In recent years, diets that involve the elimination of dairy products and gluten have become increasingly popular. They are often recommended on social media as a dietary option for those looking to lead a healthier lifestyle and alleviate the manifestations of various diseases and uncomfortable symptoms.
Milk is "blamed" for the appearance of acne and weight gain, and both it and gluten are considered causes of digestive problems. To address such issues or prevent their occurrence, many simply decide to eliminate these products without thoroughly understanding the reasons for their discomfort.
Lactose Intolerance — Truth or Myth?
Conditions where the consumption of milk and dairy products can be harmful rather than beneficial do exist. These include cow's milk protein allergy and lactase deficiency — a lack or complete absence of the enzyme that breaks down the milk sugar lactose.
In the presence of lactase deficiency, lactose intolerance develops, which significantly reduces the quality of life. In such cases, consumption of milk and dairy products should be reduced or eliminated altogether.
Gluten Intolerance — Truth or Myth?
Gluten can also be poorly tolerated.
What is gluten, anyway?
Gluten refers to the protein found in many grains. Traces of it can be found not only in baked goods and pasta but also in many other products, such as sausages, sauces, and canned goods.
"Not everyone needs to eliminate gluten-containing products, only those who suffer from celiac disease — gluten intolerance. Statistically, it affects no more than 2% of the world's population. Gluten can also worsen well-being in other conditions — non-celiac gluten sensitivity and wheat allergy," says Olga Malinovskaya, a physician.
What Tests Should You Take to Determine if You Have Gluten and Lactose Intolerance?
If you suspect either diagnosis, it is important to consult a doctor and undergo necessary tests, such as antibodies to deamidated gliadin peptides, antibodies to tissue transglutaminase, and to endomysium, which are indicated for diagnosing celiac disease. Genetic tests to identify polymorphisms in the MCM6 gene can help detect lactose intolerance.
Dietary adjustments in such conditions can significantly improve well-being, but special attention to nutrition is only required if the diagnosis is confirmed. Healthy individuals do not need to eliminate these products. Milk and dairy products are important sources of calcium and protein, and without gluten-containing products, the body will not receive enough B vitamins.
Any serious dietary adjustments should be made based on indications and under a doctor's supervision — excluding entire groups of products from the diet can lead to serious deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, which will require considerable time and effort to correct.
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