Choosing to follow a vegan diet may stem from your concern for animals and environmental factors, but your decision may also derive from health concerns. A vegan diet means that you will avoid animal products, and this includes eggs, meat and dairy products. Lactose intolerance may prompt you to explore veganism since part of being a vegan means giving up all foods that contain lactose. Discuss this option with your doctor to determine if veganism may benefit you.
Lactose Foods
Milk from animal sources is the main source for lactose, and many foods may contain or derive from milk. In addition to animal milk, other foods you should avoid include cheese, sour cream, ice cream, butter and yogurt. If you follow a vegan diet, you will avoid these products, and this will eliminate problems with lactose.
Avoiding Lactose
Choosing to follow a vegan diet will help you avoid intestinal problems related to lactose. However, you will need to read labels carefully to ensure that you do not consume products that contain lactose or other animal products, such as eggs, that you must avoid on a vegan diet. You may choose to shop in markets that have food sections dedicated to vegan eating, or focus more on whole foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains that do not contain additives that may contain animal products.
Options
If you still want to use milk and cheese, you can select from a variety of vegan options. Many vegans drink soy milk, almond milk or rice milk, as well as other varieties of plant-based milks. You may need to try a few different brands to see which you prefer. As well, you can use soy cheese, soy yogurt or other non-lactose products.
Considerations
A vegan diet will help you avoid consuming lactose products, but this eating plan will also require you to eliminate other foods. Eliminating foods could result in nutrient deficiencies, so you should consult your doctor prior to beginning a vegan diet or any other diet plan with food restrictions. Your doctor may recommend a multivitamin to ensure that you have the appropriate nutrient intake each day.
