Milk allergy is one of the most common food allergies among children. It is caused due to an abnormal response of the body’s immune system to milk and its byproducts. Cow’s milk is usually the most common source of a Cow’s milk allergy, but milk from buffalo, sheep, and goats may also trigger allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to milk.
Milk allergies usually persist until childhood and most children outgrow them barring a few exceptions, who may consequently have to avoid milk and its products to avoid milk allergy.
An allergic reaction to milk triggers symptoms soon after the consumption of milk or its by-products. These symptoms may range from mild to severe and include hives, vomiting, wheezing, stomach cramps, and other digestive problems.
Let us take a look at the few common signs and symptoms of a Milk Allergy to be able to diagnose one and then discuss ayurvedic treatment measures that can help to avoid milk allergy naturally.
Symptoms of Milk Allergy
Immediate signs and symptoms that respond from a Milk Allergy include:
- Coughing
- Vomiting
- Wheezing
- Urticaria
- Skin Allergy
- Itching in and around the mouth and lips
- Swelling on the lips, throat, and tongue
- Shortness of breath
Symptoms that Appear After a Period of Time Include:
- Watery eyes
- Runny nose
- Diarrhea accompanied by bleeding
- Abdominal cramps
Anaphylaxis is one of the most severe and complicated conditions caused due to milk allergy. It is a life-threatening reaction that blocks the breathing passages. Besides tree nuts and peanuts, milk is one of the most common trigger agents of this condition.
Considering the severity of this condition that may result from a milk reaction, treating milk allergies becomes even more significant. We shall discuss the natural treatment of milk allergy as we proceed, but first, let us understand the cause behind the occurrence of milk allergies.
Causes of Milk Allergy
Food allergies are generally a consequence of immune system malfunction. The production of immunoglobulin is triggered by the immune system to neutralize the milk proteins that it considers as a threat to the body. Every time that the body comes in contact with these proteins, the IgE antibodies release histamine and other chemicals that cause the signs and symptoms of milk allergy.
The two kinds of proteins that are chiefly responsible for causing allergic reactions include:
- Whey Protein: Found in the liquid part of milk that remains after it curdles.
- Casein Protein: Found in curd, or the solid part of the milk that curdles.
Treatment of Milk Allergy
Milk allergy can surely be prevented by avoiding foods that are made with milk or by avoiding the direct consumption of milk. For its natural treatment, you have to follow the below-advice tips.
Always be extra cautious when purchasing your food supplies as certain products can contain derivatives or hidden sources of milk that are not known to a layman and are difficult to identify. Read the label carefully to find out if the products such as processed meats or baked goods consist of any of these hidden sources of milk:
- Lactose
- Lactate
- Whey
- Casein
- Protein powders
- Artificial butter or cheese flavors
- Nougat, chocolate, or caramel
- hydrolysates
Direct sources of allergy-causing proteins found in dairy products include:
- Ice cream
- Gelato
- Yogurt
- Butter
- Cheese
- Buttermilk
- Whole, low fat, or skimmed milk.
Precautions
Taking precautions when allergic to milk or other foods will only make your life easier by
Avoiding the contraction of allergies. Let us take a look at them:
- Always check food labels to ensure the foods that you purchase are free from the list of ingredients or hidden sources mentioned above when purchasing groceries.
- When dining outside, make sure you highlight your allergy to the server and cross-check if you have any doubt about the dishes on the menu or what you’re eating.
- Even if a food is labeled as dairy or lactose-free, be sure to cross-check if the product contains any hidden sources, or to be the safest contact the manufacturer.
- If you’re breastfeeding, completely avoid the consumption of milk, dairy products, or any of their byproducts to avoid the chances of the protein reaching your baby while breastfeeding.
- If your baby is milk allergic, try soy-based formula milk which is high in nutrition and a good substitute for milk.
Conclusion
Food allergies can be hard to handle, especially if they cause complications and life-threatening symptoms. In case you feel the need to contact an ayurvedic expert to treat your allergic condition, then you can contact IAFA® where Ayurvedic experts use natural treatment procedures to treat various allergies and disorders successfully.
