Developing A Problem With Milk?

[naiiad]

I've been noticing lately that I'm experiencing a problem with milk, cream and ice-cream. It gives me bloating, and some of the same types of cramps that I get when I eat wheat. I wouldn't say that milk causes diarrhea, but it definitely "softens things up" when I do use the washroom. I also get migraines after ingesting a large amount of milk/cheese. None of the neurological symptoms, though.

So I'm assuming that this is a lactose sensitivity?

I know that its common for people with a wheat-intolerance to have other food intolerances, especially when they first start their wheat-free diet. So my question is, is this something I should be concerned about? Is it okay if I sneak in a coffee with cream every day, or should I cut out dairy all together until my gut heals?

Thank you so much for your advice!

[tarnalberry]

If cheese gives you migraines, you're probably looking at casein sensitivity, not lactose intolerance.

[naiiad]

I'm usually okay with a small amount of cheddar, but the minute I have a big bowl of ricotta I get a tummy ache.

[naiiad]

I'm going to see an allergist in the city as soon as I get the chance, as well as a specialist about my reassuring hair loss issue.

Before then, do you guys suggest I go totally dairy-free just in case? Or is drinking lactose-free milk and stuff okay?

[Skylark]

Eating what you can tolerate should be OK.

By the way, has your thyroid been tested? Also be sure your multivitamin has zinc, selenium, and panthenol. Deficiencies in any of those three can make hair fall out. (Been there, done that.)

[naiiad]

Thanks SkyLark

Yeah, Ive been tested for just about everything... multiple times over. Thyroid, vitamin deficiencies, other autoimmune diseases, all came back normal. I do drink fortified almond milk.

[Victoria6102]

To find out if it is lactose intolerance or casein sensitivity, take a lactaid pill (digestive enzymes) with the next dairy product you eat. If you still have problems, even with the enzymes, it's probably a casein allergy. Also you could get a blood test.