Dairy-Free Diet
A Dairy Free Diet is one that does not contain milk, butter, cheese, yoghurt or any other products made from them. The main reason for going on a dairy free diet is that the person cannot digest dairy products i.e. he has lactose intolerance. This means that the enzyme lactase is not present in sufficient amounts in the digestive tract and the person suffers from some sort of reaction when he has anything containing milk or its derivatives. Another reason why a person may be on a dairy free diet may be because of certain beliefs that may be personal, social or religious.
Milk and other dairy products are a rich source of protein and calcium. Depriving oneself of milk and milk products can lead to malnutrition unless one takes care to consciously take other protein rich and calcium rich foods. Certain cereals, grains and meat are good substitutes that can fulfill nutritional needs of a person on a dairy free diet. Some people who suffer from lactose intolerance can eat yoghurt without any ill effects. It is then possible to include yoghurt and any variations of yoghurt in the diet.
People on dairy free diet should include at least one portion of any of the following every day in their meals: Fish, chicken, beans, cereals and sprouts, Soya products, tofu or lentils. Be sure to have fruit and salad greens as well as different vegetables daily. Restrict the amount of oil or fat consumed but do not cut it out completely from your diet.
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