Having a milk intolerance or a dairy intolerance means that your immune system reacts negatively to certain proteins present in dairy products.
Dairy refers to the milk from any lactating farm animal like cow, sheep and goat. However, there are specific proteins in cow’s, sheep’s and goat’s milk so some people can tolerate sheep or goat's milk when they can't tolerate cow 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 might have a dairy intolerance then please book a free Pre-Consultation with our experts.