If your doctor has prescribed a dairy avoidance diet, you will need to eliminate and avoid all products that contain dairy. Common conditions that may require dairy avoidance include a milk allergy, irritable bowel syndrome or Crohn's disease. While lactose intolerance is triggered by the sugar in dairy, taking supplements can help symptoms from developing. Dairy avoidance may be more difficult than you think because milk proteins are in a wide array of products. Talk with a dietitian to determine the best diet for your condition.
Conditions
If you have a milk allergy, ingesting the smallest amount of dairy proteins can cause a severe reaction, which can lead to life-threatening symptoms. Common symptoms of a milk allergy include throat swelling, hives, shortness of breath, lightheadedness and digestive complications. Digestive conditions, such as IBS and Crohn's disease may be triggered when you ingest dairy products. If your doctor recommends a dairy avoidance diet, do not consume any dairy products without first consulting your doctor.
Dairy Avoidance
Diary avoidance will most likely include all forms of dairy-based milk, such as goat's milk, cow's milk and sheep milk. Obvious foods that are made from dairy include yogurt, buttermilk, milk, milk solids, powdered milk, evaporated milk, cream, sour cream, cream cheese, butter, curds, whey protein, cottage cheese, ice cream, custard and creamy sauces. Avoid all these products or foods that contain these products.
Hidden Sources
Some foods may not appear to be made with dairy but include dairy. Read the labels of all foods. Common foods and ingredients that milk is used are nougat, scalloped foods, coffee creamers, nondairy products, chocolate, hard candy, malted milk, margarines, pudding, lactose, lactoglobulin, lactalbumin phosphate, casein and sodium caseinate. The FDA requires that all packaged food place an allergy warning label on the package stating that the product contains milk. If you are unsure if a product has milk in it, avoid consuming it and talk with your dietitian. Inform your server at a restaurant before ordering that you need to avoid dairy.
Substitution
Use milk substitutes that do not contain any milk or milk proteins, such as soy milk, almond milk, rice milk or coconut milk. You may also need to increase your intake of calcium and vitamin D from other food sources, such as kale, spinach and broccoli. Most milk substitutes, such as soy milk, are fortified with these nutrients, making them a suitable replacement without you having to worry about supplements.
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