Gluten is the one thing that I strongly believe that EVERYONE with autoimmunity should avoid.

But dairy is also very high up on the list.

While it is true that some people can tolerate dairy, it is known to be highly inflammatory.

Most of the people I work with determine that dairy definitively drives their inflammation.

I don't pick on dairy lightly!

You see, when I was growing up, my family was in the dairy business. As a matter of fact, as I started making diet changes, I used to tell people that I was so happy that dairy wasn't a problem for me.

Except… it was! I just didn't know it yet.

I wasn't able to notice the inflammation that dairy was causing because I had never gone without it.

If there are people who can tolerate dairy without any negative effects, why is dairy sensitivity such a common problem in autoimmunity?

Several factors contribute to this phenomenon.

1.  Dairy proteins have a similar molecular structure to gluten proteins.  Therefore, if you have a gluten sensitivity, you are more likely to also be sensitive to dairy.
   
   
2. If you have intestinal permeability, or "leaky gut", your immune system is much more likely to react to dairy products - and most people with autoimmunity have leaky gut, unless they have already done the work to heal and repair the gut.
   
   
3. Other conditions such a SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) and IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) also increase the likelihood of reaction to dairy.

You may be wondering what kind of symptoms people with dairy sensitivity experience.

The most expected and obvious symptoms are digestive system discomfort (think bloating, gas, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, etc.).

Those are also fairly obvious.

Skin conditions are also linked to dairy sensitivity.

Acne, eczema, and psoriasis are commonly caused or exacerbated by dairy consumption.

But… literally any symptoms caused by inflammation can occur with dairy sensitivity.

For example, if I were to eat dairy, I would experience joint pain. Even today when I am living pain free.

And I have personally seen clients react with symptoms as varied as headaches, migraines, anxiety, worsening of depression, crankiness, sleep disruption, and fatigue.

How do you determine if you have a dairy sensitivity?

The two methods that I use with my clients are food sensitivity testing and elimination diets. We use both, hand in hand.

But… getting experimental with dairy might just be enough to give you the information you are looking for.

Are you ready to investigate and find out?

Take Action

Put on your sleuth hat and remove all dairy from your diet for three weeks.

Pay attention to how you feel.  Are you feeling any better?

THEN… put it back in and see what you notice. It is that simple!



Your Autoimmune Coach,
Julie

ps. And whenever you're ready, these are a few other ways in which I can help you:

1. Subscribe to The Inspired Living with Autoimmunity™ Podcast
2. Take my 5-Day Challenge: Take Your Power Back
3. Apply to work 1-on-1 with me.