Raw Food Nutrition for Longevity & Detox

Many parents face the same concern: when breast-milk supply drops, what can replace it safely for babies who cannot tolerate dairy?

The growing number of infants struggling with eczema and digestive distress makes this question increasingly relevant.

UNDERSTANDING THE REACTION TO DAIRY

Eczema and reflux in infants are often linked to a cow's-milk protein allergy or intolerance. These proteins can trigger immune and inflammatory responses, even through breast-milk, and cause rashes, colic, congestion or digestive discomfort. Goat's milk is sometimes tolerated better, yet for many babies it provokes the same immune reaction.

If your child has already reacted to both cow's and goat's milk, it's essential to explore alternative milks while ensuring balanced nutrition and adequate hydration.

SAFE NON-DAIRY OPTIONS

At around nine months of age, most infants are eating a variety of solid foods, so milk becomes a supplement rather than a primary source of nutrition. Where breast-feeding continues, even partial feeding still provides valuable antibodies and bioactive compounds.

You may use gentle, natural milk alternatives such as:

  • Oat, rice or quinoa milk added to porridge or served in a bottle.

  • Diluted freshly pressed juices, water, and rooibos tea to maintain hydration.
    Avoid soy milk: it contains phyto-oestrogens and may disrupt endocrine and immune balance.

A baby's total daily fluid intake should be about 150 ml per kg body weight — including breast-milk, plant milks, teas, and water combined.

PEGASUS Pregnancy

SUPPORTING DIGESTION AND IMMUNITY

Underlying causes of dairy intolerance often include altered gut flora, early antibiotic exposure or birth by caesarean section. Rebuilding a healthy microbiome can reduce eczema and food sensitivities.

Key steps:

  1. Probiotics – Use a quality infant probiotic.

  2. Essential fatty acids – Add 1 tsp of cold-pressed flaxseed or a high-DHA fish oil daily to support skin integrity and reduce inflammation.

  3. Micronutrient support –Zinc and vitamin C are both crucial for skin repair and immune resilience.

  4. Curcumin and quercetin – Gentle natural anti-inflammatories that may lessen eczema flares.

Make Your Own Dairy-Free Baby Formula

LOOKING AT ROOT CAUSES

If eczema or digestive distress persists despite removing dairy, further investigation is warranted. Factors such as fungal overgrowth, nutrient deficiencies or immune immaturity may contribute. Work with a qualified practitioner to personalise supplements and assess possible underlying triggers.

Mothers should also nurture their own health and milk supply with nutrient-dense foods, hydration and rest. A mother's well-being directly affects her child's resilience.

Editor's note: Functional medicine increasingly views eczema and food intolerance in infancy as markers of microbiome imbalance and immune dysregulation. Recent studies highlight the importance of early probiotic intervention (particularly Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium infantis) to reduce allergy risk. Nutritional protocols combining essential fatty acids, zinc and bioactive plant compounds such as curcumin and quercetin show promise in modulating the infant immune response. Here is an article you will find interesting on The difference between prebiotics & probiotics.

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