Giving up/cutting down on dairy

FitFabFlirty92

A few days a go, I posted a topic on here about how my skin was breaking out terribly, and how I thought the berries in my fruit smoothies might be the cause. Some of the people who responded suggested that perhaps it was the dairy in the smoothies that was the real culprit. This makes sense, since dairy has always increased my sinus issues, added more mucus when I was sick, and generally just not made me feel very nice. I loved it so much that I didn't notice/care and continued to eat and drink it.

It's been a week now and I've drastically cut down on my dairy intake by switching from cow milk to vanilla flavored almond milk. I use it in my cereal and my coffee, and I'll try it in my smoothies to see if it helps with my skin troubles. I'm shocked that my favorite food group (besides meat, lol) caused such an awful reaction on my skin, but I'm glad I know now what the cause was and found a way to prevent it that works for me.

Do any of you have an allergy/intolerance towards dairy products? Have you had to eliminate dairy from your diet to see the health and weight loss results you needed?

squishycow7

I figured out I was lactose intolerant when I was about 19... I was having awful tummy trouble (I'll spare you the details) and since a coworker had recently made the same revelation, I decided to cut things out. I felt better pretty much instantly.

I find it's okay to have small amounts, like cream for my coffee or a slice of cheese on a sandwich don't seem to bother me. Also there are dairy products that are lower in lactose, like cheeses aged longer (like cheddar), and yogurts don't give me as much trouble because of the live cultures. I still try to avoid them but every once in a while in small amounts doesn't seem to hurt.

edit to add- as for weight loss I don't think it really had an effect, though it sure makes me bloated in the short term when I have too much, so that's sort of a self-esteem link, anyhow..

& I will say there is a difference between lactose intolerance and a dairy/lactose ALLERGY- not sure of which symptoms are which but if you're allergic, cut it all out completely. If you think you're just intolerant, small amounts may be okay.

FitFabFlirty92

Yikes! I am so sorry. My symptoms aren't nearly as bad. I'm not sure if what I'm dealing with is an allergy or an intolerance. Dairy in small doses doesn't seem to bother me much, it's only when I have it in large quantities through milk that I seem to have skin issues. Probably something I'll have to discuss with my doctor, but seeing other people's experiences has been very helpful!

Edit: This was for squishycow, I forgot to hit quote instead of reply!

FitandFab33

I gave up dairy when my son was born (he seemed to have a bit of an allergy/intolerance and he is exclusively breastfed). At this point it's safe to have dairy as he's outgrown his allergy/problems with dairy (at least the amount in breastmilk), but I don't need it. Except for the occasional yogurt or Greek yogurt, I just don't eat dairy. I realized I was eating a LOT of fatty foods as a result of my affinity for dairy- think creamy or cheesy sauces and cheese in general. A LOT of fat (and not the good kind) and a LOT of calories. I now use almond milk (and occasionally Silk coconut milk to mix it up) and I honestly don't miss dairy at all! Yes, it limits my meals somewhat, but what I'm "missing out" on is unneeded fat and excess calories. :-)

Tracepa98

I have severe issues with my sinuses and dairy heavily conflicts with them. I suffer from Chronic Sinusitis (swelling of sinuses) as well as VMR (Vasomotor Rhinitis)-(Constant filling of mucus in sinuses) and a deviated septum.

There is unfortunately no cure and little medication i can take. The only advice I was given was to avoid foods that trigger it. Dairy, caffeine etc.

So i had to limit the milk i drink, ice cream, cheese etc. Ive also switched to drinking a few ounces of chocolate soymilk.

As for restricting my dairy due to dieting, Ive cut back drastically on cheese as I now see how fattening it is. And Ive switched to a low cal low fat butter spread too.

bcattoes

A true milk allergy will cause a life threatening anaphylaxic reaction. If you have it, you would know it and would likely be told to carry an epi-pen with you at all times. Intollerance will cause lesser reactions.

I don't remember ever having any symptoms from milk, though I rarely drink it because I just don't like it. I switched to soy milk many years ago and have recently added almond milk to my diet as well. I do include reduced/low fat cheeses in my diet though because it helps meet my calcium goals without supplements. And cheese tastes good.

FitFabFlirty92

A true milk allergy will cause a life threatening anaphylaxic reaction. If you have it, you would know it and would likely be told to carry an epi-pen with you at all times. Intollerance will cause lesser reactions.

I don't remember ever having any symptoms from milk, though I rarely drink it because I just don't like it. I switched to soy milk many years ago and have recently added almond milk to my diet as well. I do include reduced/low fat cheeses in my diet though because it helps meet my calcium goals without supplements. And cheese tastes good.

That's good to hear! I'd hate to be allergic to dairy and never be able to eat it again. Judging by the fact that all I get is a little stomach irritation and acne, it seems I'm just intollerant. It stinks, but it sounds much more manageable.