Unless you purchase a ranch dressing that specifies that it is lactose-free, standard ranch dressing does contain lactose. Ranch dressing is made from dairy products, such as sour cream, mayonnaise and cream, depending on the recipe. If you suspect that you are lactose intolerant, talk with your doctor for confirmation. Lactose intolerance is commonly confused with a milk protein intolerance or a milk allergy because of similar symptoms.
Background
If you're lactose intolerant, your body has a difficult time digesting diary products because of the type of sugar found in milk. Lactose is a sugar that requires the body to produce lactase to break it down and properly digest it. If you're lactose intolerant, your body does not produce enough lactase enzyme, therefore causing common lactose intolerant symptoms. MayoClinic.com states that everyone is lactose intolerant to a certain degree, but only those with obvious symptoms are considered intolerant.
Symptoms
Symptoms of lactose intolerance are exclusively in the digestive tract and will not affect the skin or airways. If you experience other symptoms, you may have a milk allergy. Common lactose intolerant symptoms include bloating, gas, diarrhea, abdominal pain, foul-smelling stools and floating stools. Most symptoms develop within 20 to 30 minutes after ingesting dairy products, according to KidsHealth. In extreme cases, MedlinePlus sates that excessive diarrhea can cause malnutrition and weight loss.
Ranch Dressing Consideration
Ranch dressing is made from cow's milk and contains dairy. Lactose intolerance symptoms vary in degree based on the individual's ability to produce lactase. If you use a small amount of ranch dressing, you may not experience any adverse symptoms, if you're condition is not severe. People with an extreme intolerance towards lactose may not be able to eat ranch dressing without taking a supplement.
Treatment
Treating lactose intolerance begins with avoiding the consumption of lactose. You can eliminate dairy from your diet and use non-dairy alternatives, such as soy or rice-based products. Some dairy products, including ranch dressing, may come with the lactose removed during the manufacturing process. You can also take a dietary lactase enzyme supplement after your first bit of dairy to prevent common lactose intolerant symptoms, according to MayoClinic.com.
Consideration
If you choose to avoid dairy, you may need to take a daily calcium supplement, according to MedlinePlus. You need between 1,200 and 1,500 mg of calcium daily. You can also eat calcium-rich foods to supplement, such as oysters, canned salmon, leafy greens and shrimp.
