Your bones will be stronger and healthier if you drink milk. But it is also an allergen, especially in children.
A surprising number of children younger than three years old are allergic to milk. This number ranges from 2% to 3%. You should know what to do if you have a milk allergy.
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How does lactose intolerance differ from a milk allergy?
Proteins found in milk cause milk allergies. The milk proteins trigger a variety of symptoms when the immune system reacts to them.
Your body’s reaction to lactose (a natural sugar found in milk) is lactose intolerance. The condition is neither an allergy nor an immune reaction. Lactose intolerance occurs when your body lacks lactase, necessary for breaking down lactose.
You can ask your healthcare provider if you are lactose intolerant or allergic to milk. You can then go for lactose-free milk Australia that you can even order online and delivered right at your door steps.
Which symptoms are associated with a milk allergy?
When you drink milk or eat milk food, your symptoms may begin right away or hours later. Here are some of the symptoms you may experience:
- Gas, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea are some symptoms of stomach cramps and gas (flatulence)
- Skin rash, hives, eczema, redness and itching
- eye, face, lip, throat, and tongue swelling
An allergic reaction to milk can be deadly in rare cases.
A lactose intolerant person also experiences gas, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and vomiting. Lactose intolerance does not cause rash, hives, runny nose, coughing, and swelling.
Foods containing or suspected to contain milk or milk proteins should be avoided.
- Brown sugar
- Candies
- French fries, potato chips, instant mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes i.e
What alternatives are there to milk for calcium and vitamin D?
Calcium and vitamin D can also be obtained from other foods. Among these are fortified soy beverages. The calcium and vitamin D content of one cup of fortified soy beverage is equivalent to one cup of milk. Vitamin D can be obtained by drinking at least two cups of fortified soy beverage. Blend berries and spinach together with soy beverages to make a fun frog smoothie.
A calcium and vitamin D supplement may also be beneficial to you. You should consult a dietitian before taking a supplement.
What can a dietitian do for you?
Nutritionally balanced and a dietitian can plan allergen-free meals and snacks. The dietitian can help you ensure that you get enough calcium and vitamin D if you have a milk allergy. In the case of a milk allergy, a dietitian can provide you with guidance on weaning and the best milk alternatives for your baby or child. Get in touch with one today!
In conclusion
It is still possible to eat a healthy, balanced diet with a milk allergy. Don’t forget to eat other food that’s high in calcium and vitamin D. If you have lactose intolerance, don’t drink milk after dinner. Don’t take chances with products that might contain milk or milk ingredients. Milk allergy can be avoided by reading the ingredient list every time.
