We use to consume so much more milk as a whole. In the 40’s the milk industry was booming and in the early 90’s organic milk was introduced, but now I feel like less people drink milk with almond milk and rice milk and don’t forget coconut milk (Trader Joe’s has the best coconut milk, get the unsweetened kind)! Everyone is more aware of what food does to they’re bodies. If you’re like me, you’re SUPER aware because you have a milk allergy. Luckily I have a dairy allergy and not an intolerance so on my cheat day I’ll succumb to allergy for some good old fashioned ice cream. What’s the difference though from milk allergy and milk intolerance?
Symptoms of a Milk Allergy In Adults:
Digestive System Reactions:
The main symptoms of dairy allergy concerning the digestive tract are nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. After a few hours these symptoms will vanish.
Skin Reactions:
Within a minute up to two hours after ingesting milk an itchy red rash might occur. Eczema, black circles around the eyes (known as allergic shiners) and a swollen mouth or tongue, face or throat could occur.
Respiratory Symptoms:
To dairy allergies the response of the respiratory system could be one of the following reactions; runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, itchy eyes, nasal congestion, wheezing, shortness of breath, or coughing; or even anaphylactic shock (source of milk allergy).
When you’re intolerant you body lacks the enzyme lactase to break down lactose. If you have a milk allergy, your body has an immune response AKA a body response by letting out gas or symptoms coming out in your skin, respiratory system or cardiovascular.
The minute I have something with a good amount of milk in it, like cheese, my throat starts to itch like crazy. I then make this really weird sound that resembles a mating call. I can’t help but to scratch it! Don’t judge. My friends already do and they literally cringe when I start scratching my throat.
The more annoying physical reaction to my lactose allergy is my dark circles. Yup. I know, I thought this was asinine too. What happens is that the skin under the eyes becomes inflamed. It’s not cute, so that’s why on my cheat days if I can I opt for Baby Cakes for dessert.
Listen, I think everything in moderation is fine. Life is too short it’s meant to be enjoyed, BUT if you’re not fully enjoying life due to some uncomfortable gastronomical issues then it’s time to rethink that Haagen-Dazs ice cream.
Milk-less,
Bianca
lindsey says
adreeza says