Lactose is a sugar which is found in dairy products. The body utilizes an enzyme known as lactase, which is found in the digestive tract, to break down lactose. Some people do not produce enough lactase to effectively break down lactose, which means that they are lactose intolerant. People with lactose intolerance develop symptoms such as diarrhea, gas and abdominal pain when they consume lactose. Lactose intolerance cannot be cured, but there are a number of ways in which you can minimize your symptoms if you are lactose intolerant.
Step 1
Consume smaller amounts of dairy products at a time. Most people who are lactose intolerant can consume small amounts of dairy products without developing symptoms. Smaller servings of milk or other dairy products are less likely to cause lactose intolerant people to develop digestive problems, though you may need to determine via trial and error what serving size is suitable for you.
Step 2
Consume dairy products with meals. Food can help slow the passage of dairy products through your digestive tract, which gives whatever lactase you have more time to break down the lactose. Consuming yogurt or other products with active bacterial cultures can also convert some of the lactose into lactic acid, which can help relieve lactose intolerance.
Step 3
Take lactase supplements. Lactase supplements, which can come in tablet or liquid form, can be added to milk or other lactose-containing foods to help break down the lactose.
