Inside This Brief Trailer You Will Learn:

Dairy is a staple food in developed countries, but not so much in developing countries. But cow’s milk, in particular, contains many molecules that can be allergy-inducing and/or inflammatory to humans. Many people do not have enough of the enzyme lactase to break down the lactose sugar found in milk. This can lead to indigestion.

People with chronic disease, especially autoimmune diseases in which there is a large inflammatory component, need to limit and even eliminate dairy consumption.

It’s been shown in many studies that dairy can be triggering for many autoimmune-like conditions such as skin issues, digestive issues, joint problems, and thyroid disorders (1, 2).

For example, a study reports that, “as a consequence of immunological cross-reactivity or molecular mimicry between the extracellular IV-like domain of the milk protein butyrophilin and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), butyrophilin can modulate the encephalitogenic T-cell response to MOG in experimental autoimmune encephalitis.” (3)

Epidemiological and ecological investigations suggest that early infant nutrition, particularly drinking cow's milk, may induce autoimmunity, leading to type 1 diabetes (4, 5, 6).

I recommend most people avoid most dairy. At the very least, cut it out of your diet completely for 30 days and slowly reintroduce it to see what reactions you have.

Although some dairy may be tolerable for some individuals:

Grassfed butter
A2 milk from A2 cows and goats
Grassfed colostrum
Lactose-free dairy products
Organic heavy whipping cream

All of these may be tolerable for certain individuals, but it’s still best to cut out all dairy for 30 days at a minimum and reintroduce it slowly to see if you have any type of reaction.

However, it can be difficult to do this because dairy often makes up a large part of daily calorie consumption. With commitment and patience, it is possible.

Here’s how to go dairy free:

Transition gradually away from products containing cow’s milk.
Consider substituting almond or cashew milk for cow’s milk. Soy milk can be inflammatory, but almond or cashew milk is safe, unless you have a nut allergy. Almond and cashew milk can be easily made at home, or it can be bought at the store, usually fortified with calcium. Almond and cashew milk can be substituted for cow’s milk in most recipes.
Don’t worry about calcium intake if you regularly eat bone meal or bone meal supplements. Recent research has shown that osteoporosis is linked to lack of bone and muscle use due to a sedentary lifestyle, rather than a lack of calcium (7, 8). If you use your bones and muscles with daily exercise, you will be fine! Plus bone meal contains quite a bit of calcium.
Eat sources of healthy fat, such as olive oil, avocado, and coconut oil. This will help you maintain your current calorie level.
Protein will help to keep you full so that you don’t feel hungry for yogurt or other dairy-related products.
Dairy products like cheese, yogurt, and ice cream are quick-grab snacks. Have other types of snack foods ready so that you won’t turn to dairy out of convenience.

Because there are cow’s milk substitutes, you can transition away from cow’s milk without losing the dairy-like texture. Just be sure to allow your taste buds some time to adjust. Almond milk may not taste like you expect at first, but after a few weeks, you will crave it.

If you need a plan to follow with a dietitian formulated cookbook, guided meal plan, and more, be sure to check out my Ultimate Autoimmune Reset™ today.