Holy Cow! Lay Off Dairy
How Dairy Can Cause Constipation
By Laura Truitt
My now 23+ month old daughter, Taylor, lives a much less constipated lifestyle thanks to eventually recognizing the symptoms. At doctors appointments from 12-18 months, the importance of getting enough dairy a day were highly stressed. As a first time mom, I wanted to follow this regimen as much as possible. Milk before breakfast, cheese and yogurt supplemented with every meal, and milk to end the day.
Little did I know, I was causing my little girl bloating, constipation, and illness. I brought my concern to my doctors and they suggested adding more fiber to her diet and increasing water. I tried to incorporate the addition of more fruits, veggies, and water as much as possible. This was a difficult task to force enough fiber into a young toddler. I knew something had to change.
I decided to tell my good friend, Maren Epstein (Nutritionist / Colon Therapist) the story of what Taylor was experiencing. She highly suggested cutting dairy out (and wheat, but that’s for another article). I didn’t know what to do because I knew Taylor loved it so much.
“Everyone is technically “allergic” to dairy. We are the only species who insist on drinking milk from other species after infancy. This sensitivity is due to the body’s inability to produce lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose. Amongst other reasons. Children these days often show the strongest sensitivity towards cow milk because their bodies are so young and clean that the difference becomes incredibly obvious. Ear infections, frequent colds and infections and constipation are the most common forms of unnoticed dairy sensitivity.” Says Maren.
So, she helped me come up with making Taylor daily morning smoothies. Taylor slurped down her smoothies every morning from about 14 months until now (23+ months)! She still loves getting her fresh morning smoothies with fruit, almond milk, spinach, peanut butter, and flax seed.
SEE RECIPE BELOW.
I find it so interesting that the doctors never told me once to back off dairy. Sometimes you have to just go with your intuition and stick with it.
Taylor’s bowel movements are now very good and regular. She still gets occasional dairy and some whole milk at night. The minimal dairy intake does not seem to be bothering her little tummy anymore! I always read that food can be medicine but I never really knew how true it was until I experienced this first hand.
A few takeaways I’d like to share:
- Always go with your gut. If your instinct tells you something is not right, take it into your control and do not settle until you are fulfilled with the outcome.
- Always get second opinions If you are not satisfied with the first outcome, don’t be afraid to go to another doctor and get a different perspective on a situation.
- Food is medicine what we eat affects how we behave and feel. If one person eats a cheeseburger they may feel bloated versus eating a piece of fruit and almond butter will fill the same person up minus the bloat.
Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 Pieces of frozen mango chopped
- 1/4 cup blueberries
- 1/4 strawberries
- 1 tsp flax seed
- 1 handful spinach
Instructions
- Cut and clean fresh fruit
- Add ice cubes and frozen mango, blend.
- Add remaining ingredients and blend completely
- Enjoy!
