Although yogurt is considered easier to digest for people with lactose intolerance, according to AskDrSears.com, it may still cause symptom in people with a severe condition. The live and active cultures found in yogurt help to create lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose. People with mild or moderate cases of lactose intolerance can typically eat yogurt without any symptoms. If you develop symptoms after consuming yogurt, talk with your doctor about using lactase enzyme supplements.
Background
Lactose intolerance occurs when your intestines do not produce enough lactase to breakdown lactose. Lactose is a complex sugar that cannot be absorbed by the body in its natural state. Lactase helps to break down lactose into glucose and galactose, which is easily absorbed into the body, according to MayoClinic.com. If lactase is lacking, the lactose will remain in the gut until bacteria can digest it, which causes common symptoms of lactose intolerance.
Symptoms
According to the National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse states that symptoms will develop within 1/2 hour to 2 hours after you ingest dairy. The severity of symptoms will vary depending on how much lactose your body can tolerate. Symptoms include gas, bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, floating stools and fowl-smelling stools. It is not normal for you to have blood in your stool. This symptom needs to be discussed with your doctor.
Lactase Supplementation
One of the only things you can eat with yogurt to prevent lactose intolerant symptoms is a lactase supplement. Lactase supplements are available in chewable, swallowable and liquid form. Taking a lactase supplement during the first bite of yogurt will reduce your risk of developing lactose intolerant symptoms, according to MayoClinic.com. If you still experience adverse reactions after using a lactase supplement, you should talk to your doctor. You may have a milk allergy, a condition commonly confused with lactose intolerance.
Milk Allergy Consideration
If you continue to experience symptoms after eating yogurt and other milk products, you may consider being tested for a milk allergy. Lactose intolerance will never cause asthma, nasal congestion or skin rashes. These are all symptoms of a milk allergy, according to Kids Health. Your doctor may recommend allergy testing to determine the cause of your symptoms. If you are diagnosed with a milk allergy, you will be advised to eliminate milk from your diet. You may need to supplement your vitamin D and calcium intake if you remove dairy from your diet.
