- To Change Your Mind - Details Matter
Brain Awareness: Milk Addiction – Withdrawal is Real
Sagience: Blending Age, Wisdom, and Science
September 17, 2007Gluten/Casein Sensitivity: Brain Function Deterioration
September 30, 2007Milk Withdrawal and Milk Addiction? IgG and Brain Function
Is it good for you?
Yes, brain function may become impaired through the odd mystery of milk withdrawal. And if you don't know about the opiate dependence possibilities with milk proteins, with casein, you won't be prepared for the problems that arise with going off milk after identification with helpful IgG testing.
Milk withdrawal is real – you can't make this stuff up. Take a look at my interview in Living Without on gluten withdrawal and you'll appreciate more details on the larger perspective of brain function as related to opiate challenges.
For additional important details check out this Devil in The Milk CorePsych post from Dec, '13.
IgG Testing Matters – The Ghost Immunoglobulin
In our offices we simply don't count on the unreliable and, from my perspective, significantly outdated elimination diet strategy. If you use the elimination diet plan [click on that link] you will be looking for IgE results, not IgG. IgE: Think Immunoglobulin Emergency: IgE is important for immediate, acute allergic responses – eat shrimp, swell up and choke, have diarrhea, or pass out. It's an Emergency!
IgG measures chronic response. Think Immunoglobulin Ghost – it resides inside, but is often undetected and Ghostlike in it's subtle manifestations. The undetected medical implications are associated with chronic gut deterioration and the multiple consequences associated with leaky gut [see these Wikipedia references].
For IgE think “Emergency,” for IgG think “Ghost.”
Opiate Withdrawal and Milk Addiction Are Real
Milk allergies and frequently associated milk addiction can add to the cytokine storm raging from the associated IgE milk allergens in the first place. Milk addiction and opiate withdrawal is real if you look for more subtlety. This withdrawal doesn't look like convulsions in on a heroin detox unit, but the symptoms can create significant functional problems.
After a reader's offline request for clarification a few weeks ago, it's time we take a few moments away from wheat and gluten sensitivity to explore brain function downstream [yes, intended] from our old friend, milk.
But before we move on let me tell you candidly, I am not a big fan of an elimination diet strategy. After testing hundreds in my offices for both IgG and IgE I can report that most, not a few, suffer from significant multiple allergies not easily sorted out with an elimination diet.
Opiates Are Addictive – Go Figure
In that previous post on opiate withdrawal from gluten and casein I addressed the frequency and challenges of going off wheat and milk after recognizing gluten/casein sensitivity. The culprit: opioid peptides which appear to mimic the effect of opiates in the brain, and can result in withdrawal symptoms in some sensitive people. Opiate withdrawal is real.
The name of the two peptides with links here for further review [noting that authorities don't yet completely agree on this phenomenon] are casomorphin [a milk peptide] and gliadorphin or gluteomorphine [two names for the opioid peptide arising from partially broken down gliadin portion of the gluten protein in wheat.
While some may not agree, we have regularly seen “withdrawal symptoms” – commonly after discovering that IgG testing reveals wheat protein or milk protein sensitivity associated with those chronic, grave, psychiatric problems.
Remember this: Your GI specialist isn't thinking Brain, he's thinking Bowel. No disrespect, but he is not likely thinking Chronic, but is likely rather thinking Acute. With IgG problems the Brain most often shows the tell-tale first clear cognitive symptoms, not often reviewed in general medical practices. For us the Brain is the Canary in the GI Coal Mine.
Brain Function: Canary in the Coal Mine
From an immunity perspective your Brain is your Canary in your Coal Mine. That likely methane explosion is not detectable without closely observing brain deteriorations. The elimination diet does work for easily observable IgE reactions, not for the silent, almost ghostlike, symptom-free IgG.
Example
A brief clinical example may help make the point on covering both the milk and the wheat sensitivity questions with your family or your clients:
A 12 yo boy presents with refractory ADHD and moods, just not getting better. He not only has problems focusing, but has an exquisite sensitivity to all of his peers, and is often quite irritable and depressed. Relationships with parents: great.
Concerned, informed parents spent hours and considerable money on evaluation of the possible causes of the moods and ADHD with SPECT scans at the Amen Clinic in Fairfield, CA [about 2 years ago, to evaluate his brain function].
Multiple bowel symptoms arise in the first interview including chronic constipation, GI upset, “touchy stomach,” sensitivity to many foods and picky eating. Testing at Enterolab [easily accomplished with a stool specimen and no needles] revealed casein and gluten sensitivity. [This original post: '07 – and in this revised post '12 we now use Great Plains labs for IgG testing.]
Best Solution: Measure IgG To Predict Possible Milk Addiction
The parents had already taken him off wheat with an elimination diet as I suggested straightaway after hearing his history. Interestingly, in their compassion with the dietary changes, they had continued his milk. He already had experienced withdrawal and regression going off his addictive wheat, [felt foggy, more irritable and shaky] but continued behaviorally and emotionally symptomatic with the initial symptoms while still on milk. The informed elimination diet had not worked, because they didn't follow the entire food, diet elimination protocol.
My prediction: He will have more difficulty with milk withdrawal, is already in an opiate withdrawal process in the first place, and will likely get worse with milk withdrawal. [In 2012, we would prepare him better by supporting his bowel healing and his measured, data-driven neurotransmitter imbalances.]
Having spent years working with “drug addicts and alcoholics” [as some call them] in withdrawal, I suggested they go low and slow, but stay on complete withdrawal as an objective. Their rationalization, as is the case with many: “he won't feel so bad if he stays on some of these happy foods.”
But consider the other option: those sensitivities and the opiates will absolutely continue to diminish brain function if not corrected – if not completely corrected.
See This IgG Video Playlist: On Gluten And Milk Sensitivity Testing
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Candida Addendum: March '15
Some of the most challenging withdrawal symptoms [from milk, wheat or a variety of foods] – with cognitive and serious emotional regressions – arise in the context of severe GI Candida colonization. Yeast, Candida, can live in the bowel for years undetected – with serious brain developmental, brain health consequences. Candida causes leaky gut, immunity/cytokine reactions that interfere with neurotransmitters, and serious hormone challenges [adrenal, thyroid, estrogen, androgen] downstream from their proliferation.
See this list of Candida videos and tests on the second page here: http://corepsych.com/tests14
————–
Methylation
Immune challenges directly effect methylation pathways as well, directly interfering with predictable psychiatric treatment efforts. Download this 4 page Short Summary of Dr Walsh's Book on Nutrient Power to start your inquiry in these new directions – new maps offer more predictable travels:
Milk addiction does encourage further biomedical inquiry.
cp
Dr Charles Parker
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70 Comments
My 3-yr old son had the IgG test which showed issues with beef, egg whites, gluten/wheat, dairy/casein/whey, peanuts, and pineapple. We went cold turkey and saw the withdrawal symptoms first hand with aggressive behavior, meltdowns, strong emotions, etc. He had been free of all these items for 6 months. Then, we introduced Einkorn into his diet. Seems ok? Can he have another IgG test to see if he’s still sensitive to these foods? How do I know if he’s healed? How accurate is the IgG test? I’ve read mixed reviews. Thank you, Dr. Parker for answering my many questions.
Stacy,
My impression, after many, many treatment failures when I listened to the group that encouraged going back on the offending protein is simple: don’t do it. If you listen to our many commenters at CoreBrain Journal, including Dr Peter Osborne http://corebrainjournal.com/005 you will see that the deeper experts completely agree with not returning to old ways that didn’t work in the first place.
cp
I found this article to be very interesting…. I’ve been a chronic milk drinkers for as long as I can remember and truly feel as if I “need” it sometimes. My question is, does drinking a lot of milk from an early age make you prone to addiction or contribute to having an addictive personality. I’ve abused drugs in the past and know of other addicts that too crave milk. I think this would be a great study.
Derrick,
It would be a great study – to have specific figures in hand. I can report with certainty, however, from hundreds of clinical experiences, that milk is the #1 food sensitivity I see everyday in my office – and have for years – thus this post. Take a look at the videos under IgG on this complimentary download to steer you into better data and hard evidence. Substance abuse is very often associated with measurable and treatable issues discovered thru IgG testing: http://corepsych.com/tests
Listen to this audio program by Dr Peter Osborn for more IgG details: http://corebrainjournal.com/005
cp
Just finished reading about fecal transplant therapy here – http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/836225?src=wnl_edit_specol&uac=96999MR. It seems to work very well and very fast. Made me wonder if it might not help with some of the problems that you have been talking about. Perhaps reducing the time it takes to recover from going off Milk, wheat, etc.
Sandman, Looks interesting, have read positive reports, not familiar enough with it to comment either way.
cp
I have noticed, as many others who have commented, that I seem to experience `milk withdrawl’, as well. However, it is generally only for a few days, besides the random craving for it when I am abstaining. I continue to return to milk, because honestly, I don’t have many protein choices with severe gastroparesis, and I seem to do better overall with it- happier, calmer, more energy, more satisfied, clearer skin, healthier weight…etc. In your opinion, is milk ever ok? Or can the benefits outweigh the risks in certain situations? What do you think of whey protein?
Whey protein can sometimes cause allergic reactions as well. Always remember to differentiate in testing IgG from IgE, as most physicians still think IgE is the gold standard as the gut is their target organ not the brain. See this video playlist: Mind and Gut: http://bit.ly/mindgut
More details on whey, casein and milk here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whey_protein
After years of performing these sensitivity tests and working with food disappointments I’ve belatedly become aware of a serious, often overlooked contributory factor: candida. For some videos and questionnaires on candida to evaluate possible contributions in yourself review the second page of this review piece on tests we provide at CorePsych: http://corepsych.com/tests14
With profound challenges, serious somatic side effects from milk or sugar withdrawal I have repeatedly found candida as an underlying profound factor – measured by two of those tests on that sheet: OATS and IgG with Great Plains.
Sorry to disappoint – you do need to consider additional contributory factors.
cp
I’ve been addicted to milk for well over 15 years. It didn’t help that my father was a milkman so we always had tons of it. When I was 17 I was drinking nearly a gallon a day. I am 21 now and I try to cut back or not drink any at all but I get bad withdrawals then eventually cave in and start chugging away. A few times in the past I replaced pretty much every meal with milk. I never really thought it was a big deal but now it seems like a bit of a problem.
Blake,
Highly likely that you suffer with two issues: 1. the addiction issue with casomorphin and 2. an associated IgG issue that feeds the ongoing drive. An allergy can drive the addiction and if you find that you measure [see IgG on the second page here for more info: http://corepsych.com/tests14 ] as positive it will encourage more direct, ongoing recovery.
cp
Milk addiction is real and very dangerous, have been living with a friend of the family and is now in her old age and in denial about I believe her addiction and has caused her to regurgitate mucous on a daily basis. She is in and out of hospital every month for repeat esophageal dilation, no one believes me, the NHS has been useless.
David,
Most regrettable that useful and valid medical testing remains so suspicious based on outdated beliefs – it’s pandemic.
cp
Dear Sir
I am off milk since a year and was feeling great, but since some time I have started consuming vitamin d3 supplements and I am feeling lots of withdrawal symptoms. Does it happen with vitamin d3?I am a vegan and gluten free since almost a year and I take methylcobalamin 500 tablet daily which helps me a lot. But this withdrawal symptoms I am having with d3 are worst. How long will these stay? and are these common?
Himanshu,
From my experience the likelihood is more more possible that you’re having a reaction to something else… like the methyl in the B12? See these videos and reports for more info:
http://corepsych.com/walsh-resources
Measure them and correct with much better possibility of correcting the underlying causality.
cp
The b12 pill I am using is a 500 MCG methylcobalamin tablet. I am using it since a long time and I was having no problem but with the vitamin d3 I did have these symptoms before also when I had tried once. Now I am in the 5th week and now I am feeling a bit better. Even now and even before once i had been through this very difficult withdrawal symptoms.it makes me hyper too.
I think the safest way to consume d3 is sunlight.
hi ,have always loved milk,now i am 58 and cant seem to get enough,im up to 5 or six letres a day, i have psoriasis and arthritis,known as psoratic arthrits.would milk make these conditions worse
Ross,
In a word: absolutely. Milk is the number one allergen in our hundreds of outpatient tests with chronic medical conditions associated with brain imbalances [nothing personal! 😉 ] Having said that I don’t recommended just shooting in the dark with simply going off milk as it could easily result in failure if you also are reacting to any others, including the other two most frequent interlopers: eggs and wheat. Test! See my numerous videos on Mind and Gut explaining how here: Meds & Allergies – Milk and Wheat: http://bit.ly/mawimmun Our testing protocols here: http://corepsych.com/tests14 – see the explanations at IgG on the second page.
cp
Dear Dr.Parker.
I suffer from a rare disease that the ENTS don,t have a clue how to solve…
After years of suffering, I told them that my ears would itch and hurt everytime I drink milk. they said it does not have anything to do…
Due to my disease I started having anxiety and panick attacks and was treated for depression…
One day I decided to quit all dairy and my experience is a little bit different than the others posts…
7 days later, I started having body aches and pains, muscle spams, bone pain all over my body. It has been 4 months and the pains are still with me. How long does it take to resolve?? is there anything I can do to help me?
The strangest thing of my case is that I did not suffer any worsening symptoms mentally, whatsmore, even with all the pain that I am suffering together with rare disease I haven,t had anxiety or a panic attack in this for months…
ThE Doctors here in Europe don,t have a clue of withdrawl. I only force him to have my allergy test done and found I was sensitive to whey.
I had already quit milk some months ago, but what I was addict was to frozen yogurth.
Could you please help me?’
thank you in advance
Marta,
Take the time to answer this test, and look at the video I’ve linked on the pdf re: OATS. You very likely have a Candida reaction that’s aggravated by taking their food source away. You likely have both a systemic Candida problem with serious bowel issues, and an associated IgG allergy to perhaps several things. Test download here: http://corepsych.com/yeasttest
I don’t know what they have in Europe regarding liver cleansing. We have two products we use over here to help w your liver, but that liver thing is likely more secondary – but a problem to work on later: Phase 1 & 2 issues.
Looks like you must be in Spain. We can do testing over there if you would like, just let us know. Or if you want set up a brief Skype chat one day at noon our time with Desiree at CorePsych Services on the menu there – no charge for a chat.
cp
Thank you very much Dr. Parker,
It is very weird how once I have started a dairy free diet these unberable páins all over my body started and still there four months later but As you said it has to be candida and bowel.
If you could Help me with the tests, doctors here dont know about candida. They dont even know which blood test to perform..
Which allergy Igg shoul I be tested for?
Which are issue 1&2? Which products?
I have done my first liver flush by Andrea moritz.. Do you suggest something else??
After years searching for a cure for my disease with no avail, my finances are very low. If you can suggest me Any Help or test I would apprecciate it very much.
I have already written Desiree for a Skype chat . Hope she has receive it.
Sorry for my English, woul love to spread your word over here
Thank you again,
Marta
Marta,
Looking forward – we can discuss details there.
cp
I have a serious problem… I can drink up to 4 gallons in one day. If I don’t I go through withdrawals. What kind of doctor should I seek??? Also I am an ex opiate addict 8 yrs clean…. is this milk addiction substituting my opiate addiction?
Raymond,
“Substituting” is not a completely accurate word, but the fact is that opiate receptors are involved, and the same biomedical problems that fed your straight opiate addiction are likely at play. You would much benefit from a complete workup – my favorite three are here, not because I’m diagnosing you w yeast problems, but because that OATS test is so revealing of many underlying elements including neurotransmitter and some vitamins. The pdf download w a link for video and references is here: http://corepsych.com/yeasttest
If I can help with any of those we can review your issues through http://corepsych.com/services – through Desiree.
cp
My 3 year old was/is “addicted” to milk. She wasn’t eating real sustainable food at all and only drinking milk from a Sippy cup. We recently in the past month took away her Sippy cup and she isn’t and wont drink milt at all. We have noticed her being VERY angry and emotional. She just is not herself. She has mood swings and goes into fits of rage. This is totally not like her. She is very even tempered and happy. Could us cutting milk out be affecting her in this negative way? Should we put her back on milk? We are at a loss of what to do. Please help.
Paul,
The more vulnerable folks, children or adults with biomedical, physical downstream problems from milk do have more withdrawal generally speaking. The worst are those with years of consumption, proven allergies to milk products and a sudden stop.
cp
Hello, my 9 yr old son is on Cocerta 54mg and just started intuniv 1mg. He is a picky eater. My concern is he loves milk/choc milk. He drinks it constantly. I have never really said no to it cause he has struggles with gaining weight and milk gives him some calories. Just wondering if too much milk can cause ADHD symptoms to worsen?
Thanks,
Sarah
Sarah,
Very absolutely see this playlist and the ones that follow -> Mind and gut: http://bit.ly/mindgut
cp
Hello Dr Parker,
Picking up on this thread I was keen to know how you would go about cleaning the liver?
I have followed the IGG test I had with some success but would like to speed improvements. I do not have much time for supplements or mineral hair analysis – I consider these snake oil but believe/understand how the liver could become taxed.
I had similar problems as the above lady and a narrow theraputic window.
Raul
Raul,
More complicated than a simple reply. We use several different supplement that open the front and back door of the liver, and several to heal the bowel as well as probiotics. If the person suffers from heavy metal, yeast, or parasites the situation requires even more careful thinking and exploration.
A woman I worked w recently suffered from Strongyloides; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strongyloides_stercoralis and we had to send her out for a consult after discovery as it’s not a bug on my list!’cp
I have had so many symptoms I can’t begin to make a list right now (a few are hives, foggy brain, extreme thirst, very dry skin/hair/eyes, hair loss, poor sleep, and on and on). I have also lost so much weight people ask if I have an eating disorder. I know I am malnourished. I’m being treated for hypothyroidism. I’m also under the care of a GI. I’m on a food elimination diet as i believe all my problems come from an allergy of some sort. I don’t feel that anyone is willing to take the time to help me figure out the root of the problem. My allergist will not conduct food allergy tests, so who do I go to for IgG testing? I have no clue of what to do anymore. I feel like I’m wasting away and begging for help and everyone looks at me like I’m crazy… I’ve been gluten free for 3 years. I’ve been off processed sugar for 1-1/2 years. However, my symptoms remained, so I’ve been on an elimination diet for 3 months (dairy, soy, corn, peanuts, shellfish, eggs) and feel a little better, but have not gained one single pound. Also, Ive had chronic soft/yellow stool for years. No doctor seems concerned about that or has hever taken a stool sample. I’m extremely frustrated. Any guidance would be most appreciated…
Jennifer,
Your story, quite regrettably, is more typical than atypical. IgG is frowned upon by the group-think GI and Allergy community. They condemn these findings in spite of the fact that Gluten and Casein researchers have reported these issues for years. You need a more careful review, and, from my perspective, an elimination diet is almost completely useless as you could be allergic to garlic, for example, and miss that one with your attention to milk, eggs and wheat. Measure, then treat.
I strongly recommend rebuilding your gut, cleaning out your liver in stages, phase 2, then phase 1 [CYP 450] as you’re more likely to turn around if your detox system is working and your gut is healed. We could help you with that long distance if you wish, but would, quite emphatically, start with good IgG testing on the front end… cost about 219$ for the test [we don’t upsell it]. Set up a Brief Chat Time [no charge] w Desiree, as outlined on the Services page here, and I would be happy to pitch in and give you some further ideas in that brief review.
cp
sir thanks a lot for the reply,right now i have made up my mind to stay away from dairy forever.i dont think there is a better way than that to stay away from the emotional blues.even the quality of life is better when i am off dairy.maybe i am an adult adhd example but here in india there is not much knowledge about adhd.
Himanshu,
Completely agree w that plan. Remember to consider pulling a group together for this series of presentations on ADHD Reality: http://corebrain.org/reality.
And don’t forget the Kindle book at http://adhdmedicationrules.com – testimonials and reviews there.
Thanks, – Be well!
cp
i have stopped consuming wheat also since a week and i am feeling better.but its gonna be very tough for me to eat because i was already off milk and now i have to be off wheat and gonna be very careful.but belive me the energy levels have increased which i haven t witnessed since years or maybe never.
Himanshu:
Think: Substitution. Find the substitute, make it fun and then you’ll get thru this tough time.
cp
by the way i am a 31 year old male from india.
i have been on a dairy free diet since the last 3 months.i started that diet because i read a lot about it on the net and i have this mood swings.i felt very nice on the diet and now after 3 months i wanted to know that was that all good feeling because of dairy free?so i just had one glass of milk before 4 days and since then i am very upset.my mood has become very annoyed and i can not control my temper and i am really confused.please tell me what should i do?how long will it take to get normal again?i am harming my relations with people.my ige test were done before 2 weeks and its high around 400.
Himanshu,
IgE can be helpful, and it does sound like you have an IgE problem because your physical/emotional reaction to drinking milk appeared 24-48 hr. If you have the IgE, it’s highly likely you will also have IgG reactions – The Ghost Immunoglobulin.
Your number: the Total IgE is almost meaningless for the long haul. IgG creates neurotransmitter challenges for years down the line, and Total amounts [“Quantitative”] don’t tell you precisely the exact [“Qualitative”] foods you are reacting with.
cp
I love milk!! I can drink a gallon in a day and a half. (NOT kidding.) I get really moody if I can’t have it. But my mom sometimes gets mad that I drink all the milk when she goes to work; can you give me some tips on substitutions for milk?
Becky,
In our office if a milk problem exists, and you may or may not have a problem with milk allergies [not known unless measured], we substitute these products based on the findings if they could also create an allergic reaction: Rice milk is least allergenic, Coconut milk is next, Almond milk next after that one, and Soy milk is still much less allergenic than cow’s milk, but carries it’s own challenges especially for estrogen and women [so we keep that recommendation as last in line]. See this article from Scientific American on Soy: http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=soybean-fertility-hormone-isoflavones-genistein
cp
So can you please list some things that would be considered chronic medical problems that might occur down the line? because i drink milk every day, a gallon every 3 days almost. what would be so wrong with being a addicted to milk? it’s not like being addicted to a drug is it?
Red,
See Symptoms here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milk_allergy
cp
There are many articles written with a similar intent as this on the web, and all are appreciated. However, I have put together a few questions that are NOT covered by the overwhelming majority of similar articles. If you have answers to these, it would certainly help me, and probably others heeding your advice as well.
1) With all this talk of casein intolerance spilling over into avoidance of milk products as a whole, what about butter and creams? Are they negative triggers as well? Especially during the initial ceasing of casein?
In my case, I have been tested by ImmunoLabs (IgG test they branded the “Bloodprint”), and have a strong response to Casein. In addition, I have a strong IgG response to EVERY subfraction in Whey (the other milk protein). In addition, I’m lactose intolerant!
2) Is this a big indicator that perhaps butter and creams just aren’t ideal foods for me either? I can’t find IgG testing anywhere for butter/cream.
Similar tests show I do NOT have any antibody reaction during the Anti-Gliadin Antibody test (If it makes any difference here are my scores: IgG ELISA: 9 units, IgA ELISA: 8 units, as a reference 30 moderate/strong positive).
3) That being said, could I (or ANYONE) still have negative reactions to Gluten through the “morphine-like channel”, independent of IgWhatever testing? Or could there still be harm done to the gut wall?! Is it still prudent then to cycle or reduce gluten intake permanently?
4) Lastly, and this is a stumper, how could it be possible for someone to have these morphine-like withdrawal symptoms for up to 6 months, when even straight morphine and heroin injections cannot produce a withdrawal lasting more than a few weeks, no matter how bad the addiction was?
Thank you for your time and efforts.
Matthew
Matthew,
I can help with some, but not all, and regrettably have no specific refs for you review other than those cited. I do have considerable clinical experience with these matters and recognize that many of these situations are under-recognized, not reported, and often neglected. Treatment works on the guidelines suggested.
1. Butter and cream are milk products with casein. Remember, as I have so often written here, IgG reactions are, most often, not recognized by immediate changes, but by chronic medical implications. To go off any IgG related diet often will not cause immediate symptoms, as one easily sees with IgE reactions. Lactose is milk sugar, a different component of milk, not milk protein [casein]. Sugar and protein coexist in any milk product. Lactose often is associated with IgE reactions, thus more recognizable.
2. Milk products of any kind are relevant, in any shape or form – including yogurt and whipped cream.
3. It is prudent if found reactive to gluten to permanently go off gluten – not the standard advice, but seen far too often in my office when unheeded. I joke with my patients that they can do it their way, and I’ll be here years down the road when they find themselves hit by the same problems – their denial definitely helps my business. Follow my directions, remain free of psych visits.
4. My guess, no evidence at this moment, is that we are seeing multiple levels of the complexity of downstream malabsorption [from the food allergies], malnutrition, and trace element imbalances, some with additional heavy metals. All of these contributions diminish effective enzymatic activities that provide the basis for neurotransmitter replication. Depression and feeling sick, with adrenal fatigue doesn’t improve, because those imbalances must be measured and corrected. This one I see every day in my office.
cp
[…] Casein and Cheese More Addictive Than Chocolate? […]
I have a 17 year old daughter, who has never been weaned off milk. After consuming her mothers milk, i put her on formular milk, then she went on to drinking milk from cartons. When her father tried to make her stop drinking milk for two weeks when she was 14, she was practically beging for a glass of it. She was even crying.
Does milk have a bad effect on the brain or body? I am concerned it may effect her brain especially. She is a very intelligent girl.
Charl95,
Milk is not categorically bad for you – it is only troublesome and allergenic to some. Those who are addicted to it most often have significant downstream medical problems – as seen so frequently in my office, but I don’t have a study at hand to ref for you. Look at her transit time, look for other signs of allergy, and most importantly look for emotional or cognitive challenges resulting from brain imbalances downstream from the likely cytokine storms.
cp
I have a 7 yr old Girl that stoped milk one day and for two weeks after she was not my same kid mad it was like she had bad withdrawls after the 2 weeks he is good but what do i do now. was it the milk the food what should i do now? A mom that nees you help
Mama,
With those kinds of profound symptoms I do suggest testing – IgG to be specific. Highly likely she is casein dependent, casein reactive, and likely needs to shift over to one of the more hypoallergenic milk products – almond, coconut, soy, etc.
cp
Lucy,
It does take awhile to get over the cravings as they have to do with the bare receptors, the down regulation of receptor activity and often the diminished 5HTP, serotonin or dopamine, it all depends. Best arm chair advice: exercise, take multivits, get your sleep and satisfy your cravings with a suitable substitute. With chocolate, could be coffee!
cp
Got Milk,
It’s important in these matters to not speculate, as the field is rife with speculation and maybes – I don’t make an ‘allergy diagnosis’ unless I have evidence in hand on the IgG or IgE levels, the two most commonly witnessed measures in an office practice.
Withdrawal issues differ depending on the associated biomedical vulnerability created by the primary addictive process and, most importantly, the compromised reserves with poor healing.
cp
Sad,
Girl, you likely have a serious milk allergy, but an amorphous set of “blood tests” almost always misses that mark. I strongly suggest IgG testing, and a careful review of neurotransmitters – sounds like you may have a modification of your “chickens in the ranch” http://www.corepsychblog.com/2011/01/adhd-and-pea/ – We can consult on all of these long distance and have worked with several folks from SF on these matters! [See the Services page.]
There’s definitely hope, and you haven’t started the downward turn with too much weight gain…
cp
[…] [16] http://www.corepsychblog.com/2007/09/brain-awareness-milk-addictionwithdrawal-is-real/#axzz1VEOY0lLB […]
Excellent question – see the recent post with the video by Robyn O’Brien on this topic – and we can both await someone who knows to weigh in!
cp
I wonder if the same is true about the A2 milk sold here in australia…the proteins are different…I would like to know what the thoughts on that are.
Maybe we have to tell the mothers to introduce foods including cereals along with breastfeeding so that the child develops a taste for different kinds of food early in life. And food intolerance can cause addiction to the very foods which are sensitive. I think we must completely exclude gluten because of the effect it has on mental health.
Experts far more experienced in these matters than myself recommend not starting gluten until after the first year of life for the very reason that significant antigen/antibody reactions can be stimulated too early.
cp
I added a new reference and some specific links with new references on this similar posting just today: http://www.corepsychblog.com/2007/08/celiac-notes-opiate-withdrawal-from-gluten-and-casein/
Thanks for asking!
cp
Where are your references for this article?
thx for sharing….i have been looking for something about milk addiction for a while and have found nothing until now….sometimes i drink so much milk in one sitting i make myself sick although that is rare i have done it and realized it was going to make sick but i didnt care i know that sounds weird but anyway…..i have at times down a half gallon in one sitting…..i would say i average a gallon a day but hey at least its not alchohol right …
pablo,
Better than alcohol, but potentially quite dangerous nevertheless – if you are allergic to it. Milk allergies are the most frequently seen challenges in my regular testing for IgG, and those that are “addicted” are much more likely to suffer chronic medical problems downstream.
cp
Hi Dr. Parker,
Thank you for posting info on casein withdrawal. I am having it right now and it is pretty bad. I woke up several times during the night and woke up this morning with bad body aches. Been feeling extremely fatigued for the last few days since I stopped dairy. I know I’m doing the right thing, as I have always been allergic to milk, but it’s hard right now to feel this bad. Do you know how long the withdrawal normally lasts? Thanks!
🙂 Sherri
Sherri,
Everyone’s different Sherri. The variables that seem to mitigate duration and intensity of withdrawal have to do with several factors:
1. Nutritional status previous to discontinuing the allergen – vitamin cofactors and protein neurotransmitter precursors especially.
2. Bowel status and degree of leaky gut before discontinuing.
3. Inflammation secondary to the allergen in the first place.
4. Comorbid depression and anxiety before hand, secondary to the alteration in neurotransmitters with the leaky gut and relative malabsorption. Those neurotransmitters always need rebalancing as part of the fastest, most effective recovery.
5. Pre-existing VitD3 levels – often deteriorated with allergen attacks.
6. Specific healing activities post withdrawal: Strongly recommended – various detox protocols for liver correction and this specific GI Repair protocol for 6 weeks, to follow with another 6 weeks of specific healing probiotics and supplements.
7. Other overlooked allergen can encourage ongoing problems: e.g. garlic, peanuts, soy, eggs.
Hang in there! Set up a time with me if we can help out.
cp
Janice,
Thanks for the references – looks like the Gut and Psychology book is out of print. Will chase down the other connections. Appreciate your comments-
cp
Two things that I find help: 1– Udos Choics Probiotics ..one per day for one week, 2 per week for two weeks..not too many helps brain-gut connection and assim. of minerals
Also read Gut and Psychology Syndrome by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride, MD on the gut brain connection and healing the gut..www.bodyecologydiet.com to purchase & read article in Wise Traditions Journal by http://www.westonaprice.org
My late father , myself [68yrs.]my son [40yrs] , my younger daughter [37yrs.] possibly my elder daughter [41yrs.]my granddaughter [7yrs.] blood tests negative ,had started diet already so refused biopsy. So many years of suffering . Why don’t G.P.s know more about this disease ? So much expense for us and the N.H.S.
JRB
One of the most frequently overlooked additional problems that occurs following the diet change is the gut healing issue. Opiate withdrawal, covered in several posts here, is but one aspect of recovery.
After withdrawal, gut healing deserves its own plan.
B vitamins are helpful, as are several other nutritional products that actually heal the several broken, leaky layers of gut [my term: “the bowel lasagna”] – corrupted by the gluten sensitivity in the first place.
Look forward to sharing more info on these matters soon,
Thanks,
Chuck
I’ve found vitamin B6 (50 mg) and B-complex (B-50) supplements to be an important addition to our GFCF diet.
The GFCF diet has solved 75% of our difficulties– but moods seem more stable and tempers don’t flare when we remember to take the Bs too. It’s especially helpful when the kids have been having sweets or irregular meals, so perhaps it helps to regulate blood sugar (?).
Hey Personal Growth,
You have a very interesting site, -would like to contribute to your excellent efforts at spreading the word. Problem is easy: Time.
Thanks for your note, blog on!
Chuck
Thanks for the health update that you have given, i have to be more concious.