While there’s nothing wrong with good ol’ fashioned comfort food now and again, some parents may wonder if the dairy-rich meals are wreaking havoc on their child’s health. Thankfully there are some telltale signs your kid may have a dairy sensitivity, and you can easily make the switch to dairy-free ingredients, if necessary. Food allergies1 are immune-mediated responses that can lead to hives, anaphylaxis, and swelling. Food sensitivities or intolerances2, on the other hand, are triggered by a response in the digestive system, not the immune system. They generally occur when a person can’t process or digest a certain food. Try swapping their cow’s milk with almond, oat, or another plant-based milk alternative, and use nutritional yeast in place of cheese, then see if the headaches lessen. Seek the help of a pediatrician to help identify food sensitivities and guide you in planning a more gut- and kid-friendly diet (yes, ice cream is still on the table). And, of course, if there are any concerning signs or symptoms, please reach out to your doctor immediately. Ashley is also a co-founder of Samana Health Retreats, offering luxury and custom programs and retreats focusing on holistic health, yoga, and detox. To learn more about her upcoming luxury detox retreat in Costa Rica, visit the Samana Health Retreats website. You can also connect with Ashley on Facebook and Twitter.
