Dairy Intolerance - Test Yourself!

Having a milk or dairy intolerance means that your immune system reacts negatively to certain proteins present in dairy products. There are specific proteins in cow’s, sheep’s and goat’s milk.

How to detect a milk and dairy intolerance?

A general food intolerance test is not able to distinguish between different proteins in different dairy products. However only an accurate food intolerance test, such as the one we perform in our practice in Edinburgh, will be able to determine with accuracy which dairy products are involved in an immunological reaction. This will help you to target precisely your dietary choices.

What to do in case I am diagnosed intolerant to dairy and milk?

The first plan of action is to avoid all dairy food for a period of time that will help your gut to re-establish the right balance with the immune system.

This includes:

• Milk (whole, semi skimmed, skimmed, lactose-free, UHT, condensed, powdered)

• Cream (single, double, soured, whipping, aerosol)

• Cheeses (hard, soft, spreadable, brie, mascarpone)

• Yoghurt

• Butter and buttermilk

• Creme fraiche

• Ice cream

• Fromage frais

• Desserts (Tiramisu, Pancakes)

NOTE: Milk as an ingredient may be named differently which may make it difficult to identify. While checking packed products watch out for names such as: Casein, Lactose, Caseinate, Lactoglobulin, Lactalbumin – if you see it, stay safe, and put it back on the shelf.

Dairy intolerance or lactose intolerance?

Intolerance to dairy is different to lactose intolerance. Lactose is a sugar found in milk, while milk and dairy intolerance applies to proteins found in dairy products. Remember to avoid lactose-free products if you suffer from milk and dairy intolerance.

Dairy products are an important part of a healthy diet as they provide a high amount of calcium and a complete set of proteins. If you have a milk and dairy intolerance and need to avoid these products, remember to replace them with products that contain similar nutrients to avoid deficiencies in your body.

Milk alternatives:

• Coconut milk

• Rice milk

• Oat milk

• Almond milk → contains monounsaturated fats, necessary for a healthy heart

• Soya milk→ contains a complete set of proteins

• Hemp milk

Butter alternatives:

• Sunflower oil spread

• Olive oil spread

• Hummus

• Avocado

• Ghee butter

Cheese alternatives:

• Soya cheese

• Cashew nut cheese

• Sunflower seeds paste

If you think you may be allergic or intolerant to dairy then please make an appointment for a free Pre-Consultation with us. Our experts will listen to your health concerns and can book you in for Food Intolerance or Food & Environmental Allergy test.