Breaking it down….
Have you ever found yourself staring at a glass of milk, wanting it as badly as an athlete eyes their next personal record, but knowing it would upset your stomach? That was me. Every time I gave in to the temptation of dairy, my body would react like it was staging a protest – my gut would become uncomfortable and my skin would break out. But here’s the exciting part: I discovered a way to make friends with dairy again, and I want to share that journey with you.
Let’s start with some simple science. Inside our bodies, we need something called lactase – it’s a helper that breaks down the milk sugar (lactose) into smaller, friendlier sugars called glucose and galactose. Think of lactase like a pair of scissors that cuts big pieces of paper (lactose) into smaller pieces that are easier to handle. When we don’t have enough lactase, that’s when the trouble begins.
The Road Back
My path back to enjoying dairy started with baby steps. I began with foods that naturally contain very little lactose. Natural cheeses like Parmesan, cheddar, and mozzarella were my starting point. These cheeses have very small amounts of lactose because most of it gets removed during the cheese-making process. It’s like they’ve already done some of the work for my body!
While I was enjoying these low-lactose cheeses, I also started taking lactase enzyme supplements. These supplements work like backup helpers for your digestive system. Imagine them as training wheels on a bicycle – they give you extra support while your body learns to handle dairy again.
Beneficial Bacteria
After succeeding with natural cheeses, I moved on to Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt is special because the straining process removes some of the lactose, making it easier to digest than regular yogurt. Plus, the good bacteria in yogurt can help your gut handle dairy better.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race …
The key to my success was moving slowly – even slower than a cheese wheel rolling uphill! I paid attention to how my body responded and never rushed to the next step until I felt completely comfortable with where I was.
For those who want to try dairy again but aren’t ready for the gradual approach, there’s another option worth mentioning. Lactose-free milk, like the Fairlife brand produced in Arizona, offers the same great taste and nutrition as regular milk, but without the lactose. They achieve this by adding lactase to the milk, which breaks down the lactose before you even drink it.
Today, I can enjoy dairy without my body complaining. My skin stays clear, and my stomach remains happy. It’s like my body finally got the message: dairy doesn’t have to be the enemy. Whether you choose to take the gradual path like I did or opt for lactose-free alternatives, there’s hope for enjoying dairy again.
Remember, everyone’s body is different, so what worked for me might need some adjusting to work for you. The important thing is to listen to your body and move at your own pace. With patience and the right approach, you might find yourself enjoying that glass of milk sooner than you think!
Christian Poulos M.D.
Christian Poulos M.D. is a leading medical doctor and high-performance health coach who has helped over 700 executives, physicians, and entrepreneurs improve their health, energy, and focus through a time-efficient process. As the founder of Doctor’s Orders Coaching, he specializes in guiding busy professionals to achieve lasting results in daily energy, mental clarity, and physique transformation. A sought-after keynote speaker and mentor, Dr. Poulos is dedicated to empowering high performers to take control of their well-being, overcome stress, and unlock their full potential.