Got food allergies? Let’s look at Dairy allergy and intolerances, what is the difference?

Having a dairy allergy or food intolerance is not fun. It can cause abdominal pain, discomfort, and nausea. It also causes embarrassing symptoms like flatulence and diarrhea. Other symptoms linked to food intolerances include muscle or joint pain, headaches, exhaustion, and even skin symptoms like rashes and eczema.

What is a Dairy Allergy?

Dairy is just one of those foods that many people seem have problems with. Often people are diagnosed with a lactose intolerance but in fact have a dairy allergy. By definition, an allergy is an immune mediated response to that food, an intolerance involves the lack of having the enzyme to break down that particular food. Knowing the difference is key so you know how to treat it. Often people with dairy allergies have very similar and even identical symptoms as intolerances.

Let’s talk about the main components of milk that people react to: lactose, casein, and whey.

Lactose intolerance

 

It’s estimated that up to 75% of adults are lactose intolerant. Lactose is the carbohydrate “milk sugar” naturally found in most dairy products. Lactose intolerance is so common you can buy lactose-free milk in your regular grocery store. Lactose-free products are treated with the enzyme “lactase” that breaks the lactose down before you ingest it. It’s this lactase enzyme that is lacking in most people who are lactose intolerant.

 

The lactase enzyme is naturally released from your intestine as one of your digestive enzymes. It breaks down the lactose sugar in the gut. When someone doesn’t have enough lactase, the lactose doesn’t get broken down the way it should. Undigested lactose ends up being food for the resident gut microbes. As they ferment the lactose, they create gases that cause bloating, flatulence, pain, and sometimes diarrhea.

 

Lactose is in dairy but is in lower amounts in fermented dairy (e.g. cheese & yogurt) and butter. Steering clear of lactose isn’t that easy as it is added to other foods like baked goods, soups, and sauces. And if you’re taking any medications or supplements, check to see if it’s in there too, as lactose is a common ingredient in them.

If you have symptoms of lactose intolerance, keep an eye on food, medication, and supplement labels. Also, note there might be a hidden dairy allergy, testing is key to finding the root cause.

Struggling to know how to shop or what to cook with food allergies? Check out our signature course, The Food Allergy Formula Available Now!

 

Milk protein dairy allergy: 

 

Milk is a known, and common, food allergen. In Canada, it is considered a “priority allergen” and must be declared on food labels.

So, what are the allergens in milk?

You’ve heard of “curds and whey?” Well, these are the two main proteins in milk which can lead to dairy allergy. The solid bits are the curds (made of casein), and the liquid is the dissolved whey.

Unlike lactose intolerance, casein and whey can cause an actual immune response. It’s an allergy. And this immune response can cause inflammation. In fact, we don’t know how many people have these milk allergies, but most estimates put it far below that of lactose intolerance.

 

Like lactose, these allergenic milk proteins can be found in other products too. They’re not just in dairy but are often in protein powders as well (Have you heard of “whey” protein powders?).

 

Some of the symptoms of milk protein allergy differ from that of lactose intolerance; things like nasal congestion and mucus (phlegm) are more common here. And casein seems to be linked with belly fat.

 

Interestingly, people who have gluten intolerance are often allergic to milk proteins like whey and casein as well. These can go hand-in-hand.

 

Like lactose intolerance, if you’re allergic to casein and whey keep an eye on labels so you can avoid these.

Understanding dairy allergy

If you get gassy, bloated, or diarrhea after eating dairy, you may have a lactose intolerance. If you often get a stuffy nose and mucus, then you may be allergic to casein and/or whey.

 

While dairy may be an entire food group, it is not an essential nutrient. All the nutrients in dairy are available in other foods. If you experience these symptoms, you can try removing dairy from your diet. You may find improved digestion and fewer gut issues. Or you may find improved nasal congestion, or even less belly fat.

 

Recipe (Dairy-free): Chocolate Ice “Cream”

Serves 2

3 bananas, sliced and frozen
2 tsp cacao powder, unsweetened
1 tbsp almond butter

 

Instructions:

• Place frozen bananas in food processor and blend until smooth (a few minutes). You may have to stop a few times to scrape the sides.
• Add cacao powder and almond butter and blend until mixed well.

Serve & enjoy! Tip: You can make this in advance and freeze in an airtight container.

 

If you or someone you know suffers from IBS or food allergies, suffer no more! We offer many natural solutions to digestive concerns and specialize in food allergies.

Give us a call today (425) 686-4498 to schedule your initial consultation and learn how we can help.

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Dr. Ellie Heintze, ND, LAc, is a naturopathic doctor and acupuncturist in Bothell, WA at her practice Starting Point Acupuncture. She is a pain specialist, seeing people who suffer from chronic pain, migraines, as well as digestive issues. Offering pain relief injections, acupuncture, facial rejuvenation, and nutrition consults. Most insurances accepted. Dr. Ellie Heintze is also the author of the book, A Starting Point Guide to Going Gluten-Free on Amazon.

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References:

https://authoritynutrition.com/11-proven-ways-to-reduce-bloating/

https://www.dietvsdisease.org/how-to-get-rid-of-bloating/

https://www.dietvsdisease.org/11-warning-signs-you-have-a-food-intolerance/

https://authoritynutrition.com/dairy-foods-low-in-lactose/

https://authoritynutrition.com/lactose-intolerance-101/

https://www.precisionnutrition.com/whey-protein-allergies-intolerances-bloating

https://www.precisionnutrition.com/all-about-food-sensitivities

https://www.thepaleomom.com/the-great-dairy-debate/

https://nutritionfacts.org/video/is-milk-and-mucus-a-myth/

https://nutritionfacts.org/video/milk-protein-vs-soy-protein/

https://examine.com/supplements/casein-protein/

https://examine.com/supplements/whey-protein/

https://foodallergycanada.ca/about-allergies/food-allergens/milk/

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blood-pressure/milk-protein-may-lower-blood-pressure