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Allergies vs. Intolerances
In order to successfully manage lactose intolerance, it is important to understand the difference between an allergy and an intolerance.
Digestive discomfort can also be caused by cows’ milk allergy, which can produce similar, but more severe symptoms to lactose intolerance
When distinguishing between an allergy and an intolerance, according to our own Dr Fox, “the most important thing to remember is that whilst food allergies involve the immune system, food intolerances do not.”
With food allergies, “your immune system makes a mistake, and decides that certain foods are going to be seen as dangerous, therefore causing an inappropriate overreaction to them.”
On the other hand, an intolerance is an inability to deal with, or digest properly, a food. This can lead to an adverse reaction, but one that does not involve the immune system. The symptoms of an intolerance are often unpleasant, but not life threatening.
Symptoms of cows’ milk allergy can translate to hives, vomiting and gastric distress such as diarrhoea, constipation, or stomach pain, but it can also cause potentially fatal anaphylactic reactions. This means that those who are allergic to milk products must avoid them altogether.
If you think you may have a cows’ milk allergy, you should seek advice from your GP or a registered dietitian.