Foods with hidden lactose

26th February 2024

Many

Foods with hidden lactose

Isn’t it interesting what we put off when it comes to our health? It’s almost become an inside joke that Googling health symptoms often leads to overblown conclusions. The same reluctance applies to visiting the doctor. Long wait times and the difficulty of taking time off work are deterrents. Plus, sometimes, we don’t want to face potentially bad news. In fact, two-thirds of Brits delay doctor visits due to fear of receiving bad news. Instead, they try self-soothing with home remedies or embark on elimination diets based on guesswork.

Lactose intolerance is often self-managed without a proper diagnosis and plan. The challenge is that avoiding lactose is more complex than just steering clear of traditional dairy products. Lesser-known sources of lactose can inadvertently sneak into the diet, undermining these efforts.

The health concerns of sneaky lactose

Persistently consuming lactose when you’re intolerant can worsen symptoms and negatively impact your well-being. Severe diarrhoea can lead to significant health problems, including nutritional deficiencies, unintended weight loss, and even anaemia.

These symptoms can also cause dehydration. In severe cases, acute kidney injury is due to insufficient fluid absorption. Moreover, relying solely on dairy products for calcium intake can be risky for those with lactose intolerance. Calcium is crucial for healthy bones and preventing osteoporosis, so it’s vital to include alternative calcium sources, such as calcium-rich plant-based foods and fortified products, in your diet.

Hidden lactose

If you’re actively avoiding lactose, here are some foods with hidden lactose to watch out for:

• Bread and baked goods: Many store-bought breads, pastries, and baked goods contain milk powder, whey, or butter, adding lactose to these products.
• Cereal: Many brands coat their breakfast cereals with milk or contain milk-based additives.
• Processed meats: Deli slices, sausages, and hot dogs may contain lactose as a binder or flavour enhancer.
• Soup: Tomato- or vegetable-based instant soups and mixes can have milk powder or cream for thickening or flavour.
• Crisps: Flavoured crisps and similar snacks often use milk or cheese powder for seasoning.
• Cooking kits and seasoning sachets: With the rise of convenient cooking solutions, many ready-to-use kits and sachets contain milk. For instance, the Maggi So Juicy range’s Sweet and Sticky BBQ mix includes milk.
• Medications and supplements: Some prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as dietary supplements, may use lactose as a filler or binding agent. With a diagnosis, your doctor knows to prescribe medication suitable for you. Without it, it’s challenging to know whether or not your medications and supplements are lactose-free.

Do you suspect you’re lactose intolerant? 

Navigating a lactose-free diet can be tricky. Especially due to lactose’s unexpected presence in various foods. Being vigilant about reading labels and understanding ingredients is key. But there’s more to it. Lactose intolerance needn’t be daunting, but it can lead to underlying health issues if undetected. To be safe, getting an allergy test is a wise step for definitive answers.

If you’re nervous about having a test for suspected lactose intolerance, rest assured you’re in safe hands. Reacting adversely to lactose isn’t something you need to face by yourself. Register as a new patient today, and let’s start the process of helping you feel better. You have the option to visit our London-based allergy clinic for a comprehensive evaluation by our specialists or take advantage of our home allergy test.

Lactose intolerance vs. Cow’s milk allergy: is there a difference?

15th February 2024

Lactose intolerance vs. Cow’s milk allergy: is there a difference?

Picture this: It’s Tuesday Night; you’re walking home after your friend has invited you as a guest to their monthly Homage2Fromage cheese night. You’d had a brilliant time, but you’re feeling rough, and it’s a race to get the key in the door to get some relief. You hate to admit to yourself that it was the cheese, but it’s not the first time this has happened, and it’s time to do something about it. But what really is the underlying cause? Is it lactose intolerance or a cow’s milk allergy? Are they the same thing? 

Actually, no. There are undoubtedly similarities. Both conditions involve dairy products. However, it’s essential to understand that they are distinct issues with different causes, symptoms, and management strategies. 

What is lactose intolerance?

Lactose intolerance is a digestive condition where the body lacks enough lactase, the enzyme needed to break down lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. This deficiency leads to difficulties in digesting lactose, resulting in gastrointestinal symptoms. Typically, you might feel bloated, sick, and gassy and have an uncomfortable relationship with the toilet. It’s generally after eating or drinking something containing lactose that puts you in a tailspin. 

What is cow’s milk allergy?

Cow’s milk allergy (CMA), on the other hand, is an immune system reaction to one or more proteins found in cow’s milk. It is one of the most common food allergies in infants and young children, though some outgrow it by adulthood. For those adults who don’t grow out of a cow’s milk allergy, the results are typically more severe. The body’s immune system mistakenly identifies milk proteins as harmful, triggering an allergic response. While both demonstrate gastrointestinal symptoms such as sickness, diarrhoea, and abdominal cramps, symptoms of CMA can be more extreme and concerning:

• Skin reactions (hives, rash, eczema)
• Respiratory problems (wheezing, nasal congestion, coughing)
• In severe cases, anaphylaxis (a life-threatening reaction)

Critical differences between lactose intolerance and cow’s milk allergy

As well as different causes and symptoms, there are a few key separators between the two. Lactose intolerance commonly develops in adulthood, while cow’s milk allergy typically appears in infancy or early childhood. Cow’s milk allergy can cause more severe and potentially life-threatening reactions compared to lactose intolerance. They have different management needs, too. Lactose intolerance is managed by reducing or eliminating lactose from the diet, using lactase supplements, or choosing lactose-free products. Cow’s milk allergy requires strict avoidance of cow’s milk and all dairy products, and in some cases, carrying an epi-pen, just in case. 

What do you do if you suspect CMA or lactose intolerance?

While lactose intolerance and cow’s milk allergy both involve reactions to dairy products, they are fundamentally different conditions. Understanding these differences is crucial for proper diagnosis, management, and treatment. If you suspect you or one of your loved ones has lactose intolerance or a cow’s milk allergy, it’s a good idea to get a test to get to the bottom of the issue. With the right knowledge and approach, both conditions can be successfully managed for a healthy, comfortable life.

Reacting adversely to dairy doesn’t need to feel scary. If you’re worried you might have lactose intolerance or a cow’s milk allergy, it’s time to do something about it. Register as a new patient today, and let’s start the process of helping you feel better. You have the option to visit our London-based allergy clinic for a comprehensive evaluation by our specialists or take advantage of our home allergy test.

What do you do when you suspect you’re lactose intolerant? 

5th February 2024

What do you do when you suspect you’re lactose intolerant? 

Did you know that as a country, we are the fourth largest consumer of cheese in the world? 

In 2023 alone, the UK consumed 780 thousand metric tons of cheese. Overshadowed only by the US, Russia, and Brazil, our nation stands its ground in average consumption per person, considering our humbler population size. 

In fact, our love extends beyond cheese to all dairy products. Yet, it’s estimated that at least 8% of our population is lactose intolerant. Do you feel discomfort after consuming dairy products? If so, you’re not alone. Many people find themselves grappling with symptoms that may indicate lactose intolerance.

What is lactose intolerance?

Lactose intolerance is a condition that occurs when your body is unable to properly digest lactose, a type of sugar present in milk and dairy products. The root cause of this inability is a deficiency in lactase, an enzyme usually produced by the small intestine. Lactase is responsible for breaking down lactose into glucose and galactose, which are simpler sugars that the body can easily absorb. When there is insufficient lactase, lactose remains undigested in the digestive system. This undigested lactose can lead to various symptoms, often causing discomfort for those with the condition.

Symptoms of lactose intolerance

A strong indicator that you may be suffering from lactose intolerance is the onset of specific symptoms within a few hours after consuming foods or drinks that contain lactose. These symptoms include:

• Bloating
• Gas
• Diarrhoea
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea

How lactose shows up in dairy products

It’s important to know that not all dairy products are created equal when it comes to lactose content. This is critical because the varying lactose content in dairy products might lead you to second-guess your symptoms, as not all dairy causes discomfort equally. 

Milk

Regular cow’s milk has the highest lactose content, typically ranging from 4-5%. The lactose level varies slightly between whole, skim, and low-fat milk, but all types can trigger symptoms in individuals with lactose intolerance.

Cheese

Cheese generally contains less lactose than milk. Hard, aged cheeses like Parmesan, Cheddar, and Swiss are especially low in lactose, often containing less than 1%. In contrast, soft cheeses such as Brie or Camembert have more lactose than hard cheeses but still less than milk.

Yoghurt

Yoghurt is often more tolerable for those with lactose intolerance because it contains live bacteria that aid in lactose digestion. The lactose content in yoghurt varies, with Greek yoghurt typically having less lactose due to its straining process, which removes some of the lactose.

Butter

Butter has very low lactose content, as it is primarily composed of fat with minimal milk solids. This makes it a more tolerable option for many people with lactose intolerance.

Ice cream and processed dairy

Ice cream, particularly high-quality varieties, often has added milk solids, which increase its lactose content. Processed dairy products can also contain varying levels of lactose.

What do you do if you suspect lactose intolerance?

If you suspect that you may be lactose intolerant, it’s essential to approach the situation with care. Self-diagnosing lactose intolerance is not advisable, as its symptoms can overlap with other digestive issues, which might require different treatment. Moreover, trying to navigate this condition alone can be overwhelming and confusing.

To eliminate any uncertainty, the most effective first step is to take a lactose intolerance test. This test can help determine whether lactose is the root cause of your discomfort or if another issue is at play. Recognising that lactose intolerance is a manageable condition with the proper knowledge and strategies is key. Understanding how different dairy products affect you and recognising the symptoms are crucial steps in managing this condition.

Once you have a clear diagnosis, you can adopt a comfortable, lactose-free lifestyle more confidently. There are numerous lactose-free or low-lactose alternatives available, allowing you to enjoy many of your favourite foods without discomfort.

Navigating lactose intolerance can seem daunting, but remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Don’t hesitate to take the following steps towards better health. Register as a new patient today, and let’s start the process of helping you feel better. You have the option to visit our London-based allergy clinic for a comprehensive evaluation by our specialists or take advantage of our home allergy test.

Do you know the difference between allergies and intolerances?

15th March 2023

Do you know the difference between allergies and intolerances?

Peanut allergies. Lactose intolerances. Sometimes food really doesn’t agree with us, does it? And it makes life that much more annoying. Both of these examples will stop you eating something you might genuinely enjoy, and you have to tiptoe around them, trying to avoid ever coming into contact with them.

So it stands to reason that they’re practically the same condition, just to different foods. But allergies and intolerances aren’t the same. There are crucial differences that separate the two, and it can be a case of life and death. Let’s take a look at where allergies and intolerances differ.

Defining them

First, we’ll start by defining what each of them are. An allergy is a response from your immune system. That’s your body saying it doesn’t like a trigger as soon as it comes into contact with you. In more extreme cases, even a food touching someone can cause a reaction. Your immune system will respond to it just like it would a common cold – trying to flush it out in any way necessary or otherwise stopping it from getting further into your body.

An intolerance is a digestive response. It’s why you might not feel the effects until a few hours later. Your digestive system – as opposed to your immune system – is irritated by something you’ve eaten. In some cases, you might be able to stop this from happening. Lactase pills can prevent the bad effects of drinking milk, but there really isn’t a simple way to stop an allergy like that.

Symptoms

While allergies and intolerances will share symptoms, there are some that are more likely to happen with one over the other. With allergies there can be a range of symptoms depending on what it is you’re reacting to. Here are some common examples:

• Sneezing and/or runny nose
• Itchy, red rashes
• Swollen lips, tongue, or face
• Wheezing/shortness of breath
• Anaphylaxis

That last one is an important one. With intolerances, they are very rarely fatal. But anaphylaxis – where a person can have trouble breathing and lose consciousness – is dangerous.

Intolerance symptoms will be more centred on the digestive system:

• Bloating
• Passing excess gas
• Diarrhoea
• Stomach pain

Though intolerances can also lead to headaches, exhaustion, or joint pain in some circumstances.

Diagnosing

There are a handful of ways to diagnose both an allergy and an intolerance. With allergies, this could be a skin prick test, where a small amount of the allergen is pierced into the skin to monitor your reaction. A patch test is similar, though these are just left on the surface of your skin. Then there are potential blood tests, though they can return false positives.

With intolerances, as this is dietary, you can expect to look more closely at your diet. This may involve cutting out certain foods to see how your body responds. Blood tests are less common, though not impossible depending on the condition. For example, coeliac disease can be tested with a blood test.

The only person you can trust to deliver your diagnosis in either scenario is a doctor. Either your GP or an allergy specialist. They can help you discover what it is that’s been bothering you and whether it is an allergy or an intolerance. Remember, this isn’t something you can do on your own at home. Don’t leave it to chance.

If you want to reveal what’s been affecting you, then get in touch. Our team of allergists are ready to guide you through the process and help you live a happier and healthier life. Register as a new patient or call us on 02031 433 449.

New study suggests cow’s milk allergy might not be as common as we think

15th December 2021

New study suggests cow’s milk allergy might not be as common as we think

It’s not surprising that parents are a bit on edge when it comes to their children’s health. For parents of newborns, it’s an even more anxiety-inducing time. And food allergies are certainly something they should take seriously.

One we often see in newborns is cow’s milk allergy. Depending on where you look, it affects between 1 and 7% of babies, with most outgrowing it by the age of 5. But one new study has found that guidelines may be leading to an overdiagnosis of cow’s milk allergy.

The study

Research coming out of the University of Bristol has found that symptoms associated with cow’s milk allergy are extremely common in infants. This isn’t to say that three-quarters of newborns have the allergy, rather that these are symptoms you tend to see in most babies anyway.

Guidelines to diagnose delayed cow’s milk allergies say to look for posseting (bringing up milk), vomiting, colic, loose stools, and eczema. But the researchers found that one in four parents reported two or more of these symptoms any month. Even in babies being breastfed, thus not having any cow’s milk.

The study used data from 1,303 newborns between three and twelve months.

What does this mean?

This means some children may be misdiagnosed with cow’s milk allergy when the symptoms they’re experiencing are actually normal. Dr Rosie Vincent, who led the research, said: “Guidelines designed to help the non-specialist to diagnose cow’s milk allergy in infants may unintentionally medicalise normal infant symptoms and promote over-diagnosis of cow’s milk allergy.”

Adding to this, senior co-researcher Dr Michael Perkin said: “Parents of young infants are often seen in clinics, worried about a medical cause for their infant’s symptoms such as colic, bringing up milk or loose stools. However, our research confirms that these symptoms are extremely common. In an otherwise healthy infant, an underlying cause is unlikely.”

This just goes to show how important it is to talk to an allergy specialist. They will have a much keener insight into the nature of conditions such as cow’s milk allergy. So if you ever have any concerns with your newborn, talk to an expert.

The team of specialists at London Allergy and Immunology Centre are always ready to help you with any concerns you may have. Register as a new patient today or call us on 02031 433 449.

Four common questions about food allergies answered

9th June 2021

Four common questions about food allergies answered

It’s estimated around two million people in the UK are living with a food allergy and the numbers are rising. Having a food allergy can be nerve-wracking at the best of times and terrifying at the worst. 

But by learning as much as we can about our allergies, we can have much better control over how we handle them and feel much more confident about visiting new restaurants, going to new places, and going about our day-to-day lives. Here are some of the most common questions about food allergies answered. 

Have I suddenly developed a food allergy? 

It is definitely possible to develop an allergy. New allergies appearing in adulthood aren’t uncommon. For example, even if you’ve eaten eggs for your whole life, you can still develop an allergy to them. But there’s no way to know for certain until you get a test.

I think I’ve outgrown my allergy, can I try reintroducing it into my diet? 

No. While it’s very possible to grow out of your allergy, it’s not worth the risk. Allergies can also become worse over time, meaning you could suffer a life-threatening reaction. But if you’re really keen to try reintroducing a food you’re allergic to back into your diet, only do it with the permission and under the supervision of an allergist.

Can antihistamines stop anaphylaxis? 

No. They work too slowly for severe reactions. And antihistamines are generally intended for controlling milder reactions like a stuffy nose and itchy eyes. If you ever suspect you’re having an anaphylactic reaction, seek immediate professional help. 

What if I use my EpiPen but haven’t actually had an allergic reaction?

It’s better to be safe than sorry. It’s generally better to use your EpiPen than to hope it isn’t an allergic reaction.

Food allergies are more common now than ever before. And while science doesn’t yet know the reasons behind it, it’s important to stay informed so we can stay as happy and in control of our lives as possible.

If you have an allergy or suspect you might, register as a new patient here and book online today or call London Allergy and Immunology Centre 02031 433 449.

Why aren’t there more child-friendly free-from food products?

16th September 2020

Why aren’t there more child-friendly free-from food products?

Every parent wants the best for their children. And when their child has a food allergy, it’s just one more thing for them to stay on top of. It’s a familiar story up and down the country. Around 7% of children have food allergies – so roughly 1 in 14. So why isn’t there more allergy-free food catered towards them?

That’s something Jess Harris, founder of dairy-free children’s brand Little Bandits, has talked about. While there are plenty of products for people with gluten and dairy allergies and intolerances, very few are aimed at children.

A gap in the market

Speaking with Food Navigator, Jess Harris talked about her frustration at the lack of choice. It’s this gap that pushed her to make something herself. She specifically pointed out the lack of healthy free-from products for kids.

Talking about her son Jonah, Jess spoke about how she found it hard to find “food he loved to eat that was also healthy and great tasting”. Catering to a food allergy already means you have to readjust your child’s diet so they don’t miss out on nutrients. But beyond that, Jess didn’t want Jonah to miss out on “fun, convenient treat”. So she set out to make her own.

Now, her coconut-based yoghurts can be found at 157 Asda stores across the UK. As well as appealing to those with dairy difficulties, they are great for people on a plant-based diet or parents who want treats with less sugar in them.

It’s clear there’s demand for more like this. While talking with Asda, Jess learnt that her product was something they had wanted for a while. She plans on taking it even further, with more products in the Little Bandits line. Her goal is to have a range of food perfect for the school lunch box – things kids love to eat.

Why isn’t there more?

To see just how lacking the choice was, we took to Asda’s website to see what they had on offer. They have a well-stocked selection of free-from food, but we were looking for anything that caters specifically to children. And, as Jess alluded to, we found there wasn’t much choice.

In dairy-free food, we found 8 options amongst the 59 items. Though these came from just two distinct brands, with different flavours of their products. In gluten-free food, we found even less choice. There were only 7 options in a list of 428 items – many of which were cereal you could argue are more popular with children.

The vast majority of the products are aimed at adults, with very few bright colours and appealing graphics. Hopefully, Jess’s push to create more child-friendly free-from products will lead to more being created. Like we said at the beginning, parents want what’s best for their children. And healthy food that respects their allergies might just be top of that list.

If you ever have any worries about your child’s allergies, get in touch with one of our allergy specialists. We can advise you on the best course of action to help keep your child healthy. To find out more, visit our website or get in touch on 02031 433 449.