Lactose
intolerance symptoms occur in people who have this condition, but
these symptoms are usually mild.
In some cases, they can be severe, but these cases are rare. Lactose
intolerance can be defined as the inability of the body to digest
lactose found in milk.
The
body can digest lactose if there is enough lactase produced in the
small intestine.
If the body lacks this enzyme, it will be impossible to digest
lactose and lactose will remain undigested, resulting in several
possible symptoms. Lactose
intolerance symptoms can occur half an hour after drinking milk or
having some dairy product, or they can occur several hours after
consuming milk.
Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance
–
Abdominal
pain
–
Bloating
–
Gas
–
Nausea
–
Vomiting
–
Diarrhea
Lactose
intolerance is very common, but if you have any of those symptoms
after consuming milk just once, this doesn’t mean you have lactose
intolerance.
In
addition, there is the difference between milk allergy and
lactose intolerance. Milk allergy is not so common and this condition
is much different. If
you notice that every time you have some milk, you experience some of
these symptoms, this probably means you have lactose intolerance.
You should go to your doctor and he will be able to tell you what the
problem is.
Diagnosing
lactose intolerance is not too difficult. There
are several types of tests that are used for diagnosing lactose
intolerance, and each of them is quite precise.
Stool acidity test is usually used in children, because sometimes it
is the only possible way to do analyses.
Although
it is possible in children and infants, lactose intolerance usually
occurs during puberty and adulthood. This condition can be annoying,
but it is not dangerous.
How to Treat Lactose Intolerance
Lactose-free
diet is the best possible way to avoid lactose intolerance
symptoms. Lactose
intolerance requires diet without milk and other milk-based products.
This is not so difficult, since there are many products that are
perfect substitutes for milk and dairy products. You will not miss
anything, actually. There are great recipes for people who are
lactose intolerant and you will see that they include many different
foods. Milk and dairy products can be successfully replaced and you
will not miss them at all. It
is important that you avoid other foods that contain milk, like
biscuits, cakes, cookies, creams, etc.
If you are sensitive, these amounts of lactose will also lead to
lactose intolerance symptoms and you will feel bad.
If
you have stopped taking milk and dairy products, there is one thing
you have to think of. We
are talking about calcium.
This important mineral is much needed for your bones and teeth. If
you stop taking milk, you will have to find alternate sources of
calcium.
Some foods are also high in this mineral, like salmon, tuna,
sardines, broccoli, soymilk, etc. You can eat those to get enough
calcium. However, you will have to talk to your nutritionist about
calcium intake.