Are you new to Dairy Free?
If so, you're not alone! Currently, it is believed that 60% of the population DOES NOT have the ability to digest milk correctly. YIKES! That means that most the population is continuing to consume dairy even though it gives them some side affect! And those side affects can range from:
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Surprisingly, I have talked to some parents who have said their child is on a dairy free diet but still experiences some of the above symptoms. As I dive deeper, I usually find that not ALL dairy is actually eliminated. Cheese, butter, yogurt, or a snack with traces of milk in are all still DAIRY. In order to overcome the symptom, you must COMPLETELY AVOID ALL DAIRY.
Dairy Free vs. Lactose Free?
Lactose is a milk sugar found in all dairy products. Our bodies require Lactase to help break this sugar down. If our bodies do not have enough Lactase, dairy can not be properly digested and symptoms of gas, bloating, cramping and diarrhea will occur. If an individual is allergic to ONLY the Lactose, a digestive supplement of Lactase can be taken to help solve the issue. Lactose intolerance usually gets worse with age.
An individual allergic to all dairy (and not just the Lactose) is unable to break down the protein in the milk. This is evident from birth. For example, my daughter Audrey, when I was breastfeeding, would projectile vomit any time I consumed dairy products. Her skin would even break out with tiny bumps (called eczema) when I used a natural lotion that contained buttermilk. Her body simply could not handle dairy. Dairy intolerance is evident in infants and remains the rest of their life typically.
When purchasing Dairy Substitute items, pay attention to the label! Make sure the product is free from ALL DAIRY and casein. Lactose Free products still contain dairy.
An individual allergic to all dairy (and not just the Lactose) is unable to break down the protein in the milk. This is evident from birth. For example, my daughter Audrey, when I was breastfeeding, would projectile vomit any time I consumed dairy products. Her skin would even break out with tiny bumps (called eczema) when I used a natural lotion that contained buttermilk. Her body simply could not handle dairy. Dairy intolerance is evident in infants and remains the rest of their life typically.
When purchasing Dairy Substitute items, pay attention to the label! Make sure the product is free from ALL DAIRY and casein. Lactose Free products still contain dairy.
Does Gluten Free mean Dairy Free?
NO!
A lot of gluten free items will actually add dairy into their products because it helps with the overall flavor. So read labels carefully!
A lot of gluten free items will actually add dairy into their products because it helps with the overall flavor. So read labels carefully!
Substituting in Recipes...
Going Dairy Free is easier than you think. There are some simple substitutions when cooking your normal recipes. Chances are, after a while you may not even miss it! Below are some guidelines I follow:
If a recipe calls for:
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Sub with:
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My Dairy Free Recipes:
Just because you're dairy free doesn't mean you have to miss out! Here are some of my great dairy free subs:
Some great Dairy Free Websites:
I don't claim to be a Dairy Free expert! Here are some other great resources that can help!