Lactose intolerance and a milk allergy are commonly thrown around and used interchangeably with one another. However, they are not as similar as they may seem. When someone is lactose intolerant it means that their body does not produce enough lactase - the enzyme that breaks down the lactose in milk products. Being lactose intolerant is not a life threatening condition, but as anyone with intolerance knows, it can be extremely uncomfortable.
The most common symptoms of being lactose intolerant are:
Bloating
Gas
Diarrhea
Stomach cramps
Nausea
The symptoms can occur anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours after eating foods with lactose in it. Dairy allergy symptoms are very similar to lactose intolerant symptoms, but can be much more dangerous.
Dairy allergy symptoms include:
Hives, rashes, and itchiness
Vomiting
Wheezing and shortness of breath
Diarrhea
Swelling of the lips, throat, and/or tongue
Anaphylaxis
Dairy and milk allergies act the same as many other allergies where the immune system tries to fight off the unwanted substance. Milk is a common allergy and part of the top eight allergens identified by the FDA.
Many people may learn of their allergy or intolerance and not know where to go, it seems as if everything is made from milk, but there are an abundance of dairy and milk alternatives with more options becoming available.
There are various animal milk alternatives that include almond, soy, rice, flax seed, coconut, oat milk and more all coming in a variety of flavors and styles. The choices may be overwhelming and some may not seem pleasing to you at first, but they all have their benefits when it comes to dairy alternatives.
By playing around with each, you’ll see which milk alternative best fits your needs for breakfast milk, baking milk, smoothie milk, and more.
Soy milk and almond milk are great non dairy milk alternatives for when you have a sweet tooth and want to get some baking done. Soy milk lacks a strong enough flavor to alter the baked goods.
Looking for a sweet milky taste to pair with your breakfast cereal? Flax seed milk and a sweetened almond milk are perfect pairs for cereal in the morning.
Cashew, coconut, and oat milks are perfect for smoothies due to their lightness while still having a slightly sweet taste that enhances your fruits instead of overpowering them. If you’d rather have coffee in the morning, there are plenty of oat and coconut coffee creamers to choose from.
In the mood for a savory snack or yummy dinner? Cashew milk is a great dairy alternative for making cheese like substances for queso and even some creamy mac and cheese.
The world without dairy may seem complicated but once you find the milk alternative that works best for you, it becomes much easier - and sweeter! Don’t let your dairy allergies and intolerance keep you from enjoying your favorite foods.
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