Back track a year ago, we found out (the hard way) that our 11 month daughter has an anaphylactic response to dairy and milk protein (casein). Since then, we've learned (and enjoyed) a milk-free kitchen and lifestyle and have avoided any cross-contamination issues by nixing dairy altogether. I could go into more detail on why dairy isn't necessary, and is actually destructive -- not just to those with allergies like my daughter -- but to everyone, however the fine folks at Whole9 have already done the hard work for me so I don't have to. Check out their Dairy Manifesto (really, it's worth reading).
While paleo-living has allowed us as parents to breathe a sigh of relief with the no-dairy component, keep in mind that paleo is a diet that CAN include the consumption of nuts, eggs, fish, shellfish, and certain fruits and veggies that others may be allergic to. Make modifications where needed, ALWAYS read labels (if labels exist, ideally paleolithic foods do not need labels), and work with your doctor/allergist. Dairy alternatives we use when/if needed: almond milk (unsweetened) and water (works well with cooking, substituting in equal amounts, i.e. 1c milk = 1c water). Until our daughter is tested and cleared for nut allergies, she consumes soy milk (not Paleo, soy=legume).
So, with no dairy, where do we get our calcium? Carbohydrates in the forms of fruits and vegetables. The 'typical' American diet doesn't support the same fruit/veggie intake compared to that of the Paleo diet. Hence, the American diet/FDA compensates its shortcomings for calcium through dairy, as opposed identifying the real problem and upping the amounts of fruits and veggies. Who are they fooling?
Cow, if you're reading this don't worry -- we don't want to hook you up to a milk-pumping machine all day. We just want to eat you. [JF]
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