Dairy allergies do not cause constipation, according to MayoClinic.com. A true dairy allergy will cause the opposite problem, diarrhea. Diarrhea is the result of the body rejecting the proteins found in the dairy products. If you experience constipation after drinking milk, you may have dairy intolerance, which is not the same condition, according to MayoClinic.com. Dairy intolerance is a digestive system disorder where the intestines don't create the appropriate enzymes to digest the proteins found in dairy. A dairy allergy is a hypersensitivity of the immune system that causes the body to attack the proteins found in dairy.
Lactose Intolerance Confusion
Diary allergies are commonly confused with lactose intolerance, a digestive tract malfunction that causes similar digestive symptoms as a milk allergy. Lactose intolerance occurs when your body doesn't produce lactase, the enzyme needed to break down lactose, a sugar found in milk. If you lack the lactase enzyme, lactose will sit in your digestive tract until it can be digested by bacteria in the gut. This will cause nausea, vomiting, bloating, gas and diarrhea, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
Dairy Allergies
A genuine dairy allergy is diagnosed by your doctor through various allergy tests. These tests look for the production of IgE antibodies, or immunoglobulin E. IgE antibodies are the type of antibody produced when the body is experiencing an allergic reaction. These antibodies are triggered when you drink milk and your immune system mistakes the proteins as a dangerous substance, according to Kids Health. The body creates different chemicals to attack the proteins to protect the body. These chemicals cause inflammation and swelling throughout the body, leading to digestive complications, nasal problems, asthma and skin reactions. A dairy allergy will not cause constipation.
Dairy Intolerance
According to DrGreene.com, dairy products can cause constipation if you're intolerant to the proteins in the milk. If you're unable to digest the proteins found in dairy products, the dairy will remain unprocessed, leading to constipation. If you haven't had a bowel movement in two to three days, call your doctor. Stop drinking milk until you can be seen by your doctor.
Consideration
If you eliminate dairy products from your diet, you will need to increase the amount of calcium and vitamin D you eat in your diet. Some milk substitutes are fortified with these nutrients. Other foods you can eat that are rich in calcium and vitamin D are spinach, broccoli and soy.
