Lactose intolerance is caused by your body not producing enough lactase, which needed to breakdown a sugar found in many dairy products called lactose. When the lactose does not get broken down, it moves into your colon, where it causes bloating and gaswhereas in most people it is broken down earlier in your stomach or small intestine, with no negative consequences. Lactose intolerance is an affliction of the digestive system, and is typically not dangerous, although it can be quite uncomfortable. Lactose intolerance is somewhat genetic, but can also be developed throughout your life.
Luckily, eating dairy free has become easier than ever in the past 10-plus years. The prevalence of health food stores, restricted-diet options, and general awareness of restricted diets have made this the best time to be on any kind of dietary plan. You will want to avoid any foods that contain milk, include butter, ice cream, yogurt, cheese, and any other dairy products. One of the toughest to avoid is butter, which is used to cook almost anything these daysveggies, meat, and so much more. As someone who is avoiding dairy, you can use plenty of dairy free alternatives, like olive oil spread, soybean margarine, or coconut oil, but this will be tougher when you eat out or eat at someone elses home. The best thing you can do is to notify your host or your waiter that you are allergic to dairy or have an intoleranceif you are lactose intolerant, this could be a great time for one of those helpful lactase pills. If you are allergic, then just be extra cautious and explain the situation to whoever is preparing your food as early in the process as possible.
If you love milk but have found out you are intolerant, then this part should be exciting to you! There are actually a ton of different milks out there that you can eat safely and comfortably. Our favorite is almond milk, made from almonds, which does not contain any of the sugars or proteins that cause issues with dairy. You can also enjoy coconut milk, soy milk, or other nut milks like cashew milk, just to name a few. If you are allergic to milk, this typically refers to cows milk only, but you can be more susceptible to other allergies, so test these milk varieties out before going all-in! As an extra bonus, many of these milks are less fatty than cows milk and provide extra nutrients that your body needs!
As you can imagine, if there are safe milks for lactose intolerance or dairy allergic folks, then there are also safe variations of all your favorite dairy products. You can find dairy free cheese, ice cream, yogurt, coffee creamer, and whipped cream, just to name a few of our personal favorites. If you are lactose intolerant, then there are some products out there made especially for you, like lactose-free milk, for instance, but as someone with a dairy allergy, these products will still cause a reaction as you are more than likely allergic to the protein (casein) in milk, not the lactase itself. Make sure you only enjoy products that are made specifically for those with dairy allergies.
Overall, living with an allergy to milk or an intolerance for lactose can be slightly tough, but is becoming easier every day as our society becomes more aware of dietary restrictions. If you have exhibited any signs of having trouble consuming milk or dairy products, then make sure you contact your health care professional immediately, as this could be a sign of a life-threatening allergy. Most people who cannot eat dairy are able to self-treat their condition to avoid almost all symptoms, but just make sure you approach any new foods with caution, as we recommend to everyone, because you never know how you will react. If you take a safe approach to your new diet, then you will be living large and dairy free in no time!
