What's the Difference Between Dairy Food Allergies and Lactose Intolerance?

By Dr. Daemon Jones Expert HERWriter

Rate This

differences between lactose intolerance and dairy food allergies

iStockphoto/Thinkstock

Recently I had a question about the difference between lactose intolerance and dairy food allergies. In both cases our bodies have an adverse response to dairy products such as milk, yogurt, cheese.

Some people are so sensitive to dairy that they will respond to any foods that contain these products. I thought I would be helpful to explain the differences between these two conditions.

I will start with lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance is the inability to break down milk or milk products because the body is no longer producing an enzyme called lactase.

Since all mammals only require milk at the beginning of life, as we age our bodies stop producing lactase as we get older. If we continue to eat dairy after our body has stopped producing lactase, we will start having symptoms when we consume dairy.

Have you noticed that in your twenties or thirties, that you and your friends started to notice difficulty with dairy? Without the lactase enzyme, you may experience gas and bloating, diarrhea, and pain in the abdominal region after eating dairy products.

It has been estimated that at least 10 percent of the population may be affected.

Dairy food allergies cause a completely different reaction in the body. With a dairy food allergy, the immune system responds to any dairy products as substances that could potentially do harm to the body.

The immune system responds to dairy products by mounting an immune response against them similar to the way it would mount a response to a bacteria or virus.

Dairy food allergy reactions can be mild or severe. The mild immune response causes a variety symptoms, including sinus congestion and dark circles under the eyes.

There can be other symptoms including itching in the mouth or diarrhea, or abdominal symptoms. This response is what is sometimes confused with lactose intolerance.

I want to note that some milk allergies can sometimes be very severe, causing an anaphylactic reaction.

This reaction begins within minutes or even seconds of exposure to a dairy product. It can rapidly progress to cause airway constriction, skin and intestinal irritation, and altered heart rhythms.

This reaction can be so quick and severe it can completely close the airways and cause death to the individual. Emergency medical attention is needed.

Whether you or your children are experiencing dairy food allergy or lactose intolerance, the best treatment is to avoid consuming dairy products or food containing dairy products.

If you are lactose intolerant and you decide to continue eating dairy, then it would be beneficial to take lactase enzymes while eating dairy. This can reduce the symptoms you experience.

Live Vibrantly,

Dr. Dae
http://twitter.com/drdae
https://www.healthydaes.com
https://www.facebook.com/healthydaes

Dr. Dae is a Naturopathic Physician who practices in the Washington DC metro area. She treats the whole person using safe and effective combinations of traditional and natural methods to produce optimal health and well-being in the lives of her patients.

Sources:

"Food Allergy and Food Intolerance -- Allergic Reactions, Symptoms, Treatments." WebMD - Better information. Better health.. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Apr. 2012. http://www.webmd.com/allergies/guide/food-allergy-intolerances?page=3

"anaphylaxis - definition of anaphylaxis in the Medical dictionary - by the Free Online Medical Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia.." Medical Dictionary. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Apr. 2012.
http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/anaphylaxis

Reviewed May 2, 2012
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith

Do You Have Eczema Or Psoriasis?

A Shiitake Mushroom Rash

Giving Peanuts to Young Children May Avoid Allergies, Study Shows

The Best Places to Eat When You Have Food Allergies

Add a Comment1 Comments

Acely James

Dairy is not a major allergen for adults, and most children will develop a tolerance to milk by the time they reach school age. And as i know there is no cure for dairy allergy at this time, managing your allergy involves avoiding all dairy products and being prepared for future reactions. All the important points are mentioned in this article.

grape seed extract benefits

May 3, 2012 - 3:53am

This Comment

Improved My Health
Changed My Life
Saved My Life

Add a Comment

Dr. Daemon Jones Expert HERWriter View Profile Send Message

We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.