"When did you decide you're lactose intolerant?" says my intolerant sister.
Oh, you know, around the same time I decided I didn't like milk, cheese, butter, ice cream, cookies, cake, ordering like a "normal" person at a restaurant, not having to check labels and ingredients, not having to try to guess the required ratio of Lactaid-pill-to-dairy-foods, ice cream cake, pizza, Twix's, Kit-Kats, muffins, Reese's, fondue (both cheese and chocolate, obviously), ranch dressing, Caesar salads, most breads, basically all desserts, entrees and side dishes, and pretty much every other delicious dairy-laden item in the world.
Around the same time that I decided I wanted to be a burden to friends who want to invite me for dinner. Around the same time that I decided I wanted to make my waiter's shift just that tiniest bit more difficult, or the chef's job just a pinch harder, because now he has to find a cooktop that hasn't had butter on it. Around the time I decided I wanted to have to eat before going to a party, out of fear that there would be nothing I could eat.
No, Melissa. I didn't decide I was lactose intolerant. I decided not to feel horrible all the time, regretting that candy bar or the teeny tiny amount of delicious ranch dressing on my carrot. I decided to not go to bed angry at myself for indulging that part of my brain that wanted anything with dairy. I decided to not be afraid to see a movie with friends after eating dinner.
I decided I didn't want to feel gassy, bloated and uncomfortable, and I decided to do the easiest thing for my body.
Which just so happens to be deciding to not eat dairy.
:( Yeah, that's an annoying way to ask about the subject... I can't imagine anyone who would give up absolutely all forms of dairy for the fun of it. Well, I'm glad at least you finally figured out what was hurting your stomach. I'm sure your life feels a whole lot better now. Does taking those lactaid help at all?
ReplyDeleteThe Lactaid pills work when I get the ratio right. And it seems the ratio changes drastically dpending on the day/time/foods. The only time it's ever been 100% successful, I took a pill every 15 minutes during a meal. I went through about 6 pills in one meal. I'm glad it worked, but that's a little crazy.
DeleteOther times, I can take a pill every 15 minutes and be sick all night. It's really confusing and upsetting when it doesn't work. Overall, I only bother trying if I'm out to eat. If I'm at home, I don't bother.
Have you been able to ascertain whether it's the lactose or something more like the milk protein itself? I just ask since there are lots of dairy products that don't have the lactose sugar in them, but the protein is in everything (and includes things like whey and caseins)...
ReplyDeleteI definitely feel your pain though! I never knew how difficult it was to cut out entire food groups because of a food allergy/intolerance/issue. I'm about to have to be back in the same boat as you for at least three months - maybe we can throw a dairy-free party. ;) If you're ever searching for substitutes, I found lots of good brands and other options that made it bearable last year.
I'm 99% sure it's the protein itself. I say this because breads with whey have been known to cuase issues.
DeleteI would be all for a dairy-free party. Bring on the non-chocolate! I'd love to know some of the substitutes you've found!