When it comes to lactose intolerance and milk allergy, there’s a bit of confusion regarding whether they’re the same thing. The truth is, while they can both cause discomfort and produce negative affects within the body, there’s a big difference between the two. So how do you know if you are lactose intolerant or if you are allergic to dairy? Here’s your guide to the differences between milk allergy and lactose intolerance.
Allergy. An allergy to food is produced by an overreaction of the immune system. Milk allergy (also referred to as dairy allergy) is a reaction that happens when the immune system views the protein in milk as the “bad” guy and calls on your body’s antibodies (the “good” guys) to kick the bad guys out. Symptoms of milk allergies can start immediately or within a few hours of ingesting milk or other dairy products. These symptoms range from stomach pain or skin rash to swelling of the lips or throat and trouble breathing.
Intolerance. Food intolerances have nothing to do with the immune system. When your body doesn’t produce enough of the enzyme lactase, chances are high that you’ll suffer from lactose intolerance. That’s because this essential enzyme is needed to break down the sugar found in milk and other dairy products, also known as lactose. If you’re lactose intolerant, you’ll generally begin to feel the symptoms between 30 minutes and two hours after having dairy. Symptoms include nausea, gas and bloating, stomach pain and diarrhea.
If you’re not sure whether you suffer from lactose intolerance or a milk allergy, ask your doctor to run a few lab tests to help make the diagnosis. We've got a great infographic available to help you learn more about lactose intolerance here.
Remember: Whether you’re intolerant or allergic, GO Veggie! has the cheesy products you love. From Shreds for those who are lactose intolerant to Slices for those with allergies, we’ve got it all!