Allergy to dairy foods
An allergy to dairy foods can manifest itself in a variety of symptoms, from eczema and catarrh to stomach disorders and migraine.

An allergy can develop at any stage during life, and a milk allergy can even occur in a newly born child. If any of the above conditions occur in severity, it may be worth excluding dairy foods from the diet for a specific period of time, eg. 3 months, and noting any effect on the condition.

What to eat to replace milk
It is most often the lactose in cows' milk which irritates the allergy and goats milk may be a satisfactory substitute. Basic substitute foods for milk products are soya milk and desserts, soya margerine and tofu cheeses and spreads. 'Goats' milk can also be used, although it must be noted that sheeps' milk does contain lactose.

Once an allergy to milk foods has been established, all dairy products should be avoided. This includes any foods containing the following:

Milk Solids:

• Lactose
  
• Lactic Acid
  
• Whey
  
• Curds
  
• Milk Protein
  
• Albumin
  
• Casein
  

• Sodium
  
• Calcium
  
• Potassium
  
• Magnesium
  
• Iron
  
• Zinc
  

The most common manufactured products to avoid or check carefully:

• Cake and pudding mixes
  
• Margerine
  
• Yogurt
  
• Chocolate
  
• Salad dressing
  
• Instant Desserts
  
• Baked foods - Cakes, buns, pastries and biscuits
  
• Baking powder
  
• Pastry
  
• Sweets
  
• Slimming Foods
  
• Ice creams
  
• Cake Toppings
  
• Spreads
  
• Batter Mixes
  
• Soups
  
• Drinking Chocalate
  

Sounds a lot? But don't worry; there are an increasing number of soya and tofu alternatives on the market.

Maintaining a Balanced Diet
Milk is rich in protein, calcium and Vitamins A and B and it is important to insure an adequte intake of these elements when on an dairy-free diet.
Soya is rich in protein, and other foods of importance in a dairy-free dietare potatoes, vegetable oil and fish. Cod liver oil or fish oils are rich in vitamin A. Calicium is found in sardines, watercress, figs, rhubarb, almonds and other nuts. Fresh fruit and vegetables are a good source and vitamins and minerals (especially important for children for the formation of strong, healthy teeth and bones). T.V.P and Quinoa are other useful high protein foods.

Support Groups
You may like to contact one or other of the following groups (send a large stamped addressed envelope):

• AAA (Action Against Allergy) - 23/24 George Street, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1JY

• British Migrane Association - 178a High Road, Byfleet, Weybridge, Surrey KT14 7ED

• National Society for Research into Allergy - PO Box 45, Hinkley, Lecs LE10 1JY

• NES(National Eczema Society) - Tavistock House East, Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9SR

Chick Pea Spread

1. Mash 200g (7oz) cooked chick peas.
2. Stir in 1 tbsp soya yoghurt, ½tsp ground cummin. ½tsp ground coriander and a few drops of Tabasco sauce.
   Serve in sandwiches, with lettuce or alfafa sprouts if desired.

1. Cook 225g (½lb) potatoes until tender. Cool slightly.
2. Mince 1 spring onion and 3 olives and mix with ½tsp garlic salt, ½tsp oregano and 1tbsp olive oil.
3. Dice potatoes and add to mix. Cover and chill.

1. Spoon 150g (5oz) natural soya yoghurt into a cheese cloth or square of muslin. Gather up and suspend over a bowl. Leave to drip over night.
2. Mash a few strawberries. Stir in yoghurt and "cheese" and add raw cane sugar to taste.