1. Lactose Intolerance can be a Pain
If you suffer from lactose intolerance, you know what a pain it can be--literally. Lactose intolerance can cause abdominal pains or cramps, gas, bloating, diarrhea and nausea. Some people experience very few symptoms, while others may experience more severe symptoms. Genetics can play a role in lactose intolerance, with Native Americans, Asians and Africans being the groups most likely to suffer from it. People who have lactose intolerance are lacking the enzyme lactase, which is produced by the small intestine. Lactase enables the body to digest the sugar in milk. If you don't have enough lactase, your body responds with the symptoms of lactose intolerance. For those who suffer from lactose intolerance, paying attention to the ingredients in foods will help keep the symptoms away. There are also non-prescription enzymes available as drops that can be put into milk products to add the lacking enzyme. Pills containing lactase are also available and are quite effective if taken with the first bite of milk or milk product.
2. How Did Milk Get Into my Oil?
Lactose occurs naturally in milk and milk products, like cream. You may wonder how milk products get into fats or oils. Remember though, that butter is a fat that is used frequently to flavor and cook many foods. Butter is made from cream and contains lactose. Most margarine also contains some milk products for flavor and contains lactose as well. Oils and oil substitutes that are butter flavored (like a butter spray for popcorn) could contain lactose. Oils can be mixed with powdered mixes to be used as creamy salad dressing. These salad dressings can include ranch dressing, green goddess and blue cheese that can also contain lactose. Read the labels on salad dressing and salad mixes to make sure it is free of milk or milk byproducts to avoid an episode of lactose intolerance.
3. Deciphering the Nutrition Labels
For those who suffer with lactose intolerance, it's important to read and understand the nutritional labels on food. In addition to checking the label for milk, it's important to look for milk byproducts, dried milk solids, dehydrated milk products, non-fat dry milk, non-fat dry milk products, curds, whey and lactose. With fats and oils, check for these additives in creamy dressings, butter flavors and butter substitutes. If even the slightest bit of lactose causes symptoms for you, read the label to look for hidden sources of lactose.
Member Comments