Some people are allergic to the milk protein that is found in cow’s milk. This is a common occurrence in young infants and children. This can happen if the infants are fed on cow’s milk directly or if they get cow’s milk indirectly through the mother while breastfeeding. When such a thing happens the only alternative is to go on a milk allergy diet.
One of the basic proteins in cow’s milk is casein and around 80% of the milk protein present in cow’s milk consists of casein. This is the one that causes allergic reactions in infants or children. Sometimes, individuals are allergic to the whey that is present in milk. At other times individuals are found to be allergic to both the casein as well as the whey that is present in milk.
At times, the allergic reaction could be rapid and the allergy may occur immediately after the consumption of milk or any of the milk products. This may be characterized by wheezing, vomiting, hives, or any kind of anaphylactic shock. A person may even suffer from angioedema. Sometimes, the allergic reaction may be slow and the symptoms may develop over a period of time. The symptoms that are commonly noticed are loose stools, vomiting, irritability, and inability to gain weight etc.
A classic milk allergy diet will include food and beverages that are free of milk or milk products such as coffee, tea, carbonated drinks, soy milk, fruit juices, water etc. The foods that can be consumed will include a list of foods that don’t have milk in any form such as corn, rye, French bread, milk-free bread, graham crackers, soy bread free of milk and milk products, rice wafers etc.
A milk allergy diet may also include canned, fresh, or frozen vegetables minus the milk or milk products. For those who consume a non-vegetarian diet the list includes beef, chicken, fish, veal, pork, lamb, turkey, or other organ meats.
If you have sweets and desserts, the milk allergy diet will include gelatin, popsicles, meringue, fruit ice or fruit whip etc. Whatever the diet may be, ensure that it is free of milk and milk products of any kind.