Going Dairy free?

[Thumpers]

I want to go dairy free, at least somewhat. I had my gallbladder removed a year ago and since then, I am struggling with certain dairy products(among other things) I can't take milk, I use almond instead. Sometimes cheese, yogurts, ice cream etc may effect me. But they happen randomly. It is only the milk I can confirm as all the time.

I am wanting to cut back on a lot of my dairy intake, to see if I soon start to feel better. I have phantom attacks, stomach cramps and spend much of the day in the bathroom after meals but I cannot link them to anything specific or any pattern. Some days my stomach is just more sensitive than others.

I am struggling to understand what exactly "dairy free" means. Does it mean cut everything that has milk/calcium in such as, mayonnaise etc. Or just those that are more "fresh" dairy, I don't have the first clue!

[benwl]

Firstly it's got nothing to do with calcium.

Dairy means cows milk - so dairy free means no cows milk or products derived from cows milk like butter, cream, yogurt, cheese, ice cream.

Mayo generally contains eggs rather than cows milk but you'd need to check the label to be sure.

[Thumpers in reply to benwl]

Okay, I know I did read something about calcium but being so confused by it, it could have meant an entirely different thing lol. ?

This is where I get confused. I understand the basics such as butter,cream etc. But what about things with added cows milk? For example, I go to buy a curry sauce, and the ingredients specify it has milk in it, in bold writing. Does that count as dairy free, or what? I am sorry if I sound so silly!

[Wilburbudgirl in reply to Thumpers]

Things that have dairy in them aren’t dairy free...although you might not be that sensitive. What you could try is to go completely dairy free for a few weeks and then try eating foods that have dairy in them to see if it bothers you or not

[Thumpers in reply to Wilburbudgirl]

I think that may be the best idea, perhaps then I may notice a pattern in the foods I eat!

[benwl in reply to Thumpers]

Not silly at all, a lot of these terms are confusing

If there's even a little bit of milk added then it's not dairy free.

If you're a vegan for example, you won't to eat even the smallest amount of added dairy, but if you are intolerant of some ingredient in milk like casein or lactose you might be able to take small quantities.

As Wilberbudgirl said, a good start would be to cut our all dairy for a few weeks and then try reintroducing some products if you want.

[Thumpers in reply to benwl]

That is why I kinda got confused, as in was it more the fresh kind of produce rather than it having been added into something but with a small amount etc.

Thank you so much for your comments!

[Agoodenough]

Hi I'm dairy free too. Have never felt better. Had terrible reflux problems and all sorted now. If you read the labels of products to make sure they have no milk. It's normally in bold. Some products say they may have been made in a factory that contained milk and that would be fine. Dark Chocolate is good. Almond milk as you say is better than rice or soya. Check everything as you will be surprised where you can find milk. Certain crisps and guacamole for example. Good luck. It's not as difficult as it sounds. I have been dairy free for 2 years. X

[kaspa]

lots of things have dairy in the form of milk powder that you wouldn't expect, presumably it is because it is a cheap filler. Examples baked goods especially pastries and biscuits, and low fat mayo.

The surest way is to make your own from scratch with dairy free vegan margarine.

and enjoy 😋

you could try keeping a food diary to help you work out what might be triggering it. In my case it is dairy and gluten but it took months to work that out.

good luck x

[BadHare]

Dairy free means no milk, cheese, butter, yoghurt, or anything else made from milk. Your issue with mayonaise is likely to be the fat content.

nhs.uk/chq/pages/2443.aspx?...

everydayhealth.com/gallblad...