Dairy-Free Vs. Lactose-Free: They're Not Actually the Same Thing

Jun 10, 2018

Many people think that avoiding lactose means avoiding all dairy products, but this is not actually true. Lactose intolerance isn't the same thing as a dairy allergy. If you're lactose intolerant, you may still be able to enjoy your favorite dairy products - if you choose them wisely, that is. Keep reading to learn more about whether you need to go dairy-free or not. 

If you love dairy, being diagnosed with lactose intolerance can be a real downer. Do you really have to live the rest of your life without enjoying cheese, butter, and milk? Maybe not, actually. Here's what you need to know about cutting dairy out of your diet. 

If You Have a Dairy Allergy... 
If you have a dairy allergy, you should avoid consuming any kind of dairy products. A dairy allergy is different from lactose intolerance - it can cause hives, vomiting, swelling of the airways, and even anaphylactic shock. Yes, it's sad to give up dairy - but your health is more important. 

If You Are Lactose Intolerant... 
Someone who is lactose intolerant cannot digest lactose, which is one of the sugars found in dairy products. Lactose intolerance isn't usually a dangerous condition, but it can be very uncomfortable. If you are lactose intolerant, you might find that you can still digest dairy products in small amounts - everyone's body is a little different, so experiment to see how much dairy you can handle. You can also look for lactose-free versions of your favorite dairy foods. 

If you're lactose intolerant, cutting out dairy is an easy way to avoid uncomfortable symptoms. However, it's not actually a good idea. Dairy is good for you, and you shouldn't remove it from your diet unless you have to. Here are a few reasons why. 

• Dairy is rich in protein, which is essential for building new cells and repairing damage to your body.
• Dairy contains high levels of calcium, which can help ward off osteoporosis.
• Fermented dairy products like curd and yogurt contain probiotics that improve your gut health.
• Dairy products are full of necessary minerals like magnesium and vitamin B12.

If you're looking for a good lactose-free dairy product, consider trying some curd. Curd is full of friendly bacteria that boost your gut health. These friendly bacteria could even help you digest curd more easily than other dairy products. 
 

Lactose intolerance doesn't have to mean saying goodbye to dairy forever. However, if you have a dairy allergy, you should steer clear of dairy products to avoid dangerous allergic reactions.

If this information was helpful to you, pass it along to your friends and family, especially if you know anyone who is lactose intolerant!