by Katrin Olavessen-Holt BA Psych, PharmD, CPGx, CMTM
The connection between milk and autoimmune disease is a hot topic among those managing chronic illness. Many people with autoimmune conditions find that dairy worsens their symptoms, but not all milk is created equal.
In a recent episode of The Wellness Pharmacist podcast, we explored how different types of milk, bovine (cow), goat, camel, and even buffalo, impact those with autoimmune disorders. While conventional cow’s milk may trigger inflammation or immune flare-ups in some individuals, alternative types of milk might offer surprising benefits.
For instance, camel milk has shown promise in several studies for reducing inflammation and improving symptoms in conditions like lupus, multiple sclerosis, and autism spectrum disorders. It’s naturally lower in lactose, contains anti-inflammatory proteins, and may be easier to digest. Some patients have reported improvements in joint pain, fatigue, and brain fog after switching to camel milk.
Goat milk is also rising in popularity among those with autoimmune disease. Goat milk is closer to human milk in structure, making it gentler on the digestive system, but what about the other types? Camel, buffalo and goat all have their unique profiles.
Takeaway?
The takeaway? Understanding the connection between milk and autoimmune disease can help patients make more informed choices. While not everyone will need to eliminate dairy, switching to an alternative form of milk may provide relief for certain individuals.
As always, consult with your healthcare provider and/or a registered dietitian before making changes to your diet. You might just discover a small switch that leads to big relief.
Need More Support?
If you need more support, then check out my The Fatigue Fix course available now. We discuss fatigue triggers, inflammatory foods, tracking and more.
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