Milk (Sheep)

Sheep milk sensitivity arises from casein, lactose, or fat content. Avoid for 8 weeks, try substitutes like almond or soy milk, and support your digestion with probiotics, turmeric, and lactase enzymes to reduce inflammation and improve gut health.

🥛 What is Milk (Sheep)?

Sheep milk is a nutrient-dense dairy product, richer in protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals than cow or goat milk. It has a creamy texture and is used to make cheeses like feta, Roquefort, and Manchego.

🤔 Why Do I Have an Intolerance to Sheep Milk and Its Components?

Your intolerance to sheep milk may stem from:

Casein: Sheep milk has high levels of casein, particularly A2 beta-casein, which can still irritate sensitive digestive systems.
Lactose: While sheep milk is slightly lower in lactose than cow’s milk, it can still cause discomfort in lactose-sensitive individuals.
Rich Fat Content: Sheep milk’s higher fat content may be harder to digest for some people.
Whey Proteins: Proteins like beta-lactoglobulin can trigger sensitivities in some individuals.

If you tolerate other dairy, it might be due to differences in fat content, protein structure, or lactose levels in those products.

🛠️ What Can I Do About It?

To manage your sensitivity to sheep milk:

Avoid sheep milk for 8 weeks: Completely remove it from your diet during this period.
Reintroduce and retest: Gradually reintroduce sheep milk after 8 weeks to check for symptoms.
Choose alternatives: Use non-dairy or lactose-free substitutes.
Track symptoms: Keep a food journal to monitor changes and identify triggers.

💊 Supplements to Support Intolerance to Sheep Milk and Inflammation from Dairy

These supplements can help manage symptoms and reduce inflammation:

Lactase enzyme: Helps digest lactose in dairy products.
Probiotics: Support a healthy gut microbiome and aid in digestion.
L-glutamine: Repairs and supports the gut lining, reducing irritation.
Turmeric (curcumin): A natural anti-inflammatory that eases symptoms.
Omega-3 fatty acids: Helps reduce inflammation and promotes gut health.

Why Do I Have an Intolerance to It and Not Other Dairy or Cheeses?

Your intolerance to sheep milk but not other dairy products may result from:

Rich Fat Content: Sheep milk is higher in fat than cow or goat milk, making it harder to digest.
Casein Variants: Sheep milk contains A2 beta-casein, which might still cause sensitivity for some individuals.
Lactose Levels: Sheep milk contains more lactose than aged sheep milk cheeses like Manchego or Roquefort.

These factors make sheep milk more likely to trigger symptoms than other dairy products

🍴 Popular Dishes Involving Sheep Milk

Sheep milk yogurt
Sheep milk ice cream
Manchego cheese dishes
Feta-based salads

🥥 Alternatives to Sheep Milk

Almond milk
Coconut milk
Oat milk
Soy milk
Lactose-free cow’s milk