For some people, drinking milk can trigger a variety of symptoms that are unpleasant and at times embarrassing. If you're lactose intolerant, your digestive system has a shortage of lactase in your small intestines, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Lactose is a sugar found in dairy products, such as cheese, yogurt and ice cream. After eating dairy products, lactose requires an enzyme, lactase, to break it down so the body can effectively absorb it. Lacking this essential enzyme will cause various digestive symptoms. Symptoms are not dangerous, but can be a nuisance.
Symptoms
Symptoms can appear as soon as 30 minutes after consuming dairy products, but may take up to two hours, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. The severity of your symptoms can range from mild to severe based on how intolerant your body is to lactose. Some people can tolerate more lactose than others, according to MayoClinic.com, although most adults are intolerant to a certain degree. Common symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, gas, abdominal pain, bloating, foul-smelling stools and stools that float. If you develop severe stomach pain or notice blood in your stool, call your doctor right away.
Risks
Some people are at greater risk of developing lactose intolerance symptoms, such as African-Americans, older people and those with certain diseases, according to MayoClinic.com. The Cleveland Clinic states that an estimated 30 to 50 million Americans suffer from lactose intolerance symptoms. As you age, your chances of becoming lactose intolerant increase. If you're of African, Asian, Hispanic or American Indian decent, you have a greater chance of developing lactose intolerance symptoms. Premature babies are at a greater risk of being lactose intolerant, because lactase develops in the third trimester. Certain diseases, such as Crohn's disease and celiac disease, make you more prone to this condition.
Avoidance
An effective way to manage and treat lactose intolerance symptoms is to avoid foods that are considered high in lactose. These may include milk, whipped cream, cream soups, cream sauces, butter, cheese, ice milk, ice cream, puddings, custards, milk chocolate, salad dressing, bread, baked goods, lunch meats, candy, margarine, boxed mixes, sugar beats, lima beans and peas, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Treatment
The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse states that lactose intolerance symptoms can be treated by purchasing reduced-lactose or lactose-free dairy products in the supermarket that have added the lactase enzyme during manufacturing. If these products still cause minor symptoms, you can use them along with a lactase enzyme supplement to prevent symptoms.
