The naturally occurring sugar in milk is a disaccharide called lactose. Lactose intolerance is a digestive condition in which the body cannot properly digest lactose. Although it can be uncomfortable, lactose intolerance does not cause any permanent damage or serious complications like other chronic digestive conditions.
Physiology
Lactose consists of the simple sugars galactose and glucose. To be properly digested, lactose must be broken down into these simple sugars. Normally, the cells in your small intestine produce an enzyme called lactase, which attaches to lactose to break it down. If you are lactose intolerant, your small intestine does not produce adequate amounts of lactase to properly break down lactose. As a result, lactose moves through the digestive system in its full form.
Types of Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is divided into three types based on the cause of the condition. Primary lactose intolerance occurs as a result of the normal aging process. As you increase in age, the production of lactase in your small intestine naturally decreases. In some people, it decreases to such an extent that lactose cannot be digested. Secondary lactose intolerance occurs when an injury or illness damages the cells in the small intestine. Some common causes of secondary lactose intolerance include celiac disease, gastroenteritis and intestinal surgery. Congenital lactose intolerance is a rare type of lactose intolerance that is present from birth. Babies with congenital lactose intolerance are born without the ability to produce lactase.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of lactose intolerance include nausea, diarrhea, bloating, gas and abdominal cramps. Symptoms usually begin within a half-hour to two hours of consuming lactose and are generally mild, according to MayoClinic.com. Some people may experience severe symptoms, however.
Treatment
There is no way to increase the production of lactase in the small intestine. Treatment for lactose intolerance focuses on reducing the symptoms associated with the condition. To do this, you must eliminate all lactose-containing foods from your diet. The foods with the highest lactose content include milk, yogurt, cheese and ice cream. Processed foods may also contain lactose, so it is important that you check labels regularly.
Considerations
The foods that contain lactose are also the largest contributors of calcium in the diet. If you have to remove these foods from your diet, increase your intake of non-dairy calcium foods or take a calcium supplement. Always talk to your health-care provider before beginning any supplementation.
