1. It's Not Just Milk
Most dairy products contain milk sugar. Lactose is this milk sugar. Different products contain differing amounts of lactose depending on whether it is a liquid product like milk or cream or a solid product like butter, cheeses or cottage cheese. Many body builders supplement their diets with protein derived from milk, which contains some amount of lactose.
2. Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is not a dangerous condition in and of itself, but it does tend to change our lives. Foods that are generally good for you begin to lose their appeal because of the problems that go along with consuming them. Items like cheese, milk, cream, butter and even ice cream become undesirable. Refer any questions as to whether you suffer from lactose intolerance to your physician who can confirm the condition by 1 of 3 medical tests commonly used.
3. When Dairy Causes Discomfort
If you are having problems with nausea, diarrhea, cramps, bloating and gas that's traceable to something you ate and that item has a large dairy component in it, then see a physician to discuss the possibility of having lactose intolerance. The symptoms begin to appear between 30 minutes to 2 hours of consumption. A person's race, age and ethnicity will play a part in the severity of these symptoms.
4. It's a Deficiency, Not Intolerance
Lactose intolerance isn't really intolerance, instead the problem is actually lactase deficiency. Lactase is the enzyme that digests and breaks down the milk sugars and proteins. The body produces high amounts of lactase during birth and early childhood when a person's diet is largely milk-based. As age advances, the amounts decrease because the diet begins to vary and incorporates other foods. Sometimes the body will decrease the amount of lactase produced due to an illness. This often lasts only for a short time and then reverses itself.
5. Living With Lactose Intolerance
Coping with lactose intolerance requires vigilance to avoid the unpleasant, painful and embarrassing situations that arise. You can manage these difficulties with planning, active thinking on your part and utilizing alternatives to accomplish your goals. Everyone has to discover their limit or sensitivity to lactose. Once you know this limit, eating out will become easier. You also can supplement your lactase by one of the many products on the market that supply extra lactase to support your body. Balancing your nutrition is challenging but quite achievable. Due to the lack of lactose in your diet, you must be mindful of getting enough calcium in your diet. Supplementation is the best method of getting the correct amount. One of the easiest assimilated forms of calcium is an antacid like TUMS or Rolaids. Milk contains vitamin D and, since your body won't be able to digest the milk, you will also need a vitamin D supplement.
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