, kimchi, tempeh, lassi, etc.

There is some research correlating abnormal intestinal flora with type 2 diabetes, in relation to non-diabetic research participants. While this may lead to further developments, for the moment, it is impossible to distinguish cause and correlation...or put more simply, which came first? The diabetes or the imbalanced intestinal flora?

Whether or not you are diabetic, including moderate amounts of good quality probiotics (including but not limited to buttermilk) in your diet will be beneficial. If you are better trying to manage your diabetes, the best thing you can do is to focus on eating whole foods, low on the glycemic index, with lots of vegetables. Feel free to let me know if you have more specific questions regarding diabetes management.

I hope this is helpful,

Warmly,
Melissa Furneaux

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