You Should Stop Eating Dairy If This Happens To You

The dairy-free movement has been growing for quite some time. From being vegan to lactose intolerant, there are many reasons people choose to avoid dairy. Multiple outlets will offer up numerous ways dairy can be harmful, ranging from an increased risk of chronic medical conditions to creating inflammation in the body (via The Beet). Alternately, you can find some information regarding the health benefits of dairy, such as its potent nutrient content (via The Dairy Alliance).

While an argument can be made in favor of, or against, eating dairy, there is one fact that can't be disputed — some people absolutely need to avoid cheese and milk. Included in the list of those who should go dairy-free are people with a known allergy to milk. The Mayo Clinic states that a milk allergy can be mild, causing hives and digestive issues, or severe enough to cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction. If you suspect you have a milk allergy, avoid dairy until speaking with your doctor.

Aside from having a true milk allergy, there are other reasons you should eliminate dairy from your diet, at least for a trial period. Insider reports that if you suffer from uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms such as gas, bloating, diarrhea, and pain, it may be worthwhile to cut out the ice cream and pizza for a while. Healthline shares that these symptoms may be a sign of lactose intolerance, a condition making the breakdown and digestion of lactose difficult. If constipation is a persistent condition, dairy may be to blame. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that dairy can cause severe constipation in children.

Another study published in the Nutrition and Dietetics Journal of Dieticians Australia in 2008 found that some children living with severe constipation only improved when once eliminating dairy. WebMD suggests avoiding cheese and milk when constipated. "Dairy protein paralyzes the bowel activity," physician Dr. John McDougall told Vegan Magazine. Of course, not all people who eat dairy become constipated, however. If you eat a diet heavy in dairy and you are often constipated, eliminating it is worth a shot.