1. Allergy
Cows milk allergy is one of the most common food allergies affecting children. An allergic response occurs as the immune system reacts to the proteins casein & whey found in milk, causing the body to produce antibodies. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to milk can be mild, causing hives, welts & swelling but can be as severe as anaphylaxis, although this is rare. If there is an allergic reaction to cow’s milk, this will usually mean there can be a reaction to other animal milk such as goats. With an allergy, all dairy products, milk solids and traces of dairy in any product should be avoided.
2. Intolerance
Dairy and/or lactose (the natural sugar found in milk) intolerances differ from dairy allergies; intolerances will not cause a severe reaction or anaphylaxis. Intolerances occur when a chemical reaction occurs after eating or drinking, often caused by a digestive issue. Dairy intolerances have been linked to asthma, chronic fatigue, and irritable bowel syndrome. Symptoms can include but are not limited to headaches, nausea, bloating, diarrhoea, and mucous build-up.
3. Veganism
Vegans do not consume any food containing animal meat or animal by-products, including dairy. This can be due to personal beliefs (not supporting all forms of exploitation or cruelty to animals for food, clothing or other purpose). People can also choose not to eat dairy for religious beliefs. A vegan diet can be very healthy and nutritious with the appropriate understanding of essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals and how to source them from fruits, vegetables, legumes and grains.
4. Chronic Inflammation
The modern Western diet contains lots of dairy products, which are also very inflammatory to our digestive system. Through modern food production, we are now consuming milk products with many additives and preservatives contributing to this inflammation. For example, think of supermarket-branded milk, which contains added hormones that make them acid forming in the body.
Inflammation can present a number of ways in the body. Chronic inflammation occurs in many disease states, such as cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and gastrointestinal disorders as well as autoimmune diseases. People suffering from these diseases are often advised to reduce their dairy intake. The paleo way of eating is a common lifestyle and diet method to reduce inflammation.
If you are dairy free you don’t need to miss out on those special foods – check out our gluten and dairy-free recipes on our Recipes Page.
