Lactose can be found in a number of foods and beverages, but milk is the most predominant product ingested with the most lactose. Lactose is a complex sugar found in dairy products that requires the enzyme, lactase to break it down so that the body can absorb it. Most babies are born with very high levels of lactase, but as you grow into adulthood, the body stops making lactase, according to the National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse. A common symptom of lactose intolerance is abdominal muscle cramps.
Information
During the digestion process, if your body doesn't create enough lactase, your intestines cannot properly digest the milk-sugar, which causes irritation, inflammation and swelling to occur in the intestines. The body will attempt to eliminate the sugar as fast as possible, which causes diarrhea, vomiting and nausea. Abdominal cramping is a part of the process of eliminating the undigested sugar from the body. MayoClinic.com states that almost all adults are intolerant to lactose to a degree, but only those with significant symptoms are diagnosed.
Avoidance
Avoiding dairy products is the most common treatment for people who suffer from muscle cramps after drinking milk. Products that contain milk include: cheese, custard, yogurt, milk, ice cream, whipped cream, some beverages and any food that has milk listed in the ingredients. You can use milk substitutes that are lactose-free, such as almond milk, soy-based cheese and rice-based beverages. These products are typically enriched with calcium and vitamin D to replace any deficiency from not consuming dairy.
Treatment
Once you've ingested milk and symptoms begin to form, there is nothing that can be done except wait until the body naturally eliminates the lactose. You can use a lactase enzyme supplement to prevent lactose intolerant symptoms. Lactase supplements need to be taken at the first bite or drink of the food or beverage in order to be effective, according to MedlinePlus. You can also purchase lactose-free dairy products that have the lactase enzyme added during the manufacturing process.
Consideration
Stomach cramping is also a common symptom of a milk allergy. Lactose intolerance and a milk allergy are easily confused because they cause similar symptoms in the digestive system. A milk allergy will cause other symptoms to develop aside from gastric ones. If you develop symptoms such as hives, shortness of breath, nasal congestion and facial swelling, along with abdominal muscle cramps, you need to see a doctor for further evaluation.
