I have always been a plant-based eater; a vegetarian. Over the last year David and I decided to become vegans. It has been an incredible learning experience! Between now and the end of the years I will share some of the things I learned.

Dairy effects more than my digestive system

I have known for years that I’m lactose-sensitive; probably lactose-intolerant. My first clue came from eating ice-cream. A food I dearly love! I tried to chalk up my discomfort to the sugar. Unfortunately for my denial, I found that other things with sugar had a much less dramatic effect. Add sugar to milk and cream – instant IBS.

It didn’t take long to figure that cheese was also a problem. I tried to blame it on the type of rennet. In fairness the rennet did make a difference in the severity of the reaction. But even cheese made with vegetable rennet aggravated my IBS. (more…)