Lactose intolerance is a condition characterized by the sufferer's inability to digest lactose -- a sugar found in milk and other dairy products. It is a fairly common condition that affects approximately 50 million Americans. The underlying cause of lactose intolerance is a deficiency in an enzyme called lactase, which primarily functions to break lactose down into simpler, absorbable sugar forms like glucose and galactose. Undigested lactose is fermented by bacteria in your gut, resulting in the hallmark symptoms of lactose intolerance -- gas, bloating, stomach pain and diarrhea.
Step 1
Take a lactase enzyme supplement like Lactaid. These supplements help you digest the lactose you consume, thereby preventing and/or eliminating the symptoms of lactose intolerance. Take the lactase supplement with the first bite or drink of a lactose-containing food or drink. You may purchase these supplements over the counter at any drugstore.
Step 2
Take a simethicone-containing medicine. Simethicone treats the gas and bloating associated with lactose intolerance. A number of over-the-counter products contain simethicone -- Gas-X, Phazyme and Mylanta Gas. These are well-tolerated and effective for eliminating gas and bloating.
Step 3
Take an antidiarrheal. Loperamide, sold under the brand name Immodium AD, is an effective medicine for treating diarrhea associated with lactose intolerance. Take a dose after each loose stool, up to a maximum of 8 tablets in a 24-hour period.
Step 4
Avoid or reduce your consumption of dairy products. Prevention is the best medicine. Drink lactose-free milk and limit the amount of lactose-containing foods you eat. Some dairy products are more likely to cause the undesirable symptoms than others, and smaller amounts of lactose may not affect you at all.
Things You'll Need
- lactase enzyme supplement
- simethicone-containing product
- antidiarrheal
