What’s Wrong with Dairy

If you bloat easily, have weight, skin, autoimmune or digestive problems the odds are that diary is a culprit. Perhaps you’ve noticed that you do ok with some dairy products but not all. Furthermore, sometimes a bowl of ice cream doesn’t cause problems but another time it does. How confusing! Here’s a guide to help you determine how to proceed.

Both raw diary and goat milk products are easier to digest than pasteurized or cow dairy products. Some people find that using raw and/or goat products initially ease the problem. But all too often sensitivities and allergies develop for alternative dairy products as well!

Two components found in dairy, lactose (milk sugar) and protein are troublemakers for an increasing number of people. Also there’s what you bring to the table that exacerbates digestion. Here’s a thumbnail sketch of the problems followed by insights on regaining your digestive health.

Milk Protein (Casein)— if you are allergic to casein then your option is to abstain from all dairy products as this is an immunological reaction. Milk protein is, for you, a toxin.

Milk Sugar (Lactose) — The majority of the world’s population loses their ability to digest lactose in their youth. If you are one such person here are some options:

• Supplement with enzymes or digestive aids. Lactase is an enzyme that breaks down lactose and is available in digestive supplements or OTC pills. Some – but not all – people report success using lactase. Some people may find relief using other digestive aids such as lactobacillus acidophilus.
• Favor fermented dairy products like hard cheese and yogurt (rather than milk and cream cheese) as the fermentation process removes most of the lactose. Note: as the lactose in milk gives ice cream a gritty texture, ice cream is typically lactose-free.
• Try lactose-free milk or a non-dairy alternative like soy, almond or rice milk.

So much for the milk itself, now let’s examine why dairy might challenge your specific condition. A healthy digestive system effectively assimilates quality foods. Things that compromise digestion include:

1. Stress
2. Consumption of highly processed and refined foods
3. Chlorinated water
4. Alcohol
5. Antibiotics and many drugs
6. Chemical additives, colors and flavorings
7. Coffee is acidic and corrosive to the villi of the small intestine
8. Genetic propensities for food sensitivities and allergies
9. A caesarian birth

Who among us today has not insulted their digestion one or more of the above? Our opportunity is to nourish ourselves well with quality foods that we might regain our health and well being.

May you be well nourished,

Rebecca Wood