Dairy

Dairy is now the number one food allergy.  There are dairy allergies and also the more commonly known lactose intolerance.  These are two different things.  The dairy allergy is usually to the protein in the diary.  The lactose intolerance is due to an inability to break down a sugar in the milk.  People with lactose intolerance can often tolerate some dairy.  Dairy allergies or sensitivities usually require elimination of all dairy.  Some people conclude they must avoid milk and are surprised to find they must also avoid yogurt, cheese, ice cream, sour cream, and BUTTER.  There go the cream based soups, mashed potatoes, baked goods with dairy, and so many desserts.  The not-so-obvious sources of dairy include curds, whey, rennet, and casein (a milk protein).   Any substances with “casein” in the word or “lacto-“ as a prefix likely also need to be avoided.   Some dark chocolate is dairy-free, but milk chocolate is obviously not.  Dairy can show up in weird places like tuna (processed with a casein derivative), caramel, mints, soap, broths, medications, and some artificial sweeteners. 

Some people who are sensitive to cow’s milk, can tolerate goat’s milk. That protein is easier to digest.  People with a true milk allergy  may not be able to have any milk. 

The Kids with Food Allergies website has a comprehensive list of things you need to avoid when trying to avoid dairy. 

http://www.kidswithfoodallergies.org/resourcespre.php?id=37&title=Milk_allergy_avoidance_list&gclid=CL7Z7Yjlk7YCFY1aMgodGxQAoA

Because of the high rate of dairy allergies and sensitivities, alternatives are available. We use Earth Balance Coconut Spread because it does not contain soy either.  It works really well as a butter alternative.  All the kids like it.

PLEASE DO NOT CONSIDER THIS MEDICAL ADVICE.  CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT ANY ALLERGY CONCERNS, NOT WITH A FRIENDLY BLOGGER.