7 Surprising Triggers of Anaphylaxis
Milk Intolerance
Some doctors believe that about half the world's population - a staggering number - cannot tolerate cow's milk.
Many others say that unless a blood test proves we have a true, or classical, allergy to milk, we should stop complaining.
In my experience, milk intolerance is a real problem for many people. Certainly many of my patients whose diet is rich in dairy products experience bloating, diarrhoea, stomach and abdominal cramps, headaches, nausea, eczema and other skin conditions, as well as excessive tiredness and, over the long term, general ill health.
The problem is that a food intolerance, or sensitivity, is much more complicated to identify than an allergic response because its effects may not be immediate. Symptoms can develop up to 48 hours after consuming the offending milk-based food. On the plus side, food intolerances can be temporary, occurring.
What to do if you think you are sensitive to milk:
First, identify which component in milk maybe affecting you. There are two main culprits: cow's-milk protein and lactose (the sugar in cow's, sheep's and goat's milk).
If you only seem to react badly to cow's milk products and are fine with sheep and goat's, keep a diary for a month to see if your hunch is right. If you are, then stick to sheep and goats in the future.
Diagnosing lactose intolerance is rather more complicated. The problem occurs because we don't make enough of the enzyme lactase, which helps us digest lactose.
The result is a build-up of undigested lactose in the gut, causing our bodies to react with the sort of symptoms I listed above. Children under two are particularly prone to lactose sensitivity because their guts are immature and produce low amounts of lactase
If you suspect that lactose may be the culprit:
Identify all the animal milk products in your diet, such as yoghurt, cheese, milk powder and ice cream. Check food labels, especially baked products such as cakes and pies, for caseins (milk proteins), whey and monosodium glutamate (which may appear on the label as MSG or E621 and frequently contains lactose). Monitor your reaction to these foods for any link between them and your symptoms and then, if necessary, avoid them.If you experience a sudden intolerance:
This can sometimes occur after a physical or emotional stress, such as flu, a course of antibiotics or going through a particularly stressful time.
In this case, it's advisable to avoid any food containing lactose or cow's-milk protein for a month to see whether you notice an improvement.
To help monitor this, keep a diary of everything that passes your lips and any symptoms you experience.
To eat and drink instead:
Whether your problem is sudden or more long term, be sure to replace the suspect foods with an equally nutritious alternative, such as soya milk or yoghurt, which is often calcium-enriched.
If you do find you're intolerant to some type of milk, it's particularly important to avoid it - in any form - when you're stressed. One good tip is to mix cereal with apple juice instead of milk.
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The demand for dairy-free milk alternatives in the West is booming. One in three people in the UK is believed to buy dairy milk substitutes.
At the same time, worldwide dairy milk production is increasing, particularly in developing countries. So why are ever more people in the West opting for plant-based options? Is dairy really so scary? We asked people around the country why they are joining the so-called post-milk generation.
Almost half of 16–24-year-olds in the UK are concerned about the effects of our food system on the planet. Editor Cheryl Thomas says "I decided to swap to a vegan diet due to environmental concerns – fewer crops and less water are used to sustain a vegan diet than for dairy and meat products." Research shows that a glass of dairy milk produces almost three times the greenhouse gas emissions of any non-dairy alternative.
In addition to emissions, "dairy operations can also be significant contributors to water pollution and soil degradation when manure and feed-crop production are poorly managed", according to the World Wildlife Foundation.
But dairy milk alternatives are not without environmental concerns. Consider almond "milk" – the 'water footprint' of a single California almond averages 12 litres, and California produces up to 80 percent of the world's almonds. What's more, to pollinate an acre of almond trees, you need two bee hives – and about a million hives are brought to California from around the U.S. For a short period every year. In 2014, the Pollinator Stewardship Council received reports from beekeepers of mass deaths among adult bees, as well as large numbers of dead, deformed and sick bee larvae. Eyewitnesses blamed this on a combination of pesticides.
Oats, rice and soybeans – all used in dairy milk alternatives – have a lower water footprint than almonds and don't need any help from insects as they are wind or self-pollinated. The bacteria in rice paddy soil give off methane; it's much less than cows produce, but more than alternatives such as oats. Oat drinks have a slightly higher land use than the other plant alternatives, but less than cow's milk.
"I cut back on milk for ethical reasons at first," Irena Meier told us on Twitter. She said "after not having any for more than a year, I can't stomach it anymore". Over half of 16–24-year-olds consider the food system to be 'unfair' on farm animals. The number of vegans in the UK reached 3.5 million in 2018. Many state animal welfare as a key reason for the change.
Dr Jude Capper, a livestock sustainability consultant, says "Excellent animal welfare should be the cornerstone of every livestock production system, including the non-tangible and difficult-to-measure emotional side of animal welfare." She makes the point that the practice of allowing cows access to barns can be seen as a positive. "While cattle often exhibit frolicking behaviours that could be interpreted as 'happy' when first turned out to pasture, they also queue to come into the shed when it's cold, wet or windy."
There are many controversial aspects to farming, such as mother and calf separation, slaughter of male calves and pregnancy by insemination. "No system of farming is perfect, and there are always improvements to be made", says Sam Packer, Policy Officer at The Soil Association. "We are at the forefront of this, Soil Association's animal welfare standards are the highest in the UK, and we are always working with farmers, researchers and policy makers to ensure all farm animals have a good life."
"Plant drinks contain fewer calories", @Wilderness_Days told us on Twitter.
It's true that most plant-based alternatives are lower in calories than whole dairy milk, but skimmed and semi-skimmed milks can be equally low calorie. But dairy milk contains an impressive 8g of protein per 225ml, which helps keep us fuller for longer and gives us energy. With the exception of soy, plant-based drinks contain less protein than dairy. (The NHS recommends eating 45g of protein per day for women and 55.5g for men.)
According to the British Nutrition Foundation, a proportion of adults and teenagers (especially girls) have low intakes of some vitamins and minerals, in particular vitamin A, iron, calcium, zinc and iodine. All of these are found in dairy milk.
"Dairy is very nutritious; swapping to plant-based products is not often like-for-like. It may still be important to get nutrients such as calcium, B vitamins and iodine, another way", says nutritionist Charlotte Stirling-Reed. "The trouble with many alternatives to milk is that fortification is not standardised, so you might not get the nutrients you expect. Some products contain added calcium and B vitamins, but iodine is often missing. Iodine is involved in brain development, and research suggests it plays a role in IQ. As milk is our main source of iodine in the UK, look for products that are fortified with this vital mineral if you or your child doesn't drink milk."
Nutritionist Renee Mcgregor doesn't want you to give up on dairy milk just yet, especially if you exercise regularly. "It's important to be aware that nutritionally and from a recovery point of view, dairy-free 'milks' do not stack up. Milk is ideal as it has the right carbohydrate-to-protein ratio to encourage muscle recovery. It also has the best composition, with easily digestible carbohydrates and protein, making uptake by the muscle more efficient. Dairy foods also contain calcium and this has been demonstrated to have beneficial effects on body composition, helping you to maintain a higher percentage of lean muscle mass."
Blogger Ruth Cartwright says she gave up dairy milk when she discovered she was lactose intolerant. 65 per cent of the worldwide population is reported to have a reduced ability to digest lactose, a type of sugar found in milk. This rises to 90 percent of East Asian adults and drops to 5 percent of people from Northern Europe.
Lactose intolerance usually exhibits within a few hours of eating or drinking, with symptoms such as wind, bloating, cramps, feeling sick and diarrhoea. Severity depends on the individual and how much lactose has been consumed. Some people who are lactose-intolerant may still be able to tolerate a small glass of milk, while others won't be able to drink even a tiny bit in their tea or coffee. Intolerance is not an allergy and can develop at any age.
The NHS says that a milk allergy affects one in 50 infants and young children, but rarely continues after one year and most children will have outgrown it after three. But to some, a cow's milk allergy is lifelong and severe. If you have an allergy to milk you must avoid it and find an alternative source of nutrients, such as protein and calcium.
If you're concerned that dietary restrictions are putting you at risk of complications, consult a dietitian.
Are there hormones in dairy milk?"I found out (dairy milk) had hormones in", Stephanie Barnes told us on Twitter.
Although it's true that growth hormones are used for cattle in some countries, they are not used for livestock in the EU and "hormones that are bovine-specific do not have biological effects in other species", says Dr Jude Capper. "We lack the appropriate receptors for the hormone to bind to – we don't have a cellular 'lock' that the hormone 'key' will fit", she continues.
However, antibiotics are a consideration. "Where appropriate, antibiotics are used in livestock to prevent and treat disease, thus improving animal welfare and ensuring a safe food supply", Capper continues. "Concern exists regarding the overuse of antibiotics within veterinary and medical sectors. As antimicrobial resistance becomes a significant global issue, dairy producers, animal health industries and researchers worldwide are working to eliminate medically important antibiotics from livestock production, while seeking alternative treatments to ensure that animal health and welfare is maintained."
Dairy labelled as 'organic' has not been sourced from animals treated with antibiotics. Any cattle on an organic farm that require antibiotics, when they are actually sick and prescribed by a vet, will not have their milk sold as 'organic'. The Soil Association says "Organic cows are fed a diet free from artificial additives, chemicals and genetically modified ingredients, and the routine use of antibiotics in the organic system is banned."
While milk alternatives don't contain antibiotics, they may contain other additives. Flavourings, thickeners, carrageenan, vegetable oils and gums can be found in non-dairy drinks, and as a result they are classed as ultra-processed foods. Soya contains phytoestrogens, oestrogen-like compounds. Clinical studies have shown both the risks and benefits of eating phytoestrogens, but research is inconclusive.
Is it natural to drink milk from another species?"No other animal drinks milk from another species", says personal trainer Mark Sleight.
More than 10,000 years ago, hardly anyone drank dairy milk. The first to give it a go were early farmers in Western Europe, who domesticated animals, including cows.
Back then, humans couldn't digest the lactose in dairy. Babies have the lactose enzyme to allow them to digest their mother's milk, but traditionally this enzyme stops being produced in adulthood. Evolution has allowed some humans, particularly in Northern Europe, to keep it for life – meaning we can digest milk.
No other mammals drink milk to adulthood. But neither do they drink nut and grain juices fortified with vitamins and minerals. As many of us have evolved to be able to process lactose, some argue that drinking milk is now 'natural', as it has altered our DNA.
If you don't want dairy milk, then mylk, malk, m*lk and more are available. Soy, rice, hemp, hazelnut, coconut and the popular almond and oat milks can be found on shelves.
While soy drinks are closest to dairy in terms of protein, it contains fewer carbohydrates than oat, coconut, rice and almond alternatives. Coconut milk usually contains more saturtated fat than the rest.
The vitamin and mineral content differs between brands of non-dairy substitutes as well as between types. Charlotte Stirling-Reed recommends looking for a drink that is fortified with iodine, as this is a tricky mineral to get from diet. Note that organic drinks are not fortified.
Oat drinks are often considered a gateway to the alternative-milk scene because of their mild, creamy taste, but Stirling-Reed suggests trying a few to see what you like. "If no one drinks it, it won't be any use, even if you have chosen the most nutritionally viable alternative", she says.
Image caption,Twitter / @whodeemomi / @sarahbartletts / @shylittlemess / @muslimmummies
12 Best Protein Powders For Weight Loss In 2024
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People often associate protein powders with muscle gain. However, they can also assist people with weight loss by helping them feel full for longer.
Having enough protein can help boost metabolism, reduce appetite, and lose fat without losing muscle. This all contributes to weight management.
Medical News Today has tested some of the products below. Reviewers may have received some products from the manufacturers for free, which does not influence their review. All opinions are the reviewers' own.
This protein powder contains 21 grams (g) of plant-based protein from peas, brown rice, and chia seeds. Additionally, it contains:
Orgain states that this product is:
Additionally, this product contains no genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or artificial ingredients.
People can purchase this product in 1-pound (lb) and 2-lb tub sizes or as a 10-count travel pack.
The company claims this product suits men, women, and children. It also states that people can take this protein powder as a meal replacement, smoothie booster, muscle recovery, and pre-or post-workout drink.
Read more about the best protein powders for women.
Orgain recommends that people mix the protein powder with water, milk, muffins, or cookies for an energy boost.
What our tester says"I chose this protein powder because I was looking for something vegan without stevia or monk fruit extract (I don't like the taste of these sweeteners). This one is sweetened with coconut sugar, so it does have 5 g of sugar per serving.
It tastes SUPER sweet to me, but it does have a nice chocolate flavor — it smells and tastes almost like hot chocolate.
It blends well, too, and doesn't have any chalkiness to it, even if you just mix it with water. I like to blend it with some unsweetened almond milk and half a frozen banana."
–Chelsea Logan, Senior Editor
"I chose this protein powder because I was looking for something vegan without stevia or monk fruit extract (I don't like the taste of these sweeteners). This one is sweetened with coconut sugar, so it does have 5 g of sugar per serving.
It tastes SUPER sweet to me, but it does have a nice chocolate flavor — it smells and tastes almost like hot chocolate.
It blends well, too, and doesn't have any chalkiness to it, even if you just mix it with water. I like to blend it with some unsweetened almond milk and half a frozen banana."
–Chelsea Logan, Senior Editor
Pros & consThis gluten- and soy-free whey protein powder contains 30 g of protein per serving. It is available in three different flavors in 1 lb tubs.
Additionally, it contains:
Premier Protein states that this product is keto-friendly and contains no soy ingredients.
The company recommends people mix one scoop of powder with 6–8 ounces (oz) of water, juice, or milk. People can add the powder to energy bites, smoothies, or puddings.
People can take this product at any time of the day or post-exercise.
Pros & consThis whey protein powder from NOW Sports contains 24 g of protein per one-level scoop serving. It is available in 1.5 lb and 5 lb tubs.
NOW Sports claims that this protein powder is easily digested and is good for active individuals because it contains BCAAs, which help rebuild muscle fibers after workouts.
Additionally, the company states that this powder has been tested for more than 200 banned substances, that every batch is screened for potency, identity, and safety, and carries the current good manufacturing practice (CGMP) logo. This system ensures that products are consistently produced and controlled according to quality standards.
The company recommends adding one level scoop daily to 8 oz of cold water, milk, or juice.
This product contains per serving:
The company claims that the powder is free of the following:
This protein powder from Optimum Nutrition contains 100% whey protein and is gluten-free. It is available in 1 lb and 5 lb tubs.
It contains:
Additionally, it contains 5.5 g of naturally occurring BCAAs and 11 g of naturally occurring essential amino acids per serving to aid muscle recovery.
Optimum Nutrition states that people can take this protein powder before or after exercise, between meals, with a meal, or any time of the day when extra protein is needed.
The manufacturer recommends people take one scoop with 6–8 oz of water or a beverage of their choice and stir for 30 seconds until the powder is dissolved. Alternatively, people can opt for a milder-tasting shake by adding 8–10 oz of liquid to the powder.
The company claims that this product has been tested for banned substances and has undergone the highest quality control measures to ensure that people feel comfortable and confident taking the product.
Pros & consThis protein powder from Naked contains only one ingredient: grass-fed whey protein. It is available in 1 lb and 5 lb tubs.
Naked claims that this powder contains no GMOs or soy and is gluten-free. Additionally, the product does not contain bovine growth hormones.
Naked claims that the whey is sourced from small dairy farms in Idaho and Northern California. The whey is cold-processed to ensure zero contamination from chemical detergents, synthetic additives, or heavy metals.
Naked Whey is certified Informed Choice Trusted for Sport.
Each two-scoop serving of Naked Whey protein powder provides:
People can take the powder as a pre-or post-workout shake. Alternatively, they can add it to smoothies or baking.
Pros & consThis whey protein isolate from GNC provides a high amount of protein per serving, but it also contains 200 mg of caffeine, 6 g of fiber, and 5 mg of piperine (black pepper extract). These ingredients may help provide better mental focus, boost exercise performance, and aid in weight loss.
GNC claims that this powder not only aids with weight loss, but it can also be helpful when people hit a plateau in their training and need a little extra boost.
In addition to the powder's high protein content, every two scoops provide:
GNC states that this powder is suitable for people following a low-carb diet.
Pros & consThorne Research claims this whey protein isolate powder is NSF Certified for Sport. Additionally, it claims that the powder can aid muscle repair after training and injury. People may also wish to take it as a meal replacement.
The company claims its manufacturing facility complies with CGMP standards and is third-party tested. Additionally, it claims that its products only contain ingredients and flavorings from natural sources free of common allergens.
People can mix this protein powder with water or beverages or add it to smoothies or shakes.
Thorne Research recommends people mix one scoop of the powder with at least 8 oz of water, juice, or preferred beverage daily.
Each one-scoop serving provides:
ra states that this organic plant-based protein powder is made from all-natural ingredients and is vegan-friendly.
The powder contains 19 superfoods for added micronutrients and all essential amino acids. This ensures that people get the best recovery from their workout routine.
Each two-scoop serving provides:
This product contains no added sugars and no sugar alcohol. Instead, the powder is sweetened with stevia and monk fruit extracts.
The company states that this powder is suitable for people with lactose intolerance because it contains plant-based protein from organic peas, organic rice, and organic superfoods such as sacha inchi, acai, pomegranate, kale, and turmeric.
Additionally, it contains digestive enzymes such as cellulase, which helps break down hard-to-digest plant cell walls and maximize protein absorption.
Ora states that this product contains whole foods and non-GMO ingredients sourced from the USDA organic certified farms.
This product is free of gluten, dairy, fillers, and artificial ingredients and is third-party tested.
Ora recommends people add two scoops of the protein powder to a shaker bottle with 1.5 cups of oat, almond, or a personal choice of milk. It can also be added to smoothies together with frozen fruit.
Pros & consNuFyx Heavenly Powder is 100% organic plant-based and only contains the following six ingredients:
NuFyx claims that this powder has no chalky or artificial taste, and the pea protein aids in avoiding bloating.
Each two-scoop serving provides:
Its low-carb content may also suit people following a keto diet.
This product is available to purchase as a single packet, 10 packets, or 20 or 40 scoops.
NuFyx recommends adding one to two protein powder scoops to water or plant milk. People can also add it to oatmeal or overnight oats and recipes.
This product is certified USDA organic.
Pros & consThis whey protein powder from Dymatize contains 25 g of protein, 5.5 g of BCAAs, and 2.7 g of leucine per serving. Additionally, it is low in fat and sugar.
Dymatize claims this product is scientifically formulated with fast-digesting hydrolyzed whey protein isolate, making it a good partner for muscle growth and strength.
This gluten-free product contains less than 1 g of lactose per serving.
It is Informed Choice Trusted for Sport certified.
Each one-scoop serving provides:
Dymatize recommends people add one scoop to 5–6 oz of water, milk, or their favorite beverage and mix thoroughly. People can take this powder as
Pros & consThis powder contains 32 g of protein, the highest protein content per serving in this article.
According to the company, due to this supplement's high protein content, it not only supports post-workout recovery and muscle growth but also satisfies hunger.
Muscle Milk protein powders are NSF Certified for Sport. This testing program confirms that sports supplements and sports nutritional products do not contain substances banned by many major athletic organizations.
Each two-scoop serving provides:
Muscle Milk recommends people take the powder by mixing two scoops into 8 oz of water in a shaker bottle. Alternatively, people can add the powder to recipes to increase protein intake.
Muscle Milk claims that this protein supplement is suitable for post-workout recovery, as an on-the-go breakfast, or as an anytime snack.
Pros & consThis vanilla-flavored protein supplement contains a combination of 55% whey protein isolate, 45% micellar casein, and a high concentration of BCAAs.
The company claims this combination of proteins promotes a positive nitrogen balance that helps muscle recovery and growth for up to 4 hours post-workout.
This product is free of:
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