For those with a sensitivity or allergy to dairy products symptoms can range from bloating and wind to more significant symptoms such as diarrhea. Dairy free products do not contain any lactose or casein from milk or milk products such as butter, yoghurt and cream.

Lactose, the sugar found in dairy, can cause many gastrointestinal upsets when an enzyme deficiency is present. Casein, however, the protein found in dairy is perhaps less well known and can potentially be the culprit.

Symptoms can vary in intensity. Some experience moderate or more severe symptoms, and there are those people who just ‘feel better’ when they are not consuming dairy.

There are many alternatives to dairy that are readily available. Coconut milk, coconut yoghurt, almond milk, rice milk, nut milks and even almond yoghurt. Probiotics are commonly cultured using dairy. Dairy free probiotics are available as an alternative.

There can also be a concern about not enough calcium in diet when not consuming dairy. Greens are the answer. How do cows get their calcium? Grass! Some non-dairy foods highest in calcium include Kale, sesame seeds, tahini, Almonds, Sardines (with bones) and Bok Choy. Moringa powder is a powerhouse of nutrients and contains up to 16 x more calcium than dairy milk.