According to MayoClinic.com, lactose intolerance is the inability to digest the milk sugar lactose. Lactose intolerance occurs because of a deficiency in lactase, which is an enzyme used to digest lactose. Medline Plus, a National Institutes of Health website, states that approximately 30 million Americans over the age of 20 have some degree of lactose intolerance. This condition can cause diarrhea, nausea, cramps, bloating and gas, which are typically mild but may be severe at times, depending on the dose of the dairy product consumed. Although there is no cure, this condition can be properly treated.
Step 1
Decrease the amount of milk products you consume, states Medline Plus. Reducing your serving size of milk to 1/2 cup at a time is tolerable for most with lactose intolerance. Larger servings greater than 8 oz. typically cause symptoms.
Step 2
Eat milk products that are easier to digest, such as cheeses, yogurts, goat's milk, ice cream, milk shakes, hard cheeses and lactose-free products. Although easier to digest, overconsumption of these products may cause an upset stomach. Therefore, start eating only small amounts, then gradually increase your serving size to levels you can tolerate.
Step 3
Take a lactase enzyme powder or capsule when consuming milk products. Taking a supplemental lactase enzyme will help your body break down lactose, which will make the milk product easy for your body to digest.
