Natural Approaches to Dairy and Gluten Intolerance

Food intolerances or sensitivities can cause an array of symptoms, including headaches, heartburn, diarrhea, gas, bloating, cramps, nausea, vomiting, and even irritability or nervousness.  Two food intolerances we hear a lot about are lactose (dairy) and gluten intolerances.  In addition, milk casein allergies can occur causing your immune system to mistakenly think you’re the proteins are harmful to your body.  Casein allergy symptoms include swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, face or throat; as well as skin reactions and nasal congestion.

If you suspect you have an intolerance or allergy, testing can help pinpoint which foods your body cannot tolerate.  We recommend Diagnos-techs Food Sensitivity Panel, a non-invasive saliva test, which checks response to proteins for dairy, soy, egg, and gluten. 

Lactose intolerance is the inability to completely digest lactose which is the sugar in milk.  Some people do not make enough lactase (responsible for breaking down lactose in your digestive tract) which makes consuming dairy products such as milk and ice cream very uncomfortable.  Avoiding these foods is the best way to avoid symptoms associated with lactose intolerance.  There are a number of supplements that can help digest lactose and reduce symptoms. 

Casein is the primary protein found in milk.  A casein allergy is different from a lactose intolerance.  If you are allergic to casein, you have to avoid all forms of casein found in milk, cheese, butter, and yogurt.   Make sure the calcium in your diet is replaced with non-dairy forms such as green vegetables, broccoli, almonds, or a calcium/magnesium supplement. 

Gluten is a protein composite found in wheat, barley, and rye. People with an intolerance who eat gluten activate their immune system which results in an inflammatory response damaging or destroying villi in the small intestines.  While avoiding gluten has become a popular dietary choice; it has also been linked to a variety of issues in the body including digestive, fatigue, brain fog, inflammation, anxiety, depression, and mood swings. 

Gluten intolerances are different from a gluten allergy, also known as Celiac disease, which is a serious condition which requires avoiding all forms of gluten. Avoiding gluten is the best way to avoid symptoms which arise from consuming it.  Some gluten-free grains include quinoa, brown rice, oats, buckwheat, and amaranth.  In addition, there are supplements which can help the body digest gluten if needed.  

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.