It seems like a Gluten intolerance gets a lot of attention in the news these days. Although Gluten intolerance, or what is better known as Celiac disease, can lead to serious health problems including gastrointestinal problems and other physical maladies, dairy allergy can also have serious health effects but receives far less attention. The problem with a dairy allergy is that many people have symptoms, but that may appear hours or even days after consuming a dairy product.
In addition to the problem of identifying a dairy allergy because of delayed symptoms, the other problem is that so many of our foods contain "hidden" dairy products. For example, casein is a milk phosphoprotein that is used in making "vegatarian cheeses" and supplements. Although it's not a "pure" dairy product, it can still lead to dairy sensitivity reactions. Other products containing casein include bakery glazes, breath mints, nutrition bars, processed meats, salad dressing, whipped topping, ice cream, high-protein beverage powders, and fortified cereals among other items.
Reactions to dairy can include gas, diarrhea, skin rash and fatigue. More severe side effects include hives, asthma, and anaphylaxis or suffocation from the throat closing shut. Dairy allergy is the most common allergy in the U.S., but is not to be confused with lactose intolerance. A dairy allergy occurs when the immune system accidentally interprets the proteins in a dairy product as a harmful substance to the body. As a result, the immune system sends out antibodies to fight the "harm" and this causes the allergic reaction. A lactose intolerance is an inability to digest the sugar lactose and can also result in side effects, but does not involve the immune system. To test if you have a dairy allergy, it is suggested that you first try eliminating casein-containing foods, lactose-containing foods, all pure dairy products, and any processed foods containing milk. Then introduce low-fat or skim milk back into your diet after the two weeks are over–but just 4 ounces two times a day. On the next two days, go back to your dairy-free plan and see if you notice any reactions from the days before when you were drinking milk. This should tell you if you have a reaction, although it is a slow and tedious process.
