Minor problems with proteins involved in digestion can cause certain nutrients to pass through the digestive tract unabsorbed. When this happens, it can cause severe discomfort. Patients who are lactose intolerant cannot consume dairy products but may be able to consume substitutes such as coconut milk.
Lactose
Lactose is a sugar best known for being present in milk and other dairy products, giving them their mildly sweet taste. Lactose is a disaccharide because it is composed of two sugar molecules, known as glucose and galactose. Lactose cannot be absorbed on its own by the intestines; instead, the intestines contain a protein, known as lactase that breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose, the intestines can absorb.
Lactose Intolerance
If you are lactose intolerant you have lower than normal levels of lactase, which means that you have a hard time digesting foods with lactose. Although not all people with low levels of lactase experience symptoms, some people develop bloating, gas, nausea, diarrhea and cramping of the abdomen when they consume lactose, causing them to be classified as lactose intolerant. These symptoms typically occur between 30 minutes to 2 hours after consuming the lactose-containing product, the Mayo Clinic website explains.
Coconut Milk and Lactose Intolerance
If you have lactose intolerance, the easiest way to manage your symptoms is to avoid foods with lactose, such as any products made with milk that comes from animals. Coconut milk is free of lactose, meaning that you may consume coconut milk if you are lactose intolerant, according to the DairyFreeLiving website. Although you can substitute coconut milk for animal milk in recipes, coconut milk has a different taste and consistency than animal-derived milk, so it may not be ideal for some recipes.
Considerations
Although coconut milk is lactose free, you should make sure that you only consume it in moderation. As the LA Times website explains, some forms of coconut milk are high in saturated fat, which can spike cholesterol levels and promote weight gain since, coconut milk can have up to 550 calories per serving. Some brands contain fewer calories and saturated fat; however, check the nutritional information label before you drink it. You may also want to take calcium and vitamin D supplements, as coconut milk does not provide these either.
