Lactose is a sugar found in milk and milk produces. Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose. In the small intestines the enzyme, lactase is deficient in breaking down lactose into two simpler forms of sugar forms glucose and galactose. When lactose is broken down into glucose and galactose it is allowed to absorb into the blood steam. Lactose intolerance develops over time and many do not show symptoms until early childhood or early adulthood.

Lactose intolerance is less common in northern and western European. It is more common in African, African-American, Native American and Mediterranean populations.

Milk Allergy

Lactose intolerance and cow milk allergy are not the same. Milk allergy is a reaction of the immune system to one or more milk proteins. Milk allergies can appear in the first year of life.Products containing lactose:

Processed foods have been altered to increase their shelf life. Not only do they have preservative but contain levels of lactose:

-Bread and baked goods

-Processed breakfast foods: doughnuts, frozen waffles, pancakes, toaster pastries and sweet rolls

-Processed cereals

-Instant potatoes, soups and breakfast drinks

-Corn chips, potato chips and other processed snacks

-Processed meats

-Margarine

-Salad dressing

-Liquid and powdered milk based meal replacements

-Protein powders and bars

-Candies

-Non dairy liquid and powdered coffee creamers

-Non dairy whipped toppings

The Paleo Diet is dairy-free, wheat-free and preservative-free. When lactose is removed from the diet you can remove or reduce symptoms. You can still enjoy your favorite dishes but you just have to prepare them a little differently.

Gluten-Free Diet: GF Recipes: Stay Crisp Slaw

Ingredients

8 c cabbage, sliced fine
1 green pepper, cut in small pieces
2 carrots, grated
1/2 c onion, chopped
1 envelope unflavored gelatin, softened in 1/4 c water.
2 t celery seed
2/3 c apple cider vinegar
1 t salt
2/3 c sugar
1/4 t black pepper
2/3 c corn oil

Directions

Mix together cabbage, green pepper, carrots, and onion. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup water, put in refrigerator to crisp.

Combine vinegar, sugar, salt, celery seed and pepper in 1-quart glass measure. Heat in the microwave for 2 – 3 1/2 minutes or until it begins to boil. Add the softened gelatin and stir well. Set aside to cool. When it begins to jell, beat in the oil. Drain water off the vegetables and add the dressing. Keeps in the refrigerator for several days

Provided by Celiac Sprue Association

Gluten-Free Diet: GF Recipes: Spicy Beef and MacaroniIngredients

1 pound ground beef
2 cup water
1 medium onion, diced
2 cup GF elbow macaroni
1 green pepper, diced
1 cup GF barbecue sauce
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

In a deep skillet, brown the meat. Add the diced onion and green pepper; cook until tender. Stir in water, macaroni and barbecue sauce.
Cover and simmer until macaroni is tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in or top with cheese.

Provided by Celiac Sprue Association

A dairy free diet does not mean that you cannot enjoy your favorite meals. Just prepare your meals a little differently with ingredients beneficial to your health.