September 2009 Archives

Following a few emails we thought it was about time we outlined the difference between a Dairy Allergy and a Lactose Intolerance; so ...

Dairy Allergy -

This is an allergic reaction to certain proteins that are found in cows milk. Whilst some adults are affected it is more commonly found in children and is often grown out of by age 5.

There are many symptoms so as ever it is best to see your GP and get a referral to an allergy specialist. Symptoms can include diarrhoea, asthma, skin rashes, bloated or swollen stomach and headaches.

Lactose Intolerance -

This is a reaction to the sugar found in cows milk and is common in adults and older children and more common than a Dairy Allergy.

The symptoms are caused by the bodies inability to break down and digest the sugar (lactose). This leads to stomach pains, bloating, diarrhoea and wind. The amount of lactose that can be tolerated can vary greatly between suffers.

What to avoid

The below list covers many of the dairy related products that you should aim to avoid:

• Butter (including buttermilk and butter oil)
• Cheese
• Curds
• Condensed Milk
• Casein
• Evaporated Milk
• Fromage Frais
• Ghee
• Hydroised Milk Protein
• Lactose
• Lactate
• Lactic Acid
• Soured Cream
• Whey
• Yoghurt

A recent report from a the charity Consensus Action on Salt & Health has highlighted the fact that many Free From Foods have significantly higher levels of salt than the non Free From varieties.

Consensus Action on Salt & Health (http://www.actiononsalt.org.uk/index.htm) are a registered charity whos aims include:

"To reach a consensus with the food manufacturers and suppliers that there is strong evidence that salt is a major cause of high blood pressure and has other adverse health effects.

To persuade the food processors and suppliers to universally and gradually reduce the salt content of processed foods"

Their report on salt levels in Free From Food can be found here and it is clear that the salt levels should be checked on the packing before making any purchases!!

Below are lnks to 2 more on line shops that stock and deliver allergen free foods:

wheatanddairyfree.com - The Wheat and Dairy Free Supermarket

naturallygoodfood.co.uk - Naturally Good Food

Please let us know if you have used eaither of these online shops and if they have provided a good service. you can log on and leave a comment or email us at contact@freefromfood.co.uk

A dairy free Cream Cheese alternative has been recommended to us (although we haven't tried it yet!!). Made by Tofutti it is gluten free and dairy free but is not available in the main supermarkets.

Information about Tofutti can be here - Tofutti, "Creamy Smooth"

Tofutti also make dairy free sour cream, Mozzarella Style Cheese Slices and frozen desserts.

We have found the Creamy Smooth on line at Goodnessdirect.co.uk

Tesco are stocking 2 brands of ready meals and sauces which are designed for those of us with food allergies. (Mainly Gluten, Wheat and Diary Free).

Look What We Found!

  Fellside Chilli con Carne is Gluten, Wheat, Dairy and Egg Free
  Beef & Basil Meatballs in Tomato Sauce is Gluten, Wheat and Dairy Free

  These can be found at Tesco - Tesco (Search for "what we")

It's a Free World!

  Moroccan Tagine is Gluten, Wheat, Dairy and Egg Free
  Fragrant Thai Chicken Curry is Gluten, Wheat, Dairy and Egg Free

These can be found at Tesco - Tesco (Search for "free world")

The full range can also be found here -
  http://www.lookwhatwefound.co.uk/store/

Thanks to all of you who have supported this blog we have decided to create a new website:

www.food4allergies.com

The internet shop Gluten Free Foods Direct has started stocking a Gluten Free Ravioli. The product is from an itainlian company called Gluten Out. If anyone has tried the Ravioli please let us know what you think of it!

Gluten Free Foods Direct

Dietary Specials have started selling their Frozen Gluten Free and Wheat Free Sausage Rolls in Sainsbury's. We can't find them on the sainsbury website but this is the link to the Dietary Specials Website:

Dietary Specials