Lactose intolerance and milk allergy are two issues that face people all over the world, but you may not realize how different the two conditions actually are. Although they will both keep you from consuming dairy, they are caused by different problems within the body, have different symptoms, and are sometimes treated differently as well. If you have any symptoms of an intolerance to dairy or know anyone with either of these conditions, then it can be tricky to maneuver the dairy free lifestyle, but have no fear! We have compiled all the information you need to tell the difference between a milk allergy and lactose intolerance, as well as helpful tips on how to deal with either condition.
Lactose Intolerance
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.
Dairy Allergy
A dairy allergy can be a lot more severe than lactose intolerance, in most cases, as it involves the immune system, not just the digestive tract. Your body will react negatively to milk or dairy products, treating them as a harmful substance, and produce histamines that cause allergic symptoms. These can be as mild as a rash but could also be as dangerous as anaphylaxis, depending on how severe your allergy is. Typically, a dairy allergy is a more immediate danger than lactose intolerance. You are more likely to develop a dairy allergy if you have any other allergies, eczema, or your family has milk allergies.
Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance or Dairy Allergy
The symptoms of both lactose intolerance and dairy allergy are quite similar and typically involve bloating, nausea, abdominal pain, or diarrhea. However, allergies may also include your usual allergic symptoms such as rashes, trouble breathing, congestion or itching, so if you experience any of these associated with consuming dairy, then visit your health care professional as soon as possible for an allergy panel. The symptoms of lactose intolerance often take around 30 minutes up to two hours to take effect within your body, whereas allergic symptoms can appear much more suddenly in most cases.
Commonality of Both
Both of these conditions are fairly common in America, although they have somewhat different target patients. Dairy allergies are one of the most common allergies and seems to be especially common in children under the age of five. In fact, about 2% of children under the age of three have developed a dairy allergy, but the good news is that most children do outgrow their dairy allergies by the age of five. Lactose intolerance, on the other hand, is more commonly developed with age. Most lactose intolerance patients develop it by the time they are around 20 years old, but it gets increasingly common the older you get, and is found in a high percentage of elderly patients. Somewhere around 30 to 50 million Americans are thought to have lactose intolerance. Of note, lactose intolerance seems to affect certain racial groups more than othersAfrican Americans, Asians, and Native Americans have especially high percentages of lactose intolerance.
Getting Tested for Lactose Intolerance or Dairy Allergy
A dairy allergy test is fairly straightforwardif you or your doctor suspect a dairy allergy, you can undergo a typical allergen panel or blood test done to confirm the existence of your allergy. For lactose intolerance, the test is a little different, and there are a few options. You may consume a liquid that is high in lactose, after which your doctor will measure your sugar levels before and after consumption. If your blood sugar levels do not increase, then the lactose is not being digested, and you probably do not have quite enough lactase being produced. You also could consume the same liquid and have your doctor measure your breath hydrogen levels. If your stomach does not break down the lactose, then your colon will do it, producing enough hydrogen to measure in your breath. Babies are typically tested with a stool acidity test, measuring the amount of lactic acid in their stool. Either way, all three of these tests will determine if you have lactose intolerance. From there, you can move on to treatment options for lactose intolerance.
Treating Your Dairy Intolerance
Depending on which type of intolerance you have, your treatment options are slightly different, although both are best treated by simply avoiding milk or dairy products altogether. Most people with lactose intolerance can enjoy the occasional dairy product, but should still limit their consumption of milk to increase general digestive comfort. There are lactase enzyme pills that can be taken with food that simulate some of the enzymes you need to break down the lactose in the stomach. If you are allergic, on the other hand, then you should never consume milk or dairy if you can avoid it. Depending on how severe your allergy is, you may need to carry an Epi-Pen for emergencies or keep some antihistamines handy in case of a surprise allergic reaction. Allergies can worsen over time in some patients, so be careful to stay up to date on your allergy medications, even if you have not had a reaction in a long time.
Eating a Dairy Free Diet
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!