Got Milk?

Ok, wanted to share this turn of events in my personal GERD story. Someone else here might have the same problem.

SO...about 4 weeks ago I cut out ALL dairy products from my diet. At the time I don't think I really did it consciously...just ran out of the daily milk and yogurt I consumed before shopping day. Within 48 hours I had ZERO heartburn, gas, cramps, stomach pains, etc. No kidding. I tried to think what had changed, the only thing I could think was dairy. Thought it was a fluke, but I have stayed off since and no problems.

I eat a very healthy diet right now but I also have been 'stress testing' my stomach to see what I can handle. I have been testing all my typical GERD triggers (some really bad stuff) with no effect. Zero. Even alcohol, soda, fried foods, etc. Last week I weened my PPI's down to one pill every 24 hours (2nd ween in 4 weeks). Still good. I honestly haven't felt this good in 4+ years. More convincing is that during my testing I drank a glass of milk and had some terrible bloating gas within the hour.

When I think back to the early 2000's I had no heartburn for a few years. During this time I also didn't consume a lot of dairy. One of those *ahem* low carb diets. When I had my worse GERD (acid in the throat at night) I drank lots of milk and ate lots of ice cream (like the last few years). I didn't know it was even possible for GERD to caused by dairy.

Anyways, I am wondering if there is a way to test for milk allergy/intolerance other then through consumption? (like blood or something like that). I feel kinda stupid that I didn't put 2 and 2 together earlier. So..I am cautiously optimistic! BTW, I am taking calcium supplements and the Soy substitute food is fortified with calcium as well.

MM

i can no longer have dairy not only b/c of the GERD but b/c dairy has too much salt in it - so i drink a soy coconut milk called " SO delicious" it only had 15 mlgrms of salt and with the 0 mlgrms of salt in my Kashi cereal i can enjoy breakfest again!

Yup that would be me Alcie! I have booked a test for the milk allergies--but I already know what they will say. I am theorizing that not only am I lactose intolerant but allergic to milk proteins- whey and casein. I have tried blended soy products that have both. Very interesting to see what sorts of products have those items in them.

I continue to do testing...eating things that would have KILLED me before. For example, I had McDonald's today (shamed to admit it) first time in over 8 months. Don't hate me, lol, I don't eat this stuff at all. Was sort of stuck at work with no other options--and I was feeling curiously daring with my gut. Nothing. Everything was fine.

Incredible really--everyone should check for allergies. It's funny that I heard so many people mention it before yet I dismissed it.

MM