AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON DAIRY
Dairy is heavy, sweet, gooey, oily and difficult to digest. Autumn is the best time of year for dairy consumption.
Lactose Intolerances & Allergies
Intolerances to dairy must be carefully differentiated from allergies. The Kapha qualities make dairy difficult to digest for many Kapha individuals and Vata's with weak digestion. Difficult to digest foods often cause intolerances and allergies.
Since dairy is difficult to digest and gooey, it often provokes stagnation, indigestion, and fermentation in the digestive tract, which can lead to general inflammation and puffiness as well. Dairy allergies occur when the immune system attacks casein proteins in the dairy.
Often, those with allergies are sensitive to even small amounts of dairy, such as a single sip of milk. Those with intolerance to dairy only can enjoy a taste of milk without symptoms. An allergy test can positively confirm whether or not you have a an allergy or intolerance.
Fortunately, you can use Ayurveda to lessen the severity of both your intolerance and allergy. The steps include 1) a dairy free diet initially, 2) restoring digestive strength, 3) calming the liver and inflammation, and 4) calming the immune system.
A dairy free diet may be difficult to achieve at first. Those with allergies can use soy, almond, oat, or rice milk as a substitute. Many people who are allergic to dairy can use ghee as a substitute for butter.