Is All Dairy Bad on Paleo?
I have always viewed dairy as a collective dietary no-no. Since I initially went Paleo and my asthma vanished, I've been resolute that dairy is problematic – and something I should avoid.
Recently however, I've been reading a lot about hard (i.e. cheese) and soft (i.e. milk) dairy. It seems that many people find they can tolerate hard dairy with no issues – yet need to strictly avoid soft dairy.
What’s Wrong With Dairy?
Milk has high levels of the sugar lactose, which appears to be at the root of many of the issues with dairy. Many people are lactose intolerant, so unable to produce the enzyme lactase to break down these milk sugars. The alpha- and beta-casein found in milk also appears to be problematic as do the components casomorphin and butyrophillin.
Raw dairy is significantly better. During Pasturisation the very enzyme – lactase – needed to digest lactose is killed. Conventional wisdom at it’s finest….
The most common issues I read about in relation to dairy are digestive issues. I'm fairly convinced however that dairy is the culprit behind the Asthma that I no longer have. However, it’s hard to be certain. And if it is the culprit, is it the lactose, the casein – or something else entirely?
It seems that the further away dairy is from milk, the lower the levels of lactose – and therefore the more tolerable it appears to be. Fermented dairy – such as a home fermented yoghurt is apparently almost dairy free, so perhaps that might be tolerable too? Even if it is almost lactose free, it still isn't without problems, since the high level of carbohydrates is very insulin promoting.
One of my main concerns with it is the growth factors it contains, like IGF-1. Raw dairy seems to have much lower levels, but it appears Pasteurised dairy could have very high levels. IGF-1 is great for helping a calf to grow quickly; but it’s perhaps not so great if it encourages our cells to grow faster (hence the concern about dairy and cancer cells).
Should I Avoid Dairy?
I think the only way to identify whether dairy is problematic issue is to go for 30 days without any type of dairy, then slowly introduce back in raw dairy only. I'm keen to further experiment by consuming only raw hard cheese to see if this has any effect, before trying raw soft cheese too.
Is There a Place for Dairy in a Paleo Diet?
The question of dairy is one of the most hotly debated topics in the Paleo community. While strict Paleo guidelines typically exclude all dairy products, the reality is more nuanced—especially when we consider the differences between raw and pasteurised dairy, fermented and unfermented, and soft versus hard cheeses.
The Case Against Conventional Dairy
From a traditional Paleo perspective, dairy is excluded because our ancestors didn’t consume milk products after infancy, especially not from other animals. Furthermore, many people experience bloating, inflammation, acne, asthma, or digestive issues after consuming milk-based products. These symptoms are often linked to:
Lactose, the milk sugar that many adults can’t properly digest
Casein, a milk protein that may cause an immune response
Growth hormones like IGF-1, particularly in pasteurised milk
Additives, especially in low-fat or processed dairy products
In Australia, most supermarket milk is heavily processed and comes from grain-fed cows—far removed from anything ancestral.
Is Raw or Fermented Dairy an Exception?
Many people who avoid standard dairy find they can tolerate small amounts of raw dairy (unpasteurised and unhomogenised), especially hard cheeses. These options often contain:
Lower levels of lactose
Naturally occurring lactase enzyme (destroyed in pasteurisation)
Higher nutrient density, including vitamin K2, calcium, and beneficial bacteria
Similarly, fermented dairy like kefir, traditional yoghurt, and ghee are often better tolerated and may even benefit gut health. But these should still be approached with caution if you’re recovering from autoimmune issues or have unresolved inflammation.
Does Cheese Fit Into a Paleo Lifestyle?
The idea of “cheese being Paleo” is contentious. Technically, cheese is a Neolithic food. But hard cheeses made from raw milk and aged naturally (with no added nasties) may be acceptable for some. Many Aussies who follow a more flexible “Primal” approach to Paleo do include:
Raw aged cheddar or gouda
Parmesan (low in lactose)
Ghee or clarified butter (virtually casein- and lactose-free)
If you're experimenting, start with small portions of high-quality cheese and observe how your body responds.
Finding Your Own Threshold
If you suspect dairy might be causing issues, a 30-day elimination followed by a structured reintroduction (starting with raw, hard cheeses) is the best way to assess your tolerance. Everyone is different—and your experience with asthma could very well be linked to dairy consumption.
Ultimately, Paleo isn’t about perfection; it’s about eating what supports your health. For some, that means zero dairy. For others, it might mean occasionally enjoying a raw cheese board or a dash of ghee on roasted veg.
I’d love to hear what you think about dairy and how it impacts you. Do you find you can tolerate different forms, or must you avoid all trace? Finally, if your asthma has also improved or vanished since you went Paleo, I’d be very interested to hear specifically what you think made this happen.
Navigating Dairy on Your Own Paleo Path
When it comes to dairy, there’s no universal rule – especially within the Paleo space. What works for one person might trigger symptoms for another. The key is tuning into your body and being willing to experiment. Whether you're curious about raw cheese, suspicious of milk’s effect on your asthma, or simply wondering how strict to be, it all comes down to personal experience.
In Australia, we’re lucky to have access to some excellent raw and small-batch dairy products if you choose to test your tolerance. Just be sure to go slowly, start with high-quality hard cheeses or ghee, and monitor how your body reacts over time.
Paleo is about removing what harms and reintroducing what heals – and for some, that may include the occasional slice of aged cheddar. For others, avoiding all dairy is key to thriving.
Have you done a dairy elimination and reintroduction? Did you notice changes in your digestion, skin, or even asthma? Share your experience in the comments – your story might help someone else find clarity too.
