What is the difference between Dairy Intolerance and Dairy Allergy?
Dairy allergy can cause serious swelling or even anaphylaxis shock. Dairy intolerance, on the other hand, shows different symptoms depending on whether its cause is casein or lactose.
To truly understand the above conditions we must first learn a bit about lactose and casein intolerance.
What is Lactose Intolerance?
Lactose intolerance or hypolactasia is lactose deficiency, which means the inability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk.
What are the symptoms of Lactose Intolerance?
The most common symptoms are:
- Abdominal bloating
- Cramps
- Flatulence
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Borborygmi ( rumbling stomach)
- Vomiting
Some studies also suggest, that lactose intolerant individuals get irritable bowel syndrome when consuming milk.
What is Casein Intolerance?
Casein Intolerance or casein allergy, as it is also referred, is a reaction to the milk protein casein. This happens when the body does not recognize the protein as a friendly substance and reacts with swelling, skin rashes etc.
What are the symptoms of Casein Intolerance?
- Swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, face, or throat
- Nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, coughing, or wheezing
- Skin reactions such as hives, a rash, or red, itchy skin
- Anaphylaxis is the most serious reaction to milk allergy, it is potentially life threatening and can occur very rapidly. It is especially dangerous to those who have asthma in addition to a serious food allergy (to casein).
Can I eat any milk products if I am Lactose Intolerant?
There are many dairy products available that are lactose free, check in your local store or online. You can find cheese, milk and yogurt that are lactose free.
Can I eat any milk products if I am Casein Intolerant?
If you are casein intolerant you should avoid all dairy products. You can try butter, which contains less casein than other milk products and if it doesn’t work you can try pure ghee, which contains casein in traces or at times not at all depending on its purity.
Watch a short video on how to avoid dairy in your daily diet
Video coming soon…
