I’m sure that many of you keep hearing about people giving up dairy lately. While some people embark on a dairy-free diet for genuine health reasons, others do so with the belief that it will magically clear up their skin and instantly relieve any discomfort. But what really happens to your body when you give up dairy for a week? Will you notice an effect at all? Or does it take a lot longer for the diet to have an impact?
I have nothing to contribute to this “experiment”, as the only dairy I consume is home-made yogurt. Only babies (human and animal) consume milk not adults.
First of all, nutritionists do not advise clients to completely remove a food group from their diet unless it is suspected that there may be an underlying allergy.
Many people struggle to digest lactose – a type of sugar found in dairy products – as confirmed by many nutritionists. Many people do not produce enough of the enzyme “lactase” responsible for breaking down “lactose”.
Negative reactions to lactose can be rapid; somewhere between 30 minutes and 2 hours after consuming a dairy product. Bloating and abdominal discomfort may occur along with sneezing and a runny nose as the lactose moves into the colon instead of being processed and absorbed. Here, bacteria interact with the undigested lactose, and it is this reaction that causes the unwanted symptoms.
Fata cheese is a “must” on the Turkish breakfast table. Does bloating and stomach discomfort seem familiar to any of you?
If you are truly lactose-intolerant, you are likely to find these symptoms disappear pretty quickly when dairy is not consumed. People who aren’t lactose-intolerant and consume a lot of dairy, however, may also experience weight loss or, at the very least, a reduction in bloating.
According to nutritionists, improved skin is another potential short-term benefit. Although it is a debated issue, hormones and growth factors, naturally present in cow’s milk, are thought to stimulate acne in prone individuals.
Another point to keep in mind is that less headaches may be experienced by migraine sufferers when they stop consuming dairy.
When you cut out dairy from your diet, even for just a week, you are depriving your body of essential nutrients. These include calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B12. Remember that you can get these nutrients from many vegetables and take B12 supplements.
Fermented produce can provide more nutritious benefits due to its probiotic bacteria content which boosts the immune system. Why do you think I consume ONLY HOME-MADE YOGURT?
People who give up dairy may experience some adverse effects. If this is the case, they should try getting their bodies used to it by consuming small amounts of lactose alongside other foods. Over time, adverse effects may subside.
That’s it for this week; see you all next time.
