Milk and Mucus

[branneighbor]

Hey Rip,

As always, Starting Strength is sheer awesome in a book. I love the progress I'm making in both strength and muscle gain and for that, I thank you. This is a true man workout.


Onto the question...Every time I bring home another gallon of whole milk, I keep getting reminded by my Dad that 'I need to stop drinking all that milk' and that "milk increases or adds mucus which is a breeding ground for bacteria." My dad keeps telling me there has got to be a healthier alternative but I keep constantly reminded of this sentence in SS: "There
also seems to be something special about milk that the equivalent amount of calories, protein, fat, and carbs can't duplicate in terms of growth enhancement."

For that reason, I continue to bring home more milk. But what's your take on milk and mucus (or mucus production)?

[Mark Rippetoe]

By mucus, I assume you mean plain old garden-variety snot. Where does he think this snot is produced, why does he think this happens, and can you get him to show you some? I am interested in what issue of Prevention Magazine he saw this in.

[jonnyb60]

I might actually be able to add something to this as a biologist.

First of all, MOST bacteria is good. It has been ingrained in our minds from the Lysol commercials that they are the enemy. They are necessary for our survival.

If you did not have the 3-4 lbs of bacteria in your intestines that you normally have, then you will be missing out on an abundance of vitamins produced from the natural flora.

When you first start GOMAD your flora will be forced to shift to a slightly different population that will use the lactose and other ingredients more efficiently. This is ONE reason that if you hop into GOMAD with not "warming up to it" you are going to have some digestive issues.

More mucus = more bacteria? Na, I don't think so. If anything it will PROTECT you from the harmful bacteria.

And the relation between mucus and milk production? Well, if you are interested, here is a study that relates (yes, I know this is relating to the rhinovirus, but I think it is still interesting...): http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2154152

That's a summary- I love me some milk and bacteria.

[JLascek]

I would concede that something in the milk (possibly the lactose -- the sugar component?) can be caught up in the back of the throat. This can be hocked up and spit out like a loogie, but this doesn't mean it is mucus.

[Bootsy]

It has also been determined, previously on this board, that having mucus is a sign that you are not dead yet. Enjoy it.

[El Viejo]

I remember way back when I was a teenager that Bob Hoffman ('Strength and Health' and 'Muscular Development' magazines) used to say that the common cold was the body's way of ridding itself of excess mucus. He claimed that milk was a major mucus producer. Maybe this whole mucus thing was a popular belief back in those days and some older folks still believe it like many still believe that squats are bad for your knees.