Do you love to drink milk?  Are you a big fan of cheese on your pizza?  Have you
enjoyed these foods in the past without stomach upset, but now when you have a glass of
milk your stomach does flip flops?  If you have trouble digesting milk or other dairy
products that you may suffer from a dairy allergy.

What is a dairy allergy?  Dairy includes milk, cheese, ice cream and similar products. 
These foods contain and enzyme known as lactase.  Lactase helps to break down and
digest the dairy products.  Most individuals produce enough lactase naturally to help
digest dairy products.  However, individuals with a dairy allergy are not so lucky.  These
individuals do not produce enough lactase naturally.

What are symptoms of a dairy allergy?  Common symptoms of a dairy allergy include
bloating, gas, constipation, and loose stools.  These generally occur within one to two
hours after the dairy product has been consumed.  A dairy allergy can cause stomach
upset, nausea, and fatigue.

How do I know if I suffer from a dairy allergy?  First, you can do tests at home on your
own.  Drink milk and check your body for any bloating, gas, or loose stools.  Does your
stomach hurt after you eat cheese?  Do you have to run to the bathroom after eating ice
cream?  These could be signs that you have a dairy allergy.

The extent of a dairy allergy varies between individuals.  For example, some individuals
may experience only minor stomach upset from their dairy allergy.  While others feel
extremely bloated, nauseated, and have an intense upset stomach from their dairy allergy. 
If you experience extreme dairy allergy symptoms it is a good idea to visit your doctor. 
They can take your through allergy testing and provide treatment options.

How do I manage a dairy allergy?  A dairy allergy can be managed through food choices
and medications.  If you are having trouble digesting cow milk then you can switch to
soy milk or milk that contains lactase.  The lactase in the milk fills in for the lactase that
you are not producing naturally.

There are also medications on the market that can help relieve dairy allergy symptoms. 
Some medications can be taken before you eat dairy products such ice cream, while
others are used after you have ingested dairy products.

A dairy allergy can be a bothersome, uncomfortable condition, but there are treatment
options available.  These tools will allow you to enjoy dairy once again.

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