Lacto/dairy free - has anyone tried and how have you got on?

newbie_bonnie_blue

I've been dairy free for 18 months. Before I gave it up I ate dairy with most meals, drinking over a pint a milk a day. I didn't have any noticeable problems, but was encouraged to give up "just to see" by my vegan boyfriend.

Since giving it up I've lost two stone, and easily kept it off. I think it boils down to being largely restricted on desserts (no more tiramisu!). My hay fever has pretty much disappeared, and I no longer snore - at all. I feel amazing and my stomach is no longer bloated.

I had an unfortunate episode in Starbucks when they messed up my order and failed to give me the soya milk I requested. I was ill all day. But I think it just goes to show that my body was just tolerating it anyway. I make sure I get my calcium through other sources like green leafy vegetables.

All in all, I'd encourage any adult to give it up for 30 days just to see if it makes you feel any better. It's one of the best decisions I ever made.

jeddentad

you can use lactase supplements as well if giving up dairy in full isn't going to work for you.

(my father is lactose intolerant, my ability to process it seems to be less than normal, but not totally gone)

theoretica

I think that it is most sensible to give up dairy totally for the first trial month. If you give up with any of the exceptions posters suggest and don't feel better you won't know if you should try going totally dairy free or not as different cheats work for different people. Much simpler to know if you have a problem with dairy and then see which if any of the suggestions you can tolerate.

trigger2

Hi

Jenniwb - I have just pm'd you for a bit of advice. Am interested in anyone's help as found my GP's answer of 'just get on with it' less than helpful after being told to go try an elimination diet. I did this, eliminating firstly dairy then gluten and I did feel much better. But I have no idea what I'm reacting to, negative coeliac tests so suspect dairy, GP reluctant to refer me for any further advice so am plundering along in the dark :-/ Very frustrating as I never used to feel like this

regards

trigger

terra_ferma

trigger2 wrote: »

Hi

Jenniwb - I have just pm'd you for a bit of advice. Am interested in anyone's help as found my GP's answer of 'just get on with it' less than helpful after being told to go try an elimination diet. I did this, eliminating firstly dairy then gluten and I did feel much better. But I have no idea what I'm reacting to, negative coeliac tests so suspect dairy, GP reluctant to refer me for any further advice so am plundering along in the dark :-/ Very frustrating as I never used to feel like this

regards

trigger

I think there are two ways of doing it, either you eliminated totally one class of foods (eg dairy, wheat or gluten) and see what happens, if that doesn't work you try a different one, reintroducing the first one. But if you have problems with both this system is a bit tricky.

The best way seems to be a proper elimination diet, eliminating most known triggers, and then re-introduce them one at the time according to the instructions.

The problem with removing two is that you don't know if it's one or the other or both.

~Chameleon~

I'm sensitive to lactose although not completely intolerant but I found switching to goat/cheese/buffalo dairy products helped enormously. I avoid cow dairy where possible.

Katiehound

The soya chocolate puddings are on offer in Morrisons at present- 2 sets for £2.50 (8 puddings)

If you want a dairy free spread I found Vitalite- clearly says "Dairy free" on label (lots of the things you would think are dairy free contain whey etc)
This says "suitable for spreading, baking,sauces, shallow frying and freezing"

terra_ferma

OP you did you get on?

I've just started two-three weeks DF, and I already hate it .
I can't drink black coffee, my milky coffee is non-negotiable. I use almond milk, I suppose I'll get used to it (tastes really nice on its own though, I'm going to make my own and will still use it even if I don't need to go DF).

Pure spread is tasteless, and root mash without butter and milk, just olive oil, tasted just like boiled veggies (as that's what the are lol).
But I'm sure if I need to be DF I'll find ways round these problems (will also need to look at my calcium intake).

The fun will start if dairy free doesn't do anything to me, and will have to add gluten free, which doesn't even bear thinking about...

lostinrates

Can I just suggest any one thinking they might be lactose intolerant and is having assisiated problems request a referral for hydrogen breath test?

They are simple and painless and I believe fairly conclusive. The person doing mine gave me the joyless news we all become lactose intolerant eventually if we live long enough anyway......

Anoneemoose

Hi again.

I am afraid I caved. I found it too difficult. I know I should probably keep going but have had a lot going on with decorating and it being my birthday!!

I know I should try again probably but I shall have to plan better the next time!