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The Dairy Dilemma
Is cheese, milk, yogurt, and kefir considered to be good for one’s health for individuals who are not lactose intolerant? -
9 Replies
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Hey ,
All dairy containing lactose would trigger someone who is lactose intolerant. To help you avoid dairy we have a handout right here that can help you avoid dairy products.
Kefir based on milk products should be avoided as well, although you can consume water-based kefir. There is even a recipe in the library! Just click here.
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Thank you, Daniel, for the explanation, but my question was actually about people who are NOT lactose intolerant.
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Hi – I like your post title because dairy truly is a dilemma. It’s not that dairy is good or bad, it’s that it’s become such a nuanced topic because dairy today is no longer what it used to be, and there are many factors to consider today.
Plus, there’s also a difference between lactose intolerance and dairy sensitivity. Even if someone is NOT lactose intolerant (i.e. they lack the lactase enzyme to break it down), they may still be sensitive to the dairy proteins, which is an immune response (i.e. either an immediate allergy response IgE or a delayed sensitivity response IgG). There can also be IgA and IgM immune responses which is why food sensitivity testing can be misleading (another debated topic ), which further complicates the answer to your question about whether or not it’s good for someone’s health. For an individual with a sensitivity, it’s best to avoid, work on their gut health, and then try to re-introduce it later.
Putting aside immune responses for a minute, cultured/fermented dairy products like cheese, yogurt, kefir, sour cream, cream, etc from an A2 cow that is grass-fed, raw, and non-homogenized has incredible health benefits.
The question is, can you find that combo? Do you have access to that?
In my clinical experience, I’d say that 95% of my clients are unknowingly sensitive to dairy proteins. Again, this is separate to dairy intolerance. Here’s a handout with the different signs of hidden food sensitivities.
The best way to know if you are sensitive to dairy is to do a 100% elimination challenge for at least 30 days, followed by a re-introduction. If your symptoms disappear, and then re-appear, you’ve got your answer. Here’s a handout on how to perform an elimination challenge and re-introduction.
If you’re asymptomatic, have access to good quality dairy products, and enjoy them, then yes, dairy offers plenty of health benefits.
Hope that helps answer your question.
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Thank you, B, for explaining. It makes perfect sense what you said. The only two dairy products I purchase here in Dubai are cottage cheese and yogurt from Ifarm. I apologize if mentioning vendor names is not allowed. Would you say that these dairy products are considered ‘clean’ to consume since they are from a farm? My final question on the topic is where in Dubai can I find kefir or kefir grains? Thank you.
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it’s absolutely fine mentioning brand names. And iFarm offers A2, grass-fed cow products so it checks those boxes for sure. I’ve personally visited the farm and can vouch for them.
Kefir grains can be purchased from @healthy.livinguae in Dubai or you get them from someone willing to share kefir grains. I recently shared a post about kefir, and in the comments someone by the account name of @dylanindubai said he has plenty to share. You might want to try reaching out to him. You can also join the UAE Culture Club on Facebook and ask the group if anyone nearby has kefir grains to share.
Hope that helps.
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Sorry I misread that! I see Bernadette already wrote an excellent response!
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I tried reaching out to Healthy Living, but they never got back to me. I wonder if they’re still in business. I’ll give the Facebook group a try. Thanks again.
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I know she was away for a while, but she messaged me recently saying she’s back and still in business so maybe try again. But I’m sure someone in the FB group will be able to help or my other follower.
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Hey ,
How did things go with the Facebook group? Did you get what you wanted?
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