If your doctor has recommended that you follow a diet that is lactose free, you will need to eliminate all foods and beverages that contain lactose. Lactose is a sugar that is found in milk, but it may be found in many unsuspecting products. Any time you change your diet to treat or prevent a medical condition you need to talk with your doctor. A lactose-free diet may reduce your daily intake of calcium and vitamin D, which will need to acquired through other food sources.
About Lactose
Lactose is a sugar in milk that cannot be absorbed into the body without first being broken down. Some digestive conditions can cause a decrease in the production of lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose. Aging and intestinal trauma can also cause lactase deficiency. If you cannot digest lactose, you will develop unpleasant symptoms, such as nausea, bloating, abdominal pain, stomach cramping, gas, diarrhea and vomiting. Lactose intolerance is most common among Hispanics, Arabs, Jews, Native Americans, Africans and Asians, according to GICare.com.
Lactose-Free Foods
Some foods are naturally lactose free and other foods are treated during the manufacturing process to make them lactose free. Foods you can eat on a lactose-free diet include: lactose-free milk, rice milk, soy milk, non-dairy creamers, bread, cereals made without milk, pasta, potatoes, rice, grains, rice cakes, crackers, plain meats, all fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, jelly, seeds, eggs cooked without milk, tofu and beans.
Foods to Avoid
If you are instructed to implement a lactose-free diet you will need to avoid foods that are high in lactose. Any food that is made with milk will contain a certain level of lactose. Some dairy products, such as cultured products, may contain a minimal amount of lactose but may need to be avoided. Get your doctor's opinion about whether you should eat these types of dairy products, such as cottage cheese, yogurt or kefir. Avoid milk, ice cream, cheese, buttermilk, half and half, whipped cream, sour cream and whey. If you're unsure if a certain product contains lactose, avoid consuming it.
Consideration
Eliminating milk from your diet can cause a deficiency in protein, riboflavin, calcium and vitamin D, according to MedlinePlus. The average adult needs 1,200 to 1,500 mg of calcium daily. You can acquire calcium by taking a supplement, increasing the amount of foods that contain calcium, such as canned salmon, leafy greens, sardines, broccoli and shrimp. Some milk substitutes and orange juices add calcium and vitamin D, which can replace the needed nutrients.
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