Dairy-Free Diet?

For the last several years I have been suffering from severe sore throats, sinus problems, ear infections and so on…  I, and my doctors, usually blame seasonal/pollen like allergies for my sinus problems. I have taken a number of prescriptions drugs, over-the-counter nasal sprays and pseudoephedrines to try and alleviate my symptoms.  I don’t like taking meds unless absolutely necessary and am tired of being a walking pharmacy. 

This last weekend (Labor Day weekend) my sinus issues flared up and put a total damper on my three-day weekend.  I missed a fun party because of a sinus headache, I was furious!  As I was on the phone lamenting to my sister about yet another sinus headache, she brought up a mutual friend, Matt.  Apparently Matt, who like me had been suffering from a never ending cycle of sinusitis, quit having sinus problems after going on a dairy-free diet, it piqued my interest.  I have NEVER had one of my doctors mention dairy as a possible cause to my sinus issues nor have they suggested I be tested, which is surprising after the research I’ve done. 

In my research I found that a Dairy Allergy can cause, skin problems (such as eczema, cystic acne, hives, etc.), Migraines, diarrhea, constipation, sinus problems, fatigue, cramps, indigestion, and a number of other problems.  The problem with a Dairy Allergy is that you don’t necessarily have a reaction upon consumption, it can take several days and there are varying degrees of the reaction your body will have to dairy.  

I have always suspected that I may have a dairy issue.  I typically buy 2% Milk and I don’t drink it on its own unless I’m eating a super sweet brownie or in cereal, this usually leaves me feeling bloated.  I use Coffeemate creamer or half & half in my coffee, this sometimes upsets my stomach but I usually write it off and blame the coffee being the culprit, not the dairy.  I love ice cream, milkshakes and whipped cream but they typically don’t love me back.  I also LOVE LOVE LOVE cheese!  I could probably live off of quesadillas or bean and cheese burritos with sour cream and salsa if they too didn’t leave me bloated.  So after doing my research and looking back at what I typically eat on a regular basis I have come to the realization that I eat A LOT of dairy, dairy is probably in every meal that I eat! 

I have decided to go Dairy-Free for two (2) weeks then slowly reintroduce it to my diet to see how my body reacts.  I am anxious to see what my results will be.  Will my sinus issues subside?  Will my skin clear up and stop being itchy?  Will I have more energy? And finally, will those dark circles under my eyes fade?  I figure that at this point I have nothing to lose.  I am not doing this under the supervision of a doctor but I am keeping a journal of everything that I consume.  I do plan on getting in contact with my GP and/or an allergist if there are any significant changes in my body.

Each day, I plan on posting here, what I have eaten, how I’m feeling and my day to day struggles with this trial.  Wish me luck.