Individuals who are lactose intolerant are not able to properly digest the sugar lactose, which is found in milk and products made with milk. Lactose intolerance is not a serious condition, but it can cause side effects that range from mild to severe. If you suspect that you might be lactose intolerant, a physician can run various tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Upset Stomach
The small intestines produces an enzyme called lactase, which must be present to break down lactose. If not enough of this enzyme is present, symptoms such as an upset stomach or nausea can occur after you eat foods with lactose. Everyone's sensitivity is different -- some can digest a small amount while others can't tolerate even the smallest amounts. Lactose can sometimes be hidden in frozen, canned or packaged foods, so the best bet is to read the ingredient list and be careful with foods that contain milk, lactose, whey, curds, milk by-products, dry milk solids or nonfat dry milk powder, states the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
Stomach Cramps
Patients with lactose intolerance can also develop stomach cramps or abdominal pain after ingesting lactose. In some cases it may not be possible for people with these reactions to eat dairy foods to obtain enough calcium and vitamin D, so supplements may be prescribed. According to the American Dietetic Association, it may be possible to tolerate dairy products if they are eaten with other foods, eaten in very small amounts throughout the day or if the dairy products have live and active cultures or probiotics that help the digestive system break down lactose.
Gas and Bloating
If the body cannot properly digest lactose gas will start to build up within 30 minutes to two hours of ingesting it, which can make you feel bloated, reports the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. If calcium intake is a concern, a diet rich in dark green, leafy vegetables and calcium-fortified foods and beverages can help to meet daily needs.
Diarrhea
When lactose enters the colon without being properly digested it can mix with the normal intestinal bacteria found in the colon. This interaction is what causes the typical symptoms of lactose intolerance, which includes diarrhea, suggests MayoClinic.com. In mild cases, ingesting small amounts of lactose can sometimes help people develop a tolerance for it. A registered dietitian can help in forming a meal plan for these patients. For others, taking a pill containing lactase or adding lactase drops to foods with lactose can help the body digest this sugar better.
References
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: What I Need to Know about Lactose Intolerance
- American Dietetic Association: Manage Lactose Intolerance
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: What People With Lactose Intolerance Need to Know About Osteoporosis
- MayoClinic.com Lactose Intolerance
