I’m here today to clear a few things up when it comes to dairy allergy facts. Whether you’re aware of it or not, you know someone who suffers from dairy allergies, or you suffer from them yourself. I’m going to say something, and I want need you to repeat it with me:

SHOUT IT FROM THE ROOFTOPS: “Not everyone is lactose intolerant! I will not assume that someone who says they’re allergic to dairy is lactose intolerant. In fact, lactose intolerancy isn’t an allergic reaction at all.” <fistpump>

Your reward for this deed: Dairy-Free Ahi Poke Recipe

Whew! Doesn’t that feel good? I can’t tell you how many people (nearly all I encounter) assume I’m lactose intolerant – oftentimes talking over me when I’m answering their question – when I tell them I’m allergic to milk…some are even lactose intolerant people! No worries though everyone – we’re all in this together. So let’s learn a bit:

An allergic reaction is an autoimmune defense – lactose intolerance is not an autoimmune response, it’s a digestion problem. For the parents out there, this has to be tough to tell whether the usual tummy ache and flushed skin is actually an allergic reaction to milk.

Here’s a breakdown to clear a few things up:

There are 2 Main Proteins in Milk: Casein & Whey

Apha-s1 Casein: This is the main protein found in cow milk, which is often referred to as the curd, or part of the milk that coagulates and solidifies. This is different from the casein in goat milk (alpha-s2 casein), so goat milk is often a match made in heaven when it comes to finding a cow milk alternative that tastes rich and creamy.

Whey: After milk curdles, the liquid that remains is called “whey”. Yep, that yucky stuff that you pour out of the cottage cheese container.

Wait then – What IS lactose?

Believe it or not, lactose is just sugar that’s found in milk. Although it’s a natural sugar, it is a sugar nonetheless, and many people are unable to digest it. Something I’ve always wondered about is the connection between diabetes and lactose intolerance. Never needed to find out since it hasn’t affected me personally.

Have you ever experienced this? Reddit users have!

Comment below if you have experienced this yourself, know someone who has, or if you learned something new :)

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Am I Allergic? Click to read more >>

Sources:

Breaking the Vicious Cycle

G.I. Kids

Mayo Clinic