Following a Milk Free Diet

Allergy to dairy foods

An allergy to dairy foods can manifest itself in a variety of symptoms, from eczema and catarrh to stomach disorders and migraine.

An allergy can develop at any stage during life, and a milk allergy can even occur in a newly born child. If any of the above conditions occur in severity, it may be worth excluding dairy foods from the diet for a specific period of time, eg. 3 months, and noting any effect on the condition.

What to eat to replace milk

It is most often the lactose in cows' milk which irritates the allergy and goats milk may be a satisfactory substitute. Basic substitute foods for milk products are soya milk and desserts, soya margarine and tofu cheeses and spreads. 'Goats' milk can also be used, although it must be noted that sheeps' milk does contain lactose.

Once an allergy to milk foods has been established, all dairy products should be avoided. This includes any foods containing the following: Glass of milk

Milk Solids:

Caseinates:

Caseinates (milk protein) are frequently used to increase nutritional value in manufactured foods and especially in slimming products and cheeses.

Ingredients listings of manufactured foods should be checked, but of the manufactured products mentioned below, many will contain caseinate. Note also that margarine may contain whey and many pharmaceutical products contain lactose (milk sugar) as a filler.

The most common manufactured products to avoid or check carefully:

Sounds a lot? But don't worry; there are an increasing number of soya and tofu alternatives on the market.

Maintaining a Balanced Diet

Milk is rich in protein, calcium and Vitamins A and B and it is important to insure an adequate intake of these elements when on an dairy-free diet. Soya is rich in protein, and other foods of importance in a dairy-free diet are potatoes, vegetable oil and fish. Cod liver oil or fish oils are rich in vitamin A. Calcium is found in sardines, watercress, figs, rhubarb, almonds and other nuts. Fresh fruit and vegetables are a good source and vitamins and minerals (especially important for children for the formation of strong, healthy teeth and bones). T.V.P and Quinoa are other useful high protein foods.

Support Groups

You may like to contact one or other of the following groups (send a large stamped addressed envelope):

Further Points to note

In cases of severe allergy, cleanliness in the home and kitchen is important, eg. use a separate spoon for stirring drinks with milk and for drinks without milk. Watch for dustiness of milk powder. If you do have a medical problem which you suspect may be caused by diet, consult your doctor who may refer you to a hospital dietician (or you can make a appointment with a dietician directly). The dietician will refer you to a specialist if necessary.

Recipes

(serves one)

Chick Pea Spread

  1. Mash 200g (7oz) cooked chick peas.
  2. Stir in 1 tbsp soya yoghurt, ½tsp ground cummin. ½tsp ground coriander and a few drops of Tabasco sauce.
  3. Serve in sandwiches, with lettuce or alfafa sprouts if desired.

Potato Salad

  1. Cook 225g (½lb) potatoes until tender. Cool slightly.
  2. Mince 1 spring onion and 3 olives and mix with ½tsp garlic salt, ½tsp oregano and 1tbsp olive oil.
  3. Dice potatoes and add to mix. Cover and chill.

Strawberry "Cheese"

  1. Spoon 150g (5oz) natural soya yoghurt into a cheese cloth or square of muslin. Gather up and suspend over a bowl. Leave to drip over night.
  2. Mash a few strawberries. Stir in yoghurt and "cheese" and add raw cane sugar to taste.