Many people rely on milk as their primary source of calcium, which comes with its own set of problems due to the low concentration of calcium in the milk product. While it’s true that calcium absorption from milk might be problematic, the protein (casein) in milk is the main culprit and the reason our clinic discourages patients from drinking it.
Gluten is a hotly debated subject because it is a potentially harmful protein found in wheat and other grain-based foods. However, gluten’s collaborator in the crime of gluten is casein, a protein. They both have similar structural and functional properties and impacts on the body.
Casein is primarily found in dairy products, particularly cow’s milk. Aside from animal protein, cow’s milk has been a mainstay of the conventional western diet for a very long time now.
Advances in science and technology have made cow’s milk significantly safer for human consumption. Generally, these processes aim to remove fat from protein components or change the protein into something less harmful to our bodies.
All milk and dairy products should be prevented until IBD symptoms have completely disappeared for anyone with active symptoms like diarrhea or constipation, or blood and mucous in the stool.
Why Can I Have Yogurt but Not Milk?
Lactose is present in yogurt; however, many persons with lactose sensitivity can enjoy it because of its particular composition. In addition, because of the filtering and fermentation processes, it has less lactose than conventional yogurt, milk, and even ice cream.
In addition, the lactose in the product is broken down by the living and active cultures in it, making it easier for people to digest. Of course, lactose-free yogurt is also available.
The lactose-intolerant might wonder if yogurt contains dairy: does it? Lactose and other nutrients like protein and calcium are derived from the milk in which it is formed.
You may be capable of eating modest amounts of lactose as part of your meals or snacks, so if you’re lactose intolerant, you may be able to include dairy in your diet. Natural cheeses and strained yogurt are two examples of lactose-free dairy products. Slowly increase your intake once you’ve found a portion size that works for you. Lactose is not the same in all dairy products.
Another interesting tidbit is that most yogurts, including ordinary and Icelandic yogurts, contain living and active cultures that assist digestion. So even if you are lactose intolerant, the healthy bacteria in your gut can still aid in the digestion of lactose.
Why Can I Not Drink Milk but Can Eat Cheese?
After a hearty lunch, soft cheeses like camembert and brie are ideal companions. However, it is not enough to curdle or sour milk; a collection of enzymes called rennet must also be added.
Constipation, gas, and cramps are signs of lactose intolerance that affect people differently. It’s critical to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis because symptoms can be similar to those of other disorders.
A sensitivity to lactose does not imply an allergy to dairy. However, vomiting or diarrhea can lead to dehydration and weight loss. Nutritional deficits can occur if dairy products are avoided to avoid symptoms.
Due to structural changes in the milk’s proteins, rennet is a proteolytic enzyme or an enzyme that acts on proteins. What gives aged cheese its characteristic flavor and color are these enzymes that continue to function long after the initial curdling.
A modest amount of some lactose-containing foods may be safe for you to consume. In some cases, you may be able to eat cheese or yogurt but not drink milk. There is extremely little lactose in aged cheeses like cheddar and Swiss.
Some prepared items may have low-lactose cheese, so that’s an option. But, again, try a fair bit of food to see if it works for you.
Can You Be Lactose Intolerant to Milk but Not Other Dairy Products?
A dairy intolerance or allergy is not the same as lactose intolerance or allergy. Lactose intolerance and milk allergy are often confused, describing two different digestive issues. One is more severe than the other, yet the two phrases are sometimes used interchangeably.
A lack of lactase, the enzyme needed to break down lactose (the sugar present in milk and other dairy products), causes lactose intolerance. A reaction to the milk protein causes milk allergy, which is a natural food allergy.
If you or a child in your life has ever had a milk allergy, you know how serious it can be. Lactose intolerance is more prevalent, takes more time to develop, and can strike at any age. However, a milk allergy is distinct from lactose intolerance.
Less severe symptoms and a history of issues with dairy can usually distinguish lactose intolerance from milk allergy, although doctors aren’t always able to distinguish the two immediately once. Your physician may instruct you to keep a food diary, refrain from consuming dairy for some time, and then resume your consumption.
A limited amount of dairy may be tolerated by those with lactose intolerance. If you’re lactose-intolerant, choose hard cheeses and yogurts. Spinach, almonds, and dark leafy green vegetables are high in calcium, among other dairy-free meals.
Can You Be Lactose Intolerant to Yogurt but Not Milk?
You may find that eliminating all dairy from your diet improves your overall well-being. But this may not be required for everyone. For example, some people can eat cheese but not ice cream, while others can only eat yogurt and milk.
It’s good to eat and drink the things that don’t bother you while avoiding the ones that do. In addition, it’s a good idea to tell your doctor about any changes you’ve made to your diet so that they can be on the lookout for any possible nutrient deficiencies that may arise as a result.
If you’re worried about getting enough calcium from your diet, know that there are plenty of non-dairy options, such as fortified cereals and orange juice, kale, collard greens, garbanzo beans, and broccoli cooked in water.
Lactose-free milk and ice cream are available at most supermarkets. Like regular milk, they are a good source of calcium and vitamin D. For most people with lactose intolerance; these lactose-free dairy products are safe.
During infancy, the enzyme lactase is produced by your body, which then breaks down lactose, the sugar enclosed in milk and other dairy products. Lactase production in the human body ceases between two and five years old. Lactose intolerance is more common as you get older because of this.
Diarrhea, gas, and bloating are some of the symptoms of lactose intolerance that can occur within half an hour of consuming something that includes lactose. By avoiding milk products or using OTC or probiotic supplements if you are lactose intolerant, you may be able to prevent these symptoms.
