So why did you give up dairy???

[Broxine]

So what symptoms did you all have to give up dairy? From what I've picked up in other forums its mainly that it makes people feel sick - is anyone else the same as me and giving up dairy because of joint problems?

Just being nosey really!

[ellsie]

I gave up after years of eczema and no hope of improving. After I came off for 6 months and lost a stone and tried to go back on it I couldn't (couldn@t) as I was totally allergic to it and go into anaphalactic shock if I have any. So I am totally stuck now! No more Galaxy for me!:)

[zoefruitcake]

I gave up eventually due to my terrible and disfiguring eczema, but I actually was told by my doctor to give up dairy as far back as the summer of 1989 when I was throwing up whenever I ate it. I resisted for a very long time, but just got sicker and sicker until I bit the bullet and gave it up. I've never been happier or healthier :)

[cnc]

I gave up dairy because I was throwing up after every race or very hard training session (was also having problems breathing) and would end up with a terrible cough for about a week after. Gave up the dairy, can now breathe through my nose, don't cough as much, don't throw up after hard training (now actually have the fastest time in my crew!). Had I not been doing so much sport I probably would have stayed on the dairy, because it wasn't impinging on my life too much, but I'm glad I gave up. :)

Sorry meant to say I'm asthmatic- am on medication primarily to cut down on mucus production (removing the dairy did this much more dramatically!!) and the mucus was what was making me throw up.

[Broxine]

It's really strange how diverse the effects are on different people!

[Copper]

I discovered when I was approaching 50 that I was lactose intolerant. This catches up with me at the end of the day - well the middle of the night to be exact. I spend hours feeling really sick. I then realised that the illness I had when born with and suffered with a few years later was the same problem. In those days lactose intolerance was not known so I was just a sickly child with some unknown problem. I will get my GP to agree one day!!!!

[rebecca c]

I gave up to help my rhinitus (very snotty nose) and polyps amongst other symptoms that I get. I tried several times before since my 20's for 4 weeks but it was only when I gave up for 6 weeks that I noticed the difference. I now breath through my nose and use a few tisssues a day instead of 6 boxes a week.:)

I also get IBS which responds best to a gluten free diet but giving up dairy helps. As well as asthma, facial swellings and more recently fever and back ache, weightloss (and a few other things). I think this an immune system problem and as I am dairy and gluten free and low salicylate I'm not sure how much else I can give up. Not sure if the more recent problems are the illness progressing and/or more allergies (maybe soya). Trying to get help from the docs but I think I'll be left to either take more medication (which I generally have problems with) or an even more excluding diet and I'm not sure my weight can take it.:angry: Decsion time looms.

I had what we now know to be intolerant symptoms as a child too.

[Pam]

My daughter is milk intolerant and suffered stomach cramps and constipation as a baby. It took a dose of lactulose to finally put 2 and 2 together. I went dairy free after speaking to a nutritionist. She told me the bad side of milk production (all those hormones, cows kept artificially pregnant, calves taken away too soon etc) and also how a milk free diet could help concentration as well as a whole host of other problems. I decided to give it a go and my daily attack of hives disappeared along with most of my hay fever symptoms. I have the occasional lapse and usually end up with a streaming cold when I do, but apart from that I feel better for being dairy free and now feel quite passionate about the subject - as you will notice from me ranting at length on various threads here.

[Broxine]

I have been researching a bit on the internet over the last few days on it (thats how I stumbled onto your lovely website!) and I have to say i'm coming round to Pam's way of thinking now - even if I'm told I can go back on to dairy I'm tempted to stay off it as there is so much information about problems it can cause even if you aren't intolerant/allergic!

I'm also quite grateful I was told to give up red meat as that apparently can increase your chances of getting cancer as well as a number of other things - but then I guess there is a risk of just about anything with most food (seems to be a new scare every year!) and I'm too fussy to turn vegan! (Not a fan of vegtables! :yucky: )

[matt]

ibs migraines excess mucus, mouth ulcers,


red meat giving cancer. like you said so does everything else. toast, cereals, chips, diesel fumes........

but give up red meat......never, steaks taste too good. and lamb:drool:

[Broxine]

I must admit I will miss a nice rare steak... :drool: Although the benefits I've had so far (and its not been long yet!) far outway the joy of the food I'm missing out on... but I must admit today has been awful for cravings of cheese!!!!!

[Lunar]

Our son is dairy allergic and through seeing his reactions and doing some investigating, myself and my 12yr old daughter have also gone dairy free. We also watch our intake of wheat/gluten daily, as too much seems to set off ibs symptoms. We aslo avoid artificial sugars, colours and flavours, and buy organic wherever possible. We shop mostly over the net, at farmers markets, Waitrose and get a weekly organic veg box delivered from Riverford in Devon. The changes have made our lives alot better, but I still have something going on, yet to work out!

[Broxine]

Just been told I have to give up Caffeine too!!! Feels like giving up dairy has opened up a big door to loads of other things too (I know caffeine doesn't seem like much but it feels like the last straw after having to give up dairy and my beloved red meat!) and although some of my symtoms have cleared up, a lot more seem to be starting up to take their place! I have to say I'm starting to lose enthusiasm... any advice???

[cnc]

Stick with it!! Things may eventually settle down. Changes in diet can take a long time to regulate in your body as it affects chemical balances etc.. which will fight against the changes for a time as its alien to your body not to have these products in it.
If you've been drinking a lot of caffeine products, you'll also have symptons of coming off of that as well...

[Broxine]

I wasn't drinking that much caffeine as I'm not a tea/coffee drinker. Its just I have a tendancy to go to the pub after work most days and I'm struggling to find a replacement for my pints of coke or pepsi. I'm not a fan of Lemonade and the J20 thingys just seem too sweet and sickly, so I've resorted to plain old water - which is fine, I just feel like all my treats have been taken away :(

[cnc]

Coca Cola, are doing an equivalent to J20s which you may prefer- Deuce. If I don't fancy coke I tend to opt for orange juice, a bit more interesting than water and healthier than lemonade!

[Broxine]

Cool - I'll look out for that one. Can't really drink orange juice as it is too acidic and gives me stomach ache. I found a nice drink at the weekend called 55 or something - but couldn't drink more than one as got too sickly sweet. I'm just too fussy!!!!

[cnc]

Britvic 55 comes in apple, orange and raspberry and cranberry. Which J20 flavour have you tried?

[Broxine]

I've worked my way through all of them! The new limited edition one isn't too bad - think it is cranberry and something (I just identify them by colour more than whats in them) The only one I haven't tried is the green one as it just looks fowl. I'm sure given time I'll forget how nice cola tastes and they won't all seem so bad...

[cnc]

My personal favourite is the Orange and Passionfruit, Cranberry and Orange is ok as well, but the other two I don't like at all. Bitter Lemon is quite a nice drink as well....

[Pam]

I drink soda water with lime juice added, I prefer a sharp lime juice to syrupy cordial but can drink either.

[rebecca c]

I drink mostly water too, sometimes even fizzy. Also chamomile tea with 1/2 teaspoon of sugar is OK - but its not meant to be good to drink too much. I do also like a bit of fresh lime juice and sugar in water but cant have too much. A decaff coffee once a month.

I really miss all my treats as my diet is really restrictive :( so I have decided (after my husband sent me on a days falconry for my birthday) to try and treat myself with experiences, however the kids somewhat restrict this but I shall keep it as an idea and work on it.

When people make a fuss about you not drinking etc at least you've got something else to talk about and distract them.:)

[cnc]

I get quite a mixed reaction about not drinking, I drink but very occassionally, a lot of my friends are fine with this as I'm not the only one who doesn't drink, these tend to be my slightly older friends, but a lot of the first and second years give me quite strange looks about it, but I've discovered that there are a fair few people who don't drink at all, and people do seem to accept it on the whole.

[Pam]

It's my 40th next year and I've decided (quite a while ago) that I want a BIG driving experience for my present, I'm talking bus, tank, 12 ton truck, JCB or something equally "different". After having a go on the steam roller the other week this has only re-enforced my wish. I've been dreading the big 4-O for the last few years but have now decided that I will either hide away and pretend it isn't happening or I will go for it big style and start my life again - new look, new hobbies, find some confidence (somewhere maybe?) and hopefully a new house in the next 12 months too. I'd better start saving now for the new hairdo and clothes.

[rebecca c]

Good for you Pam - go for it. I've got 3 years to go so I shall have to follow your example.:thumbsup:

I'm not a confident driver but I would like a go on a quad bike.

The holiday we have just been on was an experience I've been wanting so it was good to do it - take the boys to Iona where some of my happiest memories are from. They loved it and so did I it was quite a difference for them to walk everywhere and get to know a local boy who goes to the school with 14 other children.

[ellsie]

I wanted something different for my 40th and thouroughly enjoyed my first time at ahealth spa for the day. However I also fell pregnant unexpetedly 3 weeks later! So my present really was my now 4 year old daughter! Be careful what you wish for! New look, new hobbies? new baby!:jawdrop:

[Copper]

I just pretended it was not happening. Funnily enough I did the same a decade later :lol2:

[cnc]

I've still got over 20 years to go before I reach the big 4-0!!I've got to deal with no longer being a teenager this year.
Pam go for it!!Do what you want to do, age is all relative.

Rebecca C, your holiday to Iona sounds similar to one I went on last summer. My Dad, mum and me, went around various parts of Scotland that were important to him- most notably where he'd lived as he'd grown up. Was a really good holiday, apart from the falling off the kerb and being on crutches for a fortnight a *certain* member of our group decided to do!!

[matt]

go for it pam, i'm a couple of years behind you and trying to not think about itit'll happen though sooner or later. if there's things you aren't happy with then it's as good a time as any to change.

stick with the diets broxine. caffeine not good for you....beware when you've been off it for a while....should you drink a strong coffee or coke you'll go all hyper.

may be hard but good for you, find something else as a treat. you must have some treats or you'll go nuts:bleh:

[zoefruitcake]

I've got 6 and a bit years to go, to the big FOUR OH (I'm a poet and all that ;) ) and I hope to do something really fantastic for it. I love experiences rather than things. I really fancy a helicopter ride. Every month here at work we have a draw for a Red Letter Day, and every month I remind everyone one that I'd be wanting the helicopter one if my name comes up :naughty:

[linny]

Pam I can't beat you in the arcade but I'll beat you to the big 4 0!! :( I've just booked tickets to go to our local theatre to see 'Strictly Ballroom Dancing', 3 days before my birthday. It's all professional dancers and also a competiton with amatuers dancing with the pros. It's choreographed by Anton and Erin form Strictly Come Dancing and hosted by Jane MacDonald and Lionel Blair. We loved the dancing programmes on TV and I love all music and dancing shows, so am looking forward to November!

[Broxine]

I get quite a mixed reaction about not drinking, I drink but very occassionally, a lot of my friends are fine with this as I'm not the only one who doesn't drink

I do drink on occassions but generally find I end up having to drive everywhere just so I have an excuse not to drink! Its a shame that the British social life circles round drinking so much, I guess thats down to the weather.

Got my 25th birthday to plan for this year so still a while to decide what to do for my 40th!

[cnc]

I can plan for my 21st, next year, but other than that theres nothing else coming up!
Unfortunatly I don't have a car here, so can't drive people around, although its not neccessary to have a car particularly here.

[Broxine]

So are you from Cambridge and studying in Leeds, or from Leeds and studying in Cambridge?

[cnc]

I'm from the Leeds area, studying in Cambridge- people travel mostly on foot or bikes, it's quite a small place really so most places are within walking distance.

[Broxine]

Its a nice place - I've been shopping there quite a few times (its quite near bedford) and have some friends that live there. Very nice in summer!

[Pam]

21 and 25 pah!!!! who do these youngsters think they are! I'll stick with Matt and Linny I think.

I've been very lucky and got to go up in a helicopter when the police were trialling them before deciding which one to buy about 15 years ago. I got a good view of Wakefield across to the A1 and quite a way up there before coming back, all in about 5 minutes. Hubby and the boys went in one a few years ago for their Christmas present from my mum. It costs about £25 with the local company but you only get a few minutes in the air - they are called Pennine Helicopters or Pennine Pleasure flights (something like that) and they have a web site.

[Broxine]

£25 seems really good for a helicopter ride! I wouldn't mind giving that a go, I'll have to see what prices are like more locally.

[matt]

yeah it makes me feel old trying to remember what i did for my 21st or 25th!!

british social life revolving around drink? so do most other countries, the difference being they drink enough to loosen the tongue and have a good time, we have a culture where you drink until it's physically impossible to do any more! nothing wrong with alcohol just the people who take it.

and yeah i'm a hypocrite as i've got blasted on many occasions.

i've always fancied microlighting or paragliding shame i hate heights really. maybe i'd be ok as i'd be in control.....damn hard way to find out ofcourse.:lol2:

[Broxine]

I wouldn't say most other countries revolve their social lives around drink (with the exception of Russia!) - when I have relatives over from Italy or Spain they have wanted to go to a pub as a novelty as their social lives take place in cafes and promenades (how ever you spell it!). It seems to me anywhere that the weather is cold and miserable most of the time, the residents consume more alcohol.

I have a terrible fear of heights and friends always laugh that my legs go wobbly just watching views from cliff tops on TV - but for some reason I'm fine if I'm in a plane. Think its having something solid underfoot, i'm not sure.

[cnc]

I don't have a fear of heights as such, except when I used to train at home, and they wanted me to do highboard- which is 10m up in the air!! :unsure: never particularly enjoyed that one, thankfully, my wrists weren't strong enough to take the impact, so didn't have to do it :)

Its the connection between watching sport and drinking that I don't quite understand- they just don't seem like two things that should go together!!

[rebecca c]

I used to drink a fair bit BC (before children) and now I dont because of my allergy to it. I do find it interesting to think about what it used to do to me and to watch how other peoples lives are dominated by it now (just as mine was). Its fair enough though everyone is entitled to their destresser I just wish I had one too.

[matt]

like i said most countries do revolve around drink, not necesarily booze but what do they do in the cafe's?? they sit and chat and drink either wine, coffee etc etc, but enough to become chatty. we go in pubs where the music is so load you could have a conversation then proceed to drink till we can't. looking back i do wonder why i used to enjoy it so much.

i must be getting old as i'd much prefer to sit and chat over a couple of glasses of wine....not that i can actually drink it at the moment.

[cnc]

Having had a similar discussion with a reasonable number of friends last night, the general conclusion seemed to be that we'd rather have a nice drink in a bar and chat than go out and get exceedingly drunk.

[Pam]

You must be getting old Claire! You will know that you have truly reached splippers and dressing gown stage when you would rather stay in watching tv and drinking wine/eating chocolate. And when you'd rather drink cocoa instead then you've really had it!

[Broxine]

I have to say I'm at the 'prefer to have mates round for dinner and chat' stage - all the pubs and clubs in Bedford have the same music and the same decor, and if its not to your taste there is no where else to go! It makes it ridiculously hard to meet new people when there is no where you can go to chat and mingle that you feel comfortable at

[cnc]

The joys of my college bar!!Its barely going out- I live directly above the bar. Mucis is controlled by the Jukebox so theres normally something decent on. I'd have friends round for dinner, but theres no where to cook and no dining table anywhere!!
I'm quite happy to curl up and watch a film with a group of friends, we also tend to opt for meals out on a Sunday night, its a nice way of getting out of college.

[matt]

god what does that say about me?? i'm obviously very old and ready for the knackers yard!:lol2:

pipe and slippers time! well maybe not the pipe just roll ups instead.....