Casein: milk protein intolerance

Although milk can be considered as a healthy drink from a nutritional point of view, the reality is that its different nutrients cause food intolerances to a large part of the population, despite the fact that - for the most part - they are unaware that they suffer from an intolerance to this natural food.

In milk we can find different compounds or nutrients that are the main "culprits" of this type of intolerance.

This is the case, for example, of lactose, the sugar in milk which decomposes itself into two other simpler sugars (glucose and galactose), thanks to the action of the enzyme lactase. When there is a deficit of lactase the lactose passes into the large intestine without decomposing and begins to ferment, which gives rise to the annoying symptoms of lactose intolerance.

However, casein is another one of those nutrients guilty of another intolerance, this time because of the milk protein intolerance.

What is casein?

It is the protein component of milk (along with a-Lactoalbúmina and b-Lactoglobulina), characterized by being a rough and very thick substance.

Cow's milk contains more casein than human milk (around 300% more), hence the symptoms of casein intolerance are much greater when this type of milk is consumed.

But while it is true that intolerance to casein causes symptoms quite similar to lactose (hence they tend to be commonly confused), there are other problems arising from the consumption of casein.

This is because cow's milk produces a lot more mucus, a dense and sticky substance that hinders the eliminative faculties of the organism, so it ends up clogging the entire respiratory system and prevents it from functioning properly.

Symptoms of casein intolerance

The symptoms of casein intolerance are quite similar to those produced by lactose intolerance:

  • Abdominal pain and discomfort.
  • Reflux.
  • Heartburn.
  • Diarrhea.

Is there a treatment for casein intolerance?

As with lactose intolerance, there is no treatment for casein intolerance, since the key to treatment is to follow a casein-free diet.

The key? Replace all dairy products and foods with calcium or sodium caseinate.

Image | julianrod This article is published for informational purposes only. You can not and should not replace the consultation with a Nutritionist. We advise you to consult your trusted Nutritionist. ThemesFood intolerances

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