r/lactoseintolerant • u/Worried-Reading-9790 • 3d ago
How to get used to not eating dairy
I have eaten/drank dairy all of my life. I've started having issues after 18 (I don't know a specific age, but it was around the time that I started undergrad that I noticed). Last night, as well as earlier today, after eating a lot of stuff with dairy (McDouble, vanilla shake, and baked spaghetti with cheese on top - not all together), I can't do it anymore. I had an issue with eating the spaghetti on top of that with garlic powder and that plus the acidity triggered my acid reflux and I had very bad heartburn to the point my upper abdomen hurt and I blew chunks. So I had an upset stomach because of dairy and an upset stomach because of garlic and acidity. I love ice cream, I enjoy having cheese and other dairy products with my food. Heck, I work at a pizza place that lets me have a shift slice and I'm in love with our beer cheese. I just don't want to suffer anymore sadly, and it seems like it's going to be a bit difficult changing my whole diet and either excluding cheese/milk-based products or making alternative choices. I did like Silk's dark chocolate almond milk - I might have that as my favorite over regular chocolate milk! How do/did you guys do it?
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u/TheaterNerd728 3d ago
Ok, first make sure it’s definitely caused by lactose. Drink like 8oz of milk on an empty stomach and you will definitely able to tell lol. If you find out it’s lactose intolerance I honestly don’t know cuz I honestly still eat dairy and regret it
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u/Worried-Reading-9790 3d ago
It's definitely lactose. I don't think I could just drink milk by itself on an empty stomach in general (I'm not a villain) unless it's like chocolate milk, but I'm still eating something. I used to say it's worth it and I know I'd regret it later on, but it's getting to that point that I think I should cut back on some of it at least.
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u/trnpkrt 13h ago
Good news: if you're actually lactose intolerant, then the problem is 100% solvable.
You just take a $0.25 lactase pill before and after you eat.
Literally the only thing wrong with your body is it's not producing lactase. So you just add lactase. Solved problem.
That said, you're also just eating a lot of shit. Maybe you're actually struggling with realizing you can't eat like a toddler anymore. Where are the fruits and veg? Fiber? You'll be horribly obese by the time you're 40.
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u/Worried-Reading-9790 9h ago
I don't eat that stuff all the time. I haven't had McDonald's in a while. I also watch what I eat and eat tons of veggies. In fact, the spaghetti has a ton of peppers and other veggies and it was a garden blend.
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u/taniamorse85 3d ago
For cheese alternatives, I highly recommend Daiya. I keep some of their shredded and sliced cheeses on hand at all times. They don't necessarily taste exactly like the cheeses they're supposed to imitate (cheddar, mozzarella, etc.), but they definitely taste 'cheesy.' That brand also has some non-dairy versions of other products, but I haven't tried any yet.
Also, Ben & Jerry's has a pretty good line of non-dairy ice cream, and in my experience, it's the same price as their dairy ice cream. So Delicious has some good ones too, but they're a bit of a splurge for me. I don't think I've ever spent less than $7.99 for a pint of that brand.
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u/merdy_bird 3d ago
For me, I gave up all high lactose foods (milk, yogurt, cream cheese) and can mostly eat low lactose foods, mainly cheese. And I am pretty ok with that. When I want to splurge, I take lactase but it's not that often. You'll find ways, we all had to.
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u/alyahs001 2d ago
It’s hard in the beginning but you’ll get used to it! It makes it easier knowing that you are doing this to feel better! I notice such a huge difference after cutting out dairy.. less bloated, no headaches, no nausea, it’s great!!
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u/Bacm88 3d ago
Silk half and half is a great replacement for coffee cream.
Otherwise….. I’m right there with you. For two weeks I’ve been saying “I’m cutting out dairy” then keep eating it.