Lactose intolerance is a chronic condition characterized by an inability to properly digest the milk sugar, lactose. Lactose intolerance does not cause permanent damage to the gastrointestinal tract, although it can be uncomfortable. According to MedlinePlus, approximately 30 million adults have some degree of lactose intolerance by the time they reach the age of 20.
Physiology
Normally, the cells that line the small intestine produce an enzyme called lactase. When you eat foods that contain lactose, your small intestine releases an adequate amount of the lactase enzyme to break the lactose down into simple sugars that the body can digest. If you have lactose intolerance, your small intestine does not produce adequate amounts of lactase. As a result, lactose passes through your small intestine in its full form. When it reaches the large intestine, the bacteria that normally thrive there begin to feed off of it. The gas and waste products produced by this feeding cause the symptoms associated with lactose intolerance.
Causes
Many people develop lactose intolerance as a normal part of the aging process. As you increase in age, the production of lactase in your small intestine naturally decreases. While some people still make some lactase, others do not make any. Lactose intolerance can also develop as a result of other digestive conditions, such as Crohn's disease or celiac disease. Some people experience lactose intolerance after damage to the small intestine, such as from a surgery.
Symptoms
According to MayoClinic.com, symptoms of lactose intolerance usually begin 30 minutes to 2 hours after consuming a food or drink that contains lactose. Some of the most common symptoms of lactose intolerance include diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, bloating and gas. In most cases, symptoms are mild moderate, although some people experience severe symptoms.
Treatment
The only way to completely avoid the symptoms of lactose intolerance is to eliminate lactose-containing foods, such as milk, yogurt, cheese and ice cream, from the diet. People with mild lactose intolerance may be able to tolerate some foods that contain lactose.
If you find it difficult to remove lactose-containing foods from your diet, you can take a synthetic form of lactase. Synthetic lactase is available in tablets or drops and can be taken with foods that contain lactose to make them more tolerable.
Considerations
Lactose-containing foods are often the most significant sources of calcium in the diet. If you eliminate these foods from your diet, it is important to consume other foods that contain calcium, such as sardines, spinach, salmon, soy milk, oranges, broccoli, pinto beans and tuna. You may also opt to take a calcium supplement to avoid developing a deficiency. You should talk with your health care provider before beginning any supplementation.
