If you're allergic to dairy, the Cleveland Clinic states that you need to completely remove all dairy from your diet. Eating a small amount of dairy can cause allergy symptoms that range from unpleasant to life-threatening. If you have not been clinically diagnosed with a milk allergy, you need see a doctor. A dairy allergy is commonly confused with lactose intolerance, which can be managed through supplementation and diet. Lactose intolerance and a dairy allergy are two different conditions. Do not change your diet without first talking with your physician.
About
If you're allergic to dairy, you will develop various symptoms after eating or drinking a product with milk proteins in it. Common symptoms of a milk allergy, according to Kids Health includes: skin rashes, hives, eczema, nasal congestion, asthma, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Your body reacts this way to milk because it mistakes the proteins in the diary as dangerous when in fact they're safe. The immune system reacts by creating antibodies and other chemicals to protect the body. These chemicals cause inflammation and swelling to occur throughout the body. In rare cases, a milk allergy can lead to death.
Foods to Avoid
A food allergy is incurable but can be managed through your diet. Although it is impossible to completely avoid dairy, you can take certain measures to remove it from your diet as much as possible. Obvious products that contain milk that need to be eliminated are: milk, half and half, butter, cheese and yogurt. MayoClinic.com states that many processed foods contain milk proteins, such as sausage and breakfast cereals. Even if a product is labeled, "milk-free" or "non-dairy," doesn't mean that it does not contain milk proteins.
Foods to Include
The Cleveland Clinic states that dairy is the primary source for vitamin D and calcium in many people. It is important that you eat more foods that contain these nutrients in order to maintain your proper daily intake. Foods, such as broccoli, soy and spinach are good foods to include in your dairy allergy diet. Talk with your doctor to see if you should take oral supplements to ensure your daily intake. You can substitute dairy products with soy, rice or almond based beverages, frozen desserts and yogurts.
Consideration
Talk with your doctor about carrying an epinephrine pen on your person in case you accidentally ingest milk proteins. An epinephrine pen is used to treat a severe allergic reaction that could lead to death. Minor allergy symptoms from a milk allergy can be treated with an antihistamine and topical hydrocortisone cream, according to MayoClinic.com.
