Dairy Free Diet
There's a big difference between people who are just allergic to cow's milk and people who are actually lactose intolerant. Dairy allergies occur when the body produces an immune system response against milk. Lactose intolerance occurs when the body is unable to digest the milk sugar, lactose because it doesn’t make enough of the enzyme called lactase.
The symptoms of a milk allergy can vary in severity and include rashes, vomiting and, in extreme, cases, anaphylactic shock which causes breathing problems. Lactose intolerant people can have similar symptoms and can feel very uncomfortable between 30 minutes and two hours after eating dairy products such as milk, cheese and yoghurts. As this reaction isn’t an immune system response, the problem can be helped by taking a lactase supplement (this won't help a Dairy allergy).
If you can’t have dairy you should avoid Cows milk (whole, low fat and non fat), cheese, yoghurt, cream, ice cream and butter. Some people can eat ice cream but others have to cut out dairy completely. It is also important to look out for dairy proteins in hidden ingredients such as: Curd, Whey, Casein, Caseinates, Rennet casein, Hydrosylates, Lactalbumin and Lactoglobulin.
Rice milk and almond milk can be used in place of cows milk. Soy yoghurt and soy beverages are also dairy substitutes.
Dairy products are the best source of calcium which is really important for healthy bones. If you don't eat dairy you should make sure you're getting enough calcium in other ways. Natural sources include nuts, pulses and green veg. You can take a calcium supplement but discuss with your GP first.
You should see your GP to find out if you're allergic or intolerant to dairy products and never put your child on a dairy free diet without consulting your GP first.