Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose, which is a sugar mainly found in dairy products like milk. Lactose intolerance is not dangerous, but it can be uncomfortable and distressing. Some of the common symptoms include diarrhea, bloating, painful gas, cramps and abdominal pain, and nausea. While most people go for dairy-free diets because they are lactose intolerant, it is becoming more and more popular to choose a dairy-free diet because of personal preference, due to ethical or other reasons.
There are many different health benefits to a dairy-free diet. Perhaps surprisingly, dairy-free helps create clear skin. The exact link between milk products and acne is still unknown, but many dermatologists recommend a dairy-free diet as the first step in treating poor skin. It also helps with digestion. A lot of people have some degree of lactose intolerance, and dairy products can cause certain symptoms. One of the biggest benefits of a dairy-free diet is weight loss. Milk is known to be a fattening-substance, and eliminating milk and other dairy products can help you lose weight without going to the gym! This is because milk is relatively high in calories, and drinking three cups of milk can equal over 400 calories, which is significant for anyone who may wish to lose weight. There have also been ties between milk consumption and prostate and ovarian cancers.
While there are many health benefits to a dairy-free diet, there are also some concerns. Milk is a prime source for three important nutrients: vitamin D, potassium, and calcium. People who don’t drink milk or eat dairy products tend to be deficient in these nutrients. Too little potassium is a risk factor for high blood pressure, especially when combined with too much sodium. Many people get too much salt and not enough potassium, which is a problem when eliminating milk from the diet. Milk also helps support bone health.
Luckily, in order to get the nutrients that dairy provides, there are many different supplements you can take. One of the biggest nutrients provided by dairy products is calcium. Calcium is essential, and it is vital to keep your heart beating and your muscles working. You can get calcium from other products, however, including collard greens and black-eyed peas. If you don’t want to cut milk from your diet but don’t want to ingest dairy, you can try soy or almond milk. This will give you 370 mg of calcium per cup, which is a large intake. Throughout the day, try snacking on oranges and almonds, which provide smaller totals but still enough to help off-set the loss of dairy. It is also essential that you are getting enough potassium, which helps manage your blood pressure. Luckily, there is an abundant of potassium in things like oranges, bananas, sweet potatoes, spinach, and tomatoes. There also supplements you can take, which are usually available at health stores. Always consult your doctor or a nutritionist before you start taking supplements. They can help recommend which ones are the best for the nutrients you are trying to receive, and which ones you should avoid.