Lactose intolerance is a condition in which your body is unable to digest the sugar that naturally occurs in milk and similar dairy products. This is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme lactase, but not all people with this deficiency develop symptoms. Symptoms of lactose intolerance generally occur between 30 minutes to two hours following a meal and can include abdominal pain, bloating, gas and diarrhea. You can avoid the symptoms by completely removing dairy products from your diet, but then you are not able to enjoy some of your favorite foods. You can use other methods that allow you to enjoy milk products without the symptoms of lactose intolerance.
Step 1
Try an over-the-counter lactase supplement, available at your local pharmacy. These supplements, which are available in tablet or liquid form, provide the enzyme that people with lactose intolerance lack. Use the supplement according to manufacturer's directions, which usually requires that you take it a half-hour before eating a meal that contains dairy products. Carry the supplement with you for use when you are eating away from home.
Step 2
Consume the lactose-free versions of your favorite foods. Lactose-free milk and milk products such as ice cream are generally available at your grocery or local health food store. These foods contain some lactose but also contain lactase, which is the enzyme needed to digest milk sugar. Start with a single lactose-free product and monitor your symptoms. If you experience no symptoms of lactose intolerance, gradually increase your consumption of lactose-free products.
Step 3
Take an over-the-counter medication used to treat gas, bloating and diarrhea. Use it according to manufacturer's directions, and take it when the first symptoms of lactose intolerance appear. This can help decrease the duration and severity of the symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic, products that contain the ingredient simethicone can help treat gas and abdominal pain caused by gas. Additionally, products that contain loperamide can be used to treat diarrhea.
Step 4
Consume milk and dairy products with other foods. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, this can help decrease the incidence of symptoms. When foods that contain lactose are eaten with other foods, the lactose concentration in the digestive system is reduced by the additional food. Also consider eating smaller amounts of foods that contain lactose, gradually increasing your intake until you reach a level where symptoms appear, despite the presence of other foods. Stick to this amount of milk products in any meal.
Tips and Warnings
- Speak with your doctor before making changes to your eating habits, using a supplement or trying an over-the-counter treatment.
