Lactose intolerance is caused by lactase deficiency. Lactase is an enzyme naturally produced by the body that breaks down lactose, which is a protein normally found in milk products. Symptoms of lactose intolerance include abdominal pain and bloating, gas, nausea and diarrhea. Onset of symptoms can begin anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours after eating dairy products. Symptoms can be very mild or quite severe, depending upon the amount of dairy products consumed and the affected individual's level of intolerance. Lactose intolerance cannot be cured, but its symptoms can be managed.
Step 1
Avoid dairy products and foods containing dairy products. Lactose is only found in dairy products, so by avoiding all dairy products you can effectively manage your lactose intolerance. Read food labels to ensure that foods you eat do not contain hidden dairy products, such as dried milk or whey. Take a daily calcium supplement or consume foods fortified with calcium, such as orange juice, to meet your daily calcium needs.
Step 2
Use lactose-free dairy products to replace your dairy products if you cannot live without milk, ice cream and other dairy items. These foods are manufactured to remove the lactose, leaving you with a lactose-free product.
Step 3
Take a lactase supplement prior to eating or drinking a food containing dairy. Lactase supplements are available over-the-counter at many pharmacies. They are available in pill, capsule and chewable forms. The supplement provides your body with the lactase it requires to successfully break down the lactose. Degrees of success and symptom management with lactase supplements vary based upon the severity of lactose intolerance and amount of lactose-containing food consumed.
Step 4
Place a heating pad over the area of your abdomen that is cramping if you are suffering from lactose intolerance-based stomach cramps. Take 2 tbsp. of bismuth subsalicylate, which is available other-the-counter in pharmacies, to ease your diarrhea and nausea.
References
- "Contemporary Nutrition"; Gordon M. Wardlaw and Anne M. Smith; 2007
- "Gastrointestinal Nursing"; Graeme Smith and Roger Watson; 2005
- "Foundations of Nursing"; Lois White, Gena Duncan and Wendy Baumle; 2010
