The IBD-AID Diet: Dairy and Milk Alternatives
The four components of the IBD-AID diet include:
- Probiotics
- Prebiotics
- Good Nutrition
- Avoidance
Avoidance of certain foods is important to “starve” the bad bacteria present in the gut. Lactose is a sugar found in dairy products such as milk and cheese and when there is lack of lactase, the enzyme to break down the sugar, the bad bacteria can feed off the undigested lactose. This can lead to increased symptoms such as diarrhea. Avoidance of lactose is a key component of the IBD-AID diet.
Plant-Based Milks
There are several dairy milk alternatives on the market today that can replace dairy, as desired. These plant-based milks are enriched and fortified with calcium and vitamin D making them great alternatives. When choosing milk alternatives always select the “Unsweetened” variety with no added sugar. Also, be sure to check the ingredients list and avoid products containing these emulsifiers:
- Carrageenan
- Maltodextrose
- Polysorbate 80
- Carboxymethyl cellulose
Non-Dairy Milks available (nutrition information based on 8oz serving):
Almond Milk
|
35 calories |
1g protein |
3g fat |
Soy Milk
|
100 calories |
9g protein |
5g fat |
Coconut Milk
|
45 calories |
0g protein |
4.5g fat |
Oat Milk
|
90 calories |
3g protein |
1g fat |
Hemp Milk
|
70 calories |
2g protein |
6g fat |
Flax Milk
|
25 calories |
0g protein |
2.5g fat |
Cashew Milk
|
90 calories |
0g protein |
8g fat |
Pea Protein Milk
|
100 calories |
8g protein |
4.5g fat |
Other Dairy Foods
There are also several non-milk dairy foods that naturally do not contain lactose that can be consumed. These foods are great sources of probiotics as well and promote the good bacteria present in the gut! These foods include:
- Dry curd cottage cheese or fermented/cultured cottage cheese
- Kefir - plain
- Yogurt plain - regular low fat or Greek
What about cheese?
Cheese can be a source of saturated fat which should be limited. Aged hard cheese such as cheddar, parmesan, Swiss, and provolone are OK as they are often very low in lactose.
