Dairy-Free Diet

Definition

A dairy-free diet is a way of eating that excludes dairy products, such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter, often due to allergies, intolerances, or personal preferences.

Scientific / Technical Definition

A dairy-free diet involves the exclusion of all products derived from the milk of mammals, such as cows, goats, and sheep, and is often followed by individuals with lactose intolerance, galactosemia, or milk protein allergies. It may also be adopted for ethical or environmental reasons.

Benefits

• Reduces symptoms of lactose intolerance, such as bloating and diarrhea.
• May improve skin conditions like acne for some individuals.
• Helps manage dairy allergies that can cause reactions like hives or breathing difficulties.

Examples

• Plant-based milk alternatives such as almond, soy, or oat milk.
• Dairy-free cheese made from nuts or soy.
• Coconut yogurt as a dairy-free alternative to traditional yogurt.

Additional Information

• Side effects: Removing dairy from the diet without proper nutritional substitutes can lead to deficiencies in calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients typically found in dairy products.

Related Terms

• Lactose Intolerance

References

• Lactose Intolerance and Health
• Milk Allergy: Symptoms and Causes
• Calcium and Vitamin D: Important at Every Age