Can I cheat on dairy?

[Pebbledash]

Hi--Paul here:

I am on a course of Budesonide, started three weeks ago, and I have simultaneously stopped dairy as I read on this board that, after gluten, it is the most common potential inflammatory trigger.

I'm determined to achieve and maintain remission well in to the future.

I am completely gluten-free because I am a Celiac. I never cheat on this, for obvious reasons. But for dairy, is it okay if I minimize intake, allowing myself the odd yoghurt, cheese, milk in tea etc? Or is it, like gluten to a celiac, all or nothing?

Thank you!!

Paul

PS the only dairy I have been having is half butter spread on my toast, so I guess I already cheated a tiny tiny bit.

[tex]

Cheating on dairy will not produce the degree of intestinal damage that gluten, or in some cases, soy will cause. The half-life of anti-gliadin antibodies is 120 days. The half-life of most other food antibodies is 5 or 6 days. This gives you an idea of the relative amount of potential intestinal damage of which dairy is capable. IOW, the damage level should be far less, and it should resolve relatively quickly. Normally, if one does not experience a flare from eating dairy, then the risk is more likely to be focused on skin issues (psoriasis, eczema, etc.) or osteoarthritis. But this is not documented by medical research, so these are uncharted waters.

I'll use myself as an example. I am casein-sensitive (that is, my immune system produces antibodies against casein), but I can tolerate dairy products (cheese, ice cream, etc.) without any digestive issues. However, after a month or so of eating dairy, I begin to develop symptoms of fairly severe osteoarthritis. I get lower back pain, a stiff, sore neck, and my fingers begin growing crooked. It's a slow process. So I cut dairy products back out of my diet.

Usually, as far as antibody production is concerned, cheating a little regularly is just as bad as eating it normally. As far as symptoms go, it may be worse. But that can vary by the individual, because we are all different. And remember, this is just my opinion.

Tex

[Pebbledash]

Thanks Tex.

Looks like I'll try the occasional dairy, but with this advice in mind.

Paul

[brandy]

Hi Paul,

I get acne and right knee pain when I cheat on dairy.
For years I had no dairy. The last 12 months I've been testing goat cheese, butter, whipped cream and hard cheese.
They clearly cause me inflammation.

You will have some protection while you are on budesonide. Way down the road if you decide to get off of the
budesonide my recommendation would be to stay off of dairy for a good long while.

[brandy]

Paul,

Also since you are coming out of a giant flare you should avoid dairy (other than the smidge of butter) for awhile as when we are in a flare we all have lactose digestion issues (in addition to the casein which is the bigger problem) until our gut heals.

Hopefully this makes sense.

[Pebbledash]

Thanks folks!

Brandy--you'll be relieved to know that I resisted the Full-Fat Greek Yoghurt tonight and had my stewed apple on its lonesome!

But there will come a time, when, feeling over-confident, I will indulge myself in a thick slice of Cheddar . . . I'll regret it later, but . . .

Paul

[persevere]

When it comes to dairy, I only fool myself , like today. It's a short term feels so good in the mouth and belly. Then tomorrow I will get slammed. Not just gut but body pain, arthritis. Hard headed describes yours truly.
So be careful, do what is best for you.
I am so much better without it.

[gailbarnes]

I discovered this cheese recently that is non-GMO, dairy, soy, gluten, lactose, nut and preservative FREE!!
It is the best, especially the cream cheese.

VioLife Cheddar Slices (100% Vegan)
VioLife Cream Cheese (water, coconut oil, potato starch, sea salt, glucono-delta-lactone, flavor (vegan source), olive extract and Vit B-12)

Sold at Publix and maybe Wholefoods in NC

[brandy]

I discovered this cheese recently that is non-GMO, dairy, soy, gluten, lactose, nut and preservative FREE!!
It is the best, especially the cream cheese.

VioLife Cheddar Slices (100% Vegan)
VioLife Cream Cheese (water, coconut oil, potato starch, sea salt, glucono-delta-lactone, flavor (vegan source), olive extract and Vit B-12)

Sold at Publix and maybe Wholefoods in NC

Thank you for the tip. I'll check out Publix when I return to FL.