Adapting to a Lactose Free Diet

Ever had symptoms such as bloating or cramping without really knowing why?

Photo Credit: Jonathan Lin, Flickr

It turns out it was the one food group I ate the most: dairy, but I also changed other lactose products in my diet. After a visit to the doctors, it became clear I was lactose intolerant.

The feeling of a heavy gut actually faded away very quickly and I was amazed at the difference.

But what exactly is lactose?

Lactose is a type of sugar found in milk and dairy products. The NHS says symptoms of being intolerant include wind, diarrhoea, bloated stomach, stomach cramps and pains stomach rumbling feeling sick.

So even if my stomach was better, my wallet has not. I found milk being incredibly expensive.

Foods To Start Avoiding

• Milk - the most obvious content, however there is plenty of variety to choose from. Lactose free milk still comes in whole and semi-skimmed varieties. Also, nut milk is a great choice with Alpro providing a great variety.

• Cheese - this was the biggest heartbreak for me. Avoid cheese spreads, cottage, ricotta cheese but you can still have vegan cheese.

• Meat - of course fresh meats are completely fine to eat, but avoid anyway meats which have been coated in breadcrumbs or mains dishes which include cheese such as tacos or burritos.

For help and guidance you can check out these helpful sites:

• Allergy UK

• NHS