Dairy Free Diet

DEFINITION

The aim of the Dairy-Free Diet is to eliminate major and minor sources of dairy foods and their derivatives in order to prevent symptoms of the food intolerance or allergy from occurring.

DESCRIPTION

Any suspected food intolerance or allergy should be diagnosed and assessed by a qualified Health Professional before an elimination diet is tried. A dairy intolerance or allergy is often implicated in eczema, sinusitis, rhinitis, headache, migraine, asthma and digestive disturbances. For lactose intolerance, see the Lactose Intolerance Diet on the Healthpoint.

DIET SHOULD BE ADEQUATE IN

Calcium. The following non-dairy foods are good sources of calcium:
1. Soy products. Use soy milk (fortified with calcium), soy-based yoghurts and tofu ice-cream.
2. Fish with soft, edible bones such as sardines, herrings and tinned salmon.
3. Green vegetables such as Chinese greens, kale and broccoli.
4. Almonds, brazil nuts, sunflower and sesame seeds.
5. Baked beans.
6. Calcium-fortified cereals and bread (check labels).

DIET SHOULD ELIMINATE

1. Dairy (animal) milk in all forms - whole, skim/skimmed, modified milk, evaporated and condensed milk, milk powder, non-fat milk solids, whey, buttermilk.
2. Cream, ice-cream, yoghurt, custard, dairy desserts, mousses, cheesecakes, milk chocolate.
3. Cheese, cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, cream cheese, cheese spreads, cheese slices, cheese-flavoured snack foods, milk-based sauces, mornays.
4. Butter and margarine (small amounts of milk protein).

NOTE: Check all food labels for ingredients derived from animal's milk such as whey, non-fat milk solids, casein, caseinate. Some people may be able to tolerate goat's milk but often this contains the same allergenic proteins as cow's milk.

SAMPLE MEAL PLAN

The following diet has been suggested for this condition.

BREAKFAST

1. 1/2- 1cup bran cereal or muesli (no yoghurt coated dried fruit) with soy milk OR 2-4 slices wholemeal toast or crumpets with baked beans or tinned sardines.
2. One piece fresh fruit.
3. Tea, coffee or herbal tea with soy milk.

MORNING TEA

1. Fresh fruit salad with soy yoghurt
2. Cup of tea or coffee, black or with soy milk.

LUNCH

1. 2-4 slices wholemeal bread or 1-2 bread rolls.
2. 1-2 slices lean ham or turkey meat or 30-60g tinned salmon or tuna or curried egg.
3. Plenty of salad vegetables.
4. One piece fresh fruit.
5. Tea, coffee or herbal tea with soy milk.

AFTERNOON TEA

1. 1-2 slices low fat fruit cake or date loaf.
2. 1 glass of calcium-fortified fruit juice.

DINNER

1. 120-150g lean beef, lamb, pork, diet mince or chicken or 240-300g grilled or poached fish OR 2-3 soybean patties or vegetarian sausage (check label) Low fat flavourings.
2. 1-2 jacket potatoes or 1-1 1/2cups rice or pasta.
3. Stir-fried vegetables (Chinese greens, tofu, carrots and broccoli) or salad.
4. Stewed fruit with soy milk custard or tofu ice-cream.
Tea, coffee or herbal tea with soy milk.

REMEMBER

1. Avoid all sources of animal's milk. Read food labels for minor ingredients which are derived from animal's milk.
2. Substitute fortified soy milk and soy-based products.

DISCLAIMER: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended to replace medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, nurse or naturopath before following any medical regimen to see whether it is safe and effective for you.