Identifying Lactose Intolerance: Symptoms and Testing Methods
Do you experience stomach pain and indigestion after drinking milk and dairy products? Well, you might be lactose intolerant! People who are lactose intolerant experience digestive symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, and gas after consuming foods or drinks containing lactose. This is called lactose intolerance.
Lactose intolerance is the most common problem limiting milk and dairy consumption worldwide, and it is defined as the gastrointestinal symptoms that occur after ingesting lactose containing foods due to a deficiency of intestinal lactase, people with lactose intolerance are unable to digest large amounts of lactose in this case, the inability to break down the dietary lactose into glucose and galactose, resulting in intolerance to foods containing lactose. A range of intestinal and systemic symptoms.
What is lactose?
Lactose is a sugar found in milk, and lactase is an enzyme produced by our bodies to break down sugar so that it can be absorbed. Deficiency of lactase can lead to lactose intolerance. Some people can digest dairy products even with low lactase levels. People who are lactose intolerant develop symptoms due to reduced lactase levels after consuming dairy products.
What are the signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance?
Signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance include:
- A bloated stomach.
- Intestinal gas.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Stomach pain and cramps.
- The stomach is rumbling.
- diarrhea.
These symptoms are due to the presence of undigested lactose in your large intestine. It takes 6 to 10 hours for food to reach your large intestine after you eat it, and another 24 to 36 hours for it to pass through your large intestine. So your symptoms may appear within a day or two after you eat lactose.
How to manage Lactose Intolerance？
Here are some simple ways to manage Lactose Intolerance.
- There is no known cure. But by controlling your consumption of lactose containing products, you can avoid this acute illness.
- Consider talking to your doctor or dietitian about how to change your diet to help manage the symptoms of lactose intolerance and ensure adequate nutrient intake. While most people with lactose intolerance can consume a certain amount of lactose without symptoms, some people may need to limit the amount they consume.
- When consumed with other foods, your body is more likely to digest lactose. So, consider eating small amounts of milk or dairy products with meals.
- There are several lactose-free dairy products available now. You can opt for these to avoid the symptoms.
- You can take lactase supplements to break down the milk sugars. Expert advice before starting with supplements is a must.
Do's & Don’t's
When it comes to managing lactose intolerance, knowing the do's and don'ts can make all the difference. Lactose intolerance is a common digestive disorder where the body is unable to fully digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. While it may seem daunting at first, with the right knowledge and approach, individuals with lactose intolerance can still enjoy a healthy and fulfilling diet.
