DAIRY is eliminated from the cleanse programme to reduce the burden placed upon the liver. Even milk products that are lactose free are removed. Avoid RED MEAT such as beef, lamb, pork and game for at least 12-14 days.
Many of us enjoy yogurts and I believe that a little ORGANIC natural yogurt and some cheese on occasion is harmless for those who can tolerate it and a good source of probiotics and calcium. However, those with histamine issues (allergies) are unable to tolerate yogurts or other fermented foods as they increase histamine in the body and worsen symptoms.
For those worried about calcium levels, you can find this in “greens, tofu and nuts”
WHY AVOID DAIRY?
Dairy products may aggravate gallbladder problems by slowing down the release of bile.
Dairy tends to thicken the bile and making it less fluid and creating a “sludge” and therefore it has a harder job moving toxins out of the body. 80% of females over 40 years have a sluggish gallbladder and reduced bile flow which impacts hormone balance and removal of toxins.
Additionally, most dairy products are highly refined by processes known as homogenisation and pasteurisation in order to prolong the “shelf life”.
Pasteurisation is used to kill off bacteria, and during this process milk enzymes and vitamins are destroyed, so nutritional benefits become void!
Homogenisation gives milk a creamier consistency but it changes the size and shape of milk fat and has been associated with creating more inflammation in the body.
80% of the protein in cows milk comes from casein. Casein is added to some non dairy alternatives such as rice milk as a preservative so always check labels!
Casein is a protein found in dairy products which is not easily absorbed by humans. When undigested in the gut, these proteins begin to putrify. This putrefaction in humans produces toxins and mucus.
Exposure to high levels of casein has the same immune response of inflammation as to gluten.
If the gut wall has any damage along it´s lining, the milk proteins can make it worse:
- It stops the formation of glucosamine in the gut lining, thereby creating a leaky gut. This creates systemic inflammation as items can then pass through the gut wall to the blood stream that would normally remain in the gut. (Glucosamine is known to help repair the mucosal-lining defensive barrier in our small intestine.
- It impairs immune system development in the gut and the maturation of important immune cells known as T helper cells– this can lead to autoimmune disease, asthma, allergies, diabetes.
- Other symptoms related to casein: Skin reactions such as hives, a rash, or red, itchy skin. Nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, coughing, or wheezing.
- It may create a mucous “slime” in the lining of the gut that prevents the absorption of some nutrients as well as causing gut inflammation.
- Dairy can be high in saturated fats which can make it harder for your liver to do its job. Over time it may lead to higher triglycerides and inflammation.
Lactose is a milk sugar found in most dairy products unless it’s been removed including cow’s milk and goat’s milk products. Fresh milk and cream are higher in lactose, while hard cheeses have less.
About 65% of adults worldwide can’t break down and absorb lactose. Unabsorbed lactose passes undigested through your gastrointestinal tract, causing symptoms for some people. This is often due to reduced levels of the enzyme lactase. Genetics, ageing and disturbances to gut health may trigger lactose intolerance.
Symptoms vary from person to person, but may include: gas, diarrhoea, bloating, belly pains and nausea.
Two factors contribute to lactose intolerance: lactose malabsorption and gut sensitivity. Lactose malabsorption is the most important factor. It’s the inability to break down and absorb lactose in your small intestine that leads to lactose later entering your large intestine and triggering symptoms.
TIPS FOR THE PROGRAMME:
There are plenty of good vegan cheeses around and nutritional yeast can replace a parmesan in pesto etc during your cleanse. For those in France it is called: Levure maltee and markal is a mark often seen in the shops. There are plenty of other marks available.
Organic butter has very few milk solids so is tolerated more easily, but try switching to ghee, olive, coconut and nut based oils during your cleanse.
There are also a variety of natural plant based yogurts available to enjoy.
