For those who are lactose intolerant, following a lactose-free diet is incredibly important. However, this isn't always easy. Identifying products that contain lactose takes a bit of research. According to the experts at the California Pacific Medical Center, sticking to a lactose-free diet requires you to read food labels religiously and be on the lookout for hidden, as well as obvious, ingredients that contain lactose.
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is a fairly common medical condition in which people cannot digest lactose, the natural sugar in dairy products. This is because these people are deficient in an enzyme called lactase that helps the body process lactose. Though some over-the-counter and prescription medications can help this condition, doctors generally recommend that patients who are lactose intolerant stay away from all foods containing lactose. Eating lactose when you're lactose intolerant can cause bloating, stomach pain, gas, diarrhea, nausea and cramping.
Dairy Products
The most obvious foods to avoid in a lactose-free diet are dairy products. Lactose-intolerant people should steer clear of milk, yogurt, cheese, pudding, ice cream, sour cream, butter and any other dairy products. Similar items made from soy or rice are generally okay, unless you also have a sensitivity to those ingredients.
Hidden Sources
There are many hidden sources of lactose that can also make lactose-intolerant patients ill. These include anything that lists dairy products in its ingredients, including certain types of bread, cereal, crackers, cakes and pasta. Any creamed meats or vegetables, along with items served in a creamy sauce, are generally off-limits. Though desserts that contain lactose, such as ice cream and whipped cream, should seem fairly obvious, lactose-intolerant people also need to steer clear of items such as fudge, butterscotch and toffee.
Food Additives
Many foods may not list milk, cheese, butter or other straightforward dairy products in their ingredients, but that doesn't mean they're safe. Food additives derived from dairy products also contain lactose. When you're checking out the packaging, keep your eyes peeled for ingredients such as milk protein, milk powder, milk solids, whey, whey solids, whey protein, dry milk, casein, lactose, lactulose, lactalbumin, lactoglobulin and casein hydrolysates. Make sure to obtain an up-to-date list of banned food additives from your doctor.
Considerations
Lactose intolerance can vary in severity, and some patients can tolerate low- and medium-lactose foods in small amounts. Examples of low-lactose foods include sherbet, aged and processed cheeses, butter and half-and-half. Medium-lactose foods include products such as ice cream, pudding and goat's milk. You'll probably still want to avoid high-lactose items like milk and yogurt. Always check with your doctor before including dairy in your diet.
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