Why no dairy?

There are numerous reasons why you may wish to eliminate dairy from your diet, allergy, intolerance, life style or religion are but a few. Over the years there have been many conflicting and sometimes controversial stories in the news, in scientific journals and from nutritionists regarding dairy products so I have detailed below just some of the many conditions that are most often linked to dairy in the diet. It is very important that anyone considering implementing a dairy free diet should consult with a dietician to discuss healthy alternatives and anyone thinking of implementing a dairy free diet for their child should take advice from their GP.

Lactose Intolerance is defined as the inability to completely break down lactose due to lack of or reduced production of lactase enzyme by the small intestines. Lactose is a natural sugar which appears in milk and therefore in milk products like butter and cheese. Lactose Intolerance is the most common genetic disorder affecting more than half the world population. For further information see www.nhs.uk/conditions/lactose-intolerance, www.lactose.co.uk, www.foodreactions.org

Milk Allergy two out of a hundred infants under one suffer from cow's milk allergy making it the most common food allergy of childhood. In general children lose this sensitivity as they grow up with nine out of ten losing it by the time they are three, it is unusual for adults to suffer from this allergy. Symptoms are frequent vomiting and diarrhoea in children with 30 - 50% also having skin rashes of some type. A small number of children have an anaphylactic reaction to milk which tends to be lifelong. The major allergens in milk are the caseins and the whey protein b - lactoglobulin. The proteins from cow's milk are very similar to those from goats and sheep and can cause similar reactions so they cannot be used as a cow's milk substitute. For further information see www.kidshealth.org, www.lactose.co.uk, www.foodreactions.org

Cancer The link between the consumption of dairy products and cancer is a controversial one. It is thought, if current trends continue, that by 2020 cancer will affect one in three people at some point in their life, although rates differ greatly for different types of cancer and in different parts of the world. The rates of reproductive cancers such as breast cancer and prostate cancers have risen markedly in the West. A woman's lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is now 1 in 8 and prostate cancer shows similar trends. So why eliminate dairy? Dairy products contain certain hormones for example oestrogen and prolactin as well as growth factors. These growth factors are designed to keep young cattle developing once out of their mothers womb. One of these growth factors IGF-1 has been strongly implicated in both breast and prostate cancer by many researchers. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) says recent research into cancer of the ovaries has established a connection between animal fat and cancer. One study found that women who consume the most animal fat in their diets run double the risk of contracting ovarian cancer when compared to those who consume the least. For further information see www.cancersupportinternational.com, www.canceractive.com, www.cancerproject.org/diet_cancer, www.prostate-cancer.org.uk

Autism is a bio neurological disorder which is first observed in early childhood and is characterised by a limited ability to communicate or relate with others, an abnormal level of self absorption and a disinclination to socialise. Whilst these symptoms are also shared with conditions such as AHAD, dyslexia and dyspraxia with autism there are other symptoms present such as compulsive/obsessive behaviour, fears and anxieties and difficulties with speech. There is much discussion as to whether autism is inherited or is caused by diet, but many people have found by excluding dairy products which include casein and wheat and gluten from the diet the condition can be significantly improved. When considering altering the diet of a baby or child it is important to seek advice from a nutritional therapist. For further information see www.autism.org.uk, www.autismmedical.com, www.foodforthebrain.org

Acne is a chronic skin condition caused when excess oil is trapped by a hair follicle, resulting in painful spots that come out on the face, neck, back and shoulders. Why would dairy products contribute to acne? A number of studies have concluded that it is the hormones found in dairy products especially milk that cause the problem. Milk contains androgen hormones which have long been associated with acne as well as IGF-1 a growth factor that is at its peak during adolescence. Whilst there is no hard scientific evidence to prove dairy products cause acne more and more dermatologists are having success with acne patients when they remove dairy from their diets. For further information see www.foodsmatter.com, www.acne.about.com

Eczema or dermatitis is a group of skin conditions that can affect people of all ages. It can be mild with dry itchy skin or at its worst it can leave skin raw and bleeding. Conventional treatment is with steroid type drugs which can be successful in the short term if the eczema is severe but can cause problems such as skin thinning if used in the long term. however maybe dairy products are the culprit. Cows milk contains lactose sugar, whey protein and casein protein all of which can cause itchy rashes, blisters and lesions. www.talkeczema.com, www.foodsmatter.com

Glue Ear is a condition typified by fluid behind the eardrum. It can cause hearing loss, impaired speech and language development, loss of sleep, pain and behavioural difficulties. It is very common and evidence would suggest that 27% of children will suffer at least one bout of glue ear. Whilst there is a recognised list of factors that can contribute to glue ear it is only recently that a controversial new cause has been suggested, a relationship between allergy and glue ear. It is thought up to one third of children with recurring glue ear suffer from allergies and the allergy to milk is high in children. Cow's milk is one of the most mucus forming food we consume. Caesin, the protein component in milk, is used to make one of our strongest glues and cow's milk can clog and irritate the respiratory system. Whilst the removal of dairy products from a child's diet has yet to be officially recognised as treatment for glue ear there is growing anecdotal evidence from parents to suggest its removal can greatly help. For further information see www.ndcs.org.uk, www.allergyuk.org