You could have lactose intolerance if you’ve recently bent over in discomfort after eating ice cream or hurried to the restroom after drinking milk. That occurs when your body is unable to adequately digest milk products, and you end up in a lot of pain.
A natural sugar called lactose may be found in milk and milk products. Generally, lactase, an enzyme found in your gut, metabolizes it when you eat or drink something that contains it. Therefore, lactose-intolerant individuals don’t produce enough of this enzyme.
In the colon, where bacteria begin to breakdown it, the undigested lactose ends up. It can result in symptoms including bloating, gas, discomfort, nausea, and diarrhea, all of which are quite unpleasant.
Here are some points to think about if you have lactose intolerance.
Lactose Intolerance Facts
1. It is more common in some individuals
As we mature, our natural lactase levels decrease, therefore lactose intolerance may develop. There appears to be a genetic element as well.
2. An allergy to milk is not lactose intolerance
Food allergies, such as those to milk or peanuts, are autoimmune diseases. A milk allergy prevents a person from consuming any milk or goods containing milk. Serious responses are possible.
While you may experience uncomfortable and irritating symptoms if you have lactose intolerance, it is not a life-threatening condition. It simply means that your body has trouble digesting lactose.
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3. The importance of calcium has not changed, it is still essential
If you’re eliminating all dairy products, make sure to eat calcium-rich foods like kale, almonds, broccoli, and calcium-fortified cereal, as well as non-dairy milk like soy and tofu that have been treated with calcium.
Kids who eschew dairy need to acquire calcium from other foods while they are developing and growing their bones.
4. There is a test for lactose intolerance
For a few weeks, abstain from all dairy products to observe if your problems go better. Consult your doctor for a more certain response. They’ll like to rule out any other conditions, such as celiac disease.
Blood tests and hydrogen breath tests are further options. In both cases, after consuming lactose-containing foods or beverages, you must examine your blood or breathe for indicators of improper digestion.
Also read: Build A Healthy Immune System With Ayurvedic Herbal Jam
5. You may still be allowed to consume dairy products
It may be necessary to experiment to determine what and how much you can tolerate, but some individuals with lactose intolerance may consume some dairy, including tiny amounts of milk, without experiencing symptoms.
Many people, for example, can tolerate yogurt because the microorganisms in it have already broken down some of the lactose. Keep in mind that certain dairy products contain less lactose than others.
Cheese, Greek yogurt, and even ice cream, for example, have less lactose than milk. Lactase enzymes can also be taken before consuming dairy.
Seek lactose-free dairy products with lactase enzymes added to make them simpler to digest.
Thumbnail Credit: Freepik
Anvi has done Bachelor’s and Master’s in Nutrition and Dietetics. She’s planning to do a Ph.D. in Public Health Nutrition moving forward.
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