Lactose intolerance is a typical digestive issue in which the body could not properly digest lactose. Take note that lactose is a form of sugar that is mainly present in milk and dairy products.
Signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance
- Diarrhea
- Flatulence
- Stomach pain or cramps
- Bloated stomach
The symptoms typically develop within a span of a few hours of ingesting food or beverages that contains lactose.
When to seek further care
The symptoms of lactose intolerance are quite similar to various conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), thus it is vital to consult a doctor so that a diagnosis is given before eliminating milk and dairy products from the diet.
Once the doctor suspects that the individual has lactose intolerance, it is recommended to avoid foods and beverages that contain lactose for about 2 weeks to check if there is any improvement in the symptoms.
Causes of lactose intolerance
The body works by digesting lactose with the help of a substance known as lactase to break down lactose into 2 sugars called galactose and glucose that can be readily absorbed into the bloodstream.
Individuals with intolerance are not capable of generating sufficient amount of lactase, thus lactose stays in the digestive tract where bacteria ferments it. This leads to the generation of a variety of gases that cause the symptoms associated with lactose intolerance.
Depending on the underlying reason why the body does not generate enough lactose, lactose intolerance might be transitory or permanent. In most cases among adults, they are inherited and usually life-long but cases among young children are often due to an infection in the digestive system and might only last for a few weeks.
Do I have an allergy?
Lactose intolerance is not the same as dairy or milk allergy. The food allergies are initiated by a bodily reaction to a certain food that leads to symptoms such as wheezing, itching and rashes.
If an individual is sensitive to something, even a small particle is enough to instigate a reaction while those who have lactose intolerance are still able to consume small amounts of lactose without any issues.
How to deal with lactose intolerance
Remember that there is no cure for lactose intolerance, but it is vital to limit the intake of food or beverages that contain lactose to control the symptoms.
Depending on the dairy products that the individual can eat, additional calcium and vitamin D supplements are needed to keep the bones healthy and strong. In some cases, the doctor might refer the individual to a dietitian for further advice.
Who are at risk?
Lactose intolerance tends to vary significantly among different ethnic groups. Those who have northern European descent have a certain degree of intolerance while those with Chinese descent mostly have the condition.
This might be due to the fact that areas where there has no or limited access to milk such as East Asia or Africa might have not evolved the ability to properly digest lactose. In addition, lactose intolerance can develop at any age. Most cases initially develop among 20-40 years old, yet infants and young children can also be affected.