Dairy is a low-carb food that can cause problems for some people. Dairy products are often high in protein, and like carbs, protein can raise insulin levels, which encourages the body to store energy. The amino acid composition of dairy protein makes it very good at spiking insulin. In fact, dairy proteins can spike insulin as much as white bread. Even if you feel your body tolerates dairy well, eating dairy often can negatively affect your metabolism. This can stop you from getting the full benefits of a low-carb diet. You might see benefits from avoiding milk and cutting back on cheese, yogurt, and cream.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Can dairy stall weight loss on keto? | Yes |
Reasoning | Dairy is high in calories and fat, which can lead to increased calorie intake and overconsumption. Dairy also contains lactose, a sugar that can cause digestive issues and acne. |
Recommendations | Cut out or reduce dairy intake, especially cheese and cream. |
What You'll Learn
- Dairy is high in calories and can be overconsumed, hindering weight loss
- Dairy can cause skin and digestive issues, preventing weight loss
- Dairy can cause acne, which may be cleared up by cutting it out
- Dairy can cause Candida overgrowth, which can be prevented by cutting out dairy
- Dairy allergies can cause digestive issues and other symptoms
Dairy is high in calories and can be overconsumed, hindering weight loss
Dairy products are often high in protein, and like carbs, protein can raise insulin levels, which encourages the body to store energy. Dairy proteins can spike insulin as much as white bread. Even if you feel your body tolerates dairy well, eating dairy often can negatively affect your metabolism. This can stop you from getting the full benefits of a low-carb diet.
A lot of keto dieters love adding dairy products like cheese, butter, and milk to their meals and beverages, and do so in excessive amounts. If you can tolerate dairy well, but you’ve reached a weight-loss plateau, consider cutting back for a few weeks and see if your weight loss improves.
If you are unsure about how dairy affects you, try checking your blood glucose and ketone levels in response to dairy foods. Alternatively, you can keep a food journal to track how you feel, including any unwanted symptoms, after eating dairy.
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Dairy can cause skin and digestive issues, preventing weight loss
Dairy products are often high in protein. Like carbs, protein can raise insulin levels, which encourages the body to store energy. The amino acid composition of dairy protein makes it very good at spiking insulin. In fact, dairy proteins can spike insulin as much as white bread.
Even if you feel your body tolerates dairy well, eating dairy often can negatively affect your metabolism. This can stop you from getting the full benefits of a low-carb diet. You might see benefits from avoiding milk and cutting back on cheese, yogurt, and cream. Low-protein, low-lactose butter does not usually spike insulin.
Dairy has been shown to raise levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), a hormone that increases sebum production and has been found to play a large role in acne. Observational studies in children, teens, and young adults suggest that all types of dairy, including cheese and yogurt, may be problematic for those who struggle with acne.
Some individuals are lactose intolerant, meaning that they cannot digest lactose, a type of sugar found in dairy. If you're lactose intolerant, you'll experience digestive problems 30 minutes to 2 hours after ingesting milk or any dairy product. These digestive issues include bloating, diarrhea, flatulence, nausea, abdominal pain, and flatulence. Lactose intolerance may also cause headaches, muscle pain, joint pain, and an inability to concentrate, in addition to gut symptoms.
In certain individuals, dairy may cause digestive issues or other symptoms. The most common dairy-related issue is lactose intolerance, which occurs in people who lack the enzyme lactase. Without this enzyme, lactose can't be properly digested and absorbed. Instead, it passes into the colon, causing abdominal pain, bloating, gas, nausea, and/or loose stools.
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Dairy can cause acne, which may be cleared up by cutting it out
Dairy can cause acne. This is because dairy products can cause your body to produce more sebum, a natural skin oil that can block your pores and lead to acne. Additionally, dairy products can increase levels of insulin and IGF-1, which have been linked to acne.
Cutting out dairy may help clear up acne. This is because removing dairy from your diet will reduce the amount of sebum and insulin in your body, which can help to improve your skin's condition. However, it is important to note that everyone's skin is different and there are many factors that can contribute to acne, such as hormones, diet, lifestyle, products, and genetics.
If you are considering cutting out dairy to help with acne, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist or licensed medical professional for advice. They can provide guidance on the best approach for your specific skin concerns and needs. Additionally, it is important to give any dietary changes enough time to take effect, typically a few weeks to a few months.
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Dairy can cause Candida overgrowth, which can be prevented by cutting out dairy
Dairy is a broad term for milk and milk products, such as cheese, cream, butter, and yoghurt. While dairy can be a part of a keto diet, it is not necessary and may not be beneficial for everyone.
Dairy can cause Candida overgrowth in the body. Candida is a fungus that occurs naturally in the human body and aids in digestion and nutrient absorption. However, an overgrowth of Candida can lead to infection. Dairy contains sugar (lactose) which feeds the Candida fungus, allowing it to survive and multiply. Lactose intolerance is common, and most people cannot properly digest milk products.
Factory-farmed, grain-fed, and antibiotic-filled dairy products are extremely inflammatory and should be avoided by anyone with Candida overgrowth. Commercially-raised dairy products contain inflammatory compounds that can irritate the digestive system. Additionally, grain-fed cows display signs of poor health and inflammation because grains are not their natural food source. Dairy produced by inflamed cows will naturally be highly inflammatory and allergenic.
High-quality grass-fed dairy products, on the other hand, can be a good source of vitamin K2 and vitamin D, which can boost the immune system and reduce inflammation. The Maasai tribe of Africa, who consume a diet primarily of dairy and small amounts of meat, are known for their robust health and physical strength.
The decision to include dairy in your diet when dealing with Candida overgrowth is not straightforward. Commercial dairy products should be avoided, but high-quality grass-fed dairy may be beneficial. One way to include dairy without the lactose is to consume milk kefir, a fermented drink that contains beneficial strains of probiotics. Research has shown that lactobacilli, a bacteria present in kefir, has antagonistic behaviour against Candida.
If you choose to include dairy in your diet, it is recommended to introduce it slowly, starting with small amounts and gradually increasing to avoid negative reactions.
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Dairy allergies can cause digestive issues and other symptoms
The symptoms of a dairy allergy can range from mild to severe. Mild symptoms include itching or a tingling feeling around the lips or mouth, and swelling of the lips, tongue or throat. More severe symptoms include anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that may cause death. Other severe symptoms include shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, a rash, a drop in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness.
Dairy allergies can also cause digestive issues, such as nausea and vomiting. Lactose intolerance, which is different from a dairy allergy, can also cause digestive issues. People with lactose intolerance are unable to digest lactose, the sugar in milk, which then moves into the colon and is broken down by bacteria, causing bloating and gas.
If you are experiencing a stall in weight loss while on a keto diet, it may be helpful to cut out or reduce your consumption of dairy products.
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Frequently asked questions
Dairy can stall weight loss on keto, especially if you are sensitive to it or consume it in large amounts.
Alternatives to dairy on keto include ghee, chicken, turkey, liver, almonds, green leafy vegetables, and mushrooms.
If you suspect dairy is stalling your weight loss, try eliminating it from your diet for a few weeks and monitor your weight.
To break through a weight loss stall on keto, try intermittent fasting, reducing your calorie intake, increasing your protein intake, and cutting down on nuts and seeds.