Your dairy-free first aid kit

July 8, 1:30 PMChicago Dairy-Free Food ExaminerPatricia Biesen

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Sometimes even with the best of intentions, you may have an “oops” moment. “Oh no there was sour cream in that?” Next, you wind up not feeling so good. Here comes your first aid kit to the rescue, what every lactose intolerant foodie should have on hand for “emergencies”:

First of all, it’s disclaimer time. I am not a doctor but a food allergy activist. I do not (yet) have a degree in nutrition. My advice comes from years of trial and error.

Digestive enzymes. Finding one that works may take some time. How do you know when it is working? When you run out and can’t believe this is how you used to feel. I’m a fan of Renew Life products.
www.renewlife.com

Digestive or Swedish bitters. Can be taken as a liquid medicinal or capsule form. Swedish bitters are a traditional herbal tonic, composed of 11 herbs: aloe, myrrh, saffron, senna leaves, camphor, rhubarb roots, zedvoary roots, manna, theriac venezian, carline thistle roots and angelica roots in a base of water and alcohol.

Similasan Ear Wax Relief Drops. Eating dairy can cause earaches and excess build up of earwax. This is especially apparent in toddlers weaning off of breast milk who start drinking cow milk. Even Dr. Oz recommends the use of a few drops of mineral oil each night to clean the ears v. jamming Q-tips inside the ear canal.

Non-dairy probiotics. Since eating yogurt is out of the question for most of us, a non-dairy probiotic like Natren’s Mega Dophilus can help you stay regular and build immunity. Probiotics also aid in the healing of ulcers and gastritis.

Magnesium supplementation. Dairy consumption can cause constipation. If you find fiber or psylium supplementations too bloating you might fair better with Magnesium supplementation. I really like Unikey’s high potency Magnesium from Fat Flush guru, Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D.

For more information:
www.annlouise.com
www.unikeyhealth.com

Neti pot. Helps to clear sinuses and that’s really helpful especially after you have had an “oops” moment. The charismatic Q Brothers from Mertz Apothecary have this wonderful tutorial offering: blogs.smallflower.com/smalltalk/

Metz Apothecary caries Digestive bitters, Simalsan products and neti pots. Mertz has two Chicago locations. Their flagship shop at 4716 North Lincoln Avenue or Macy's on the first floor.

Items can be ordered on-line as well: www.smallflower.com