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lactose intolerance calcium
Home 5 Dairy Intolerance 5 Is It Lactose Troubles or Allergic Responses?

Is It Lactose Troubles or Allergic Responses?

What is lactose intolerance?

Lactose is normally broken down into its constituent parts by the enzyme lactase in the small intestine. If you have lactose intolerance, your body no longer produces lactase, or at least only small quantities of it. Lactose cannot be broken down properly. This results in flatulence and diarrhoea. You can find out whether you have an enzyme deficiency with a lactose intolerance test.

Lactose intolerance vs. IgG delayed allergy to milk proteins.

Not all problems with milk are caused by lactose; sometimes it is milk protein that is the culprit. This causes an immune reaction to the protein in the milk. This response may occur immediately if you have a classic (Type I) allergy, or even days later if you have a delayed (Type III) food allergy. Such delayed reactions can occur if nutrients that cannot normally enter the bloodstream get into it due to damage to the small intestine. In this case, the immune system is activated and inflammations occur in the body. Symptoms range from gastrointestinal problems to headaches. The ImuPro test examines whether such a delayed response is triggered by milk protein.

Can lactose and milk proteins be hidden in food labels?

The presence of milk can be indicated by the following terms: lactoglobulin, casein, whey, lactoserum, lactalbumin, hydrolysed milk, whole milk, skimmed milk powder, condensed milk, buttermilk, yoghurt, crème fraîche, sour cream.

Foods to avoid if you have lactose intolerance or milk protein allergy:

  • Butter, margarine, cream, cheese
  • Yoghurt and quark
  • Powdered milk
  • Whey and casein protein powders/shakes/bars
  • Bread and bakery products
  • Chocolate, ice cream
  • Ready-made meals
  • Sausages

Are you looking for alternatives to cow’s milk?

The following products may be an alternative to cow’s milk

  • Soy Milk: As the name implies, this is made from soybeans and has a slightly sweet, nutty flavour. Soy milk goes well with muesli and is very good for baking. It can also be used as a dairy alternative in tea, coffee and with cereal.
  • Oat Milk: As the name implies, this is made from oats and is a type of grain milk which is produced from oats. Oat milk is great for baking or with muesli.
  • Almond Milk: Nutty-tasting almond milk is ideal with muesli and in sauces, and is also very good for baking because of its nutty aroma. Almond milk is also becoming quite popular in coffee.
  • Rice Milk: This type of grain milk is obtained from rice. It is safe to consume in the case of gluten intolerance. Rice milk is highly suitable for rice pudding and for baking.
  • Coconut Milk: Coconut milk can be used in many ways including soups, curries or in sweet desserts. Coconut milk yoghurt is also quite a good alternative to cow’s milk yoghurt.

Can a calcium deficiency occur if you do not consume any milk products?

No. Most substitutes are enriched with calcium. A calcium deficiency is unlikely if you have a balanced and varied diet. For example, legumes, broccoli, leek, fennel, kale and mushrooms contain large amounts of calcium and Vitamin D is also very important for calcium intake. This can be found in fish and eggs, for example, but it is also synthesised in the human body on exposure to outdoor daylight.

What foods can I use to meet my calcium requirement?

Many grains, vegetables, fruits and fish have a high calcium content. Wholemeal bread and various types of mineral water contain calcium and help you to cover your daily calcium requirement.

GrainsVegetablesFruitFish
  • Poppy
  • Sesame
  • Pistachio nuts
  • Almonds
  • Hazel nuts
  • Amaranth
  • Brazil nuts
  • Oatmeal
  • Cooked soya beans
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Kale
  • Parsley
  • Watercress
  • Dandelion
  • Nettles
  • Rocket
  • Chinese cabbage
  • Fennel
  • Broccoli
  • Horseradish
  • Celery
  • Carrots
  • Black salsify
  • Leaf spinach
  • Blackberries
  • Strawberries
  • Dried figs
  • Zander
  • Prawns
  • Plaice
  • Carp
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