Lactose-free diet plans are for people who are lactose intolerant, so they don't consume any lactose. Lactose is a sugar found in milk that the body cannot digest without the production of the appropriate enzyme, lactase. If you suspect that you are lactose intolerant, call your doctor for evaluation. Many conditions can cause similar symptoms but may not be related. A clinical diagnosis and prescribed lactose-free diet needs to come from your doctor.
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is a common condition that affects mainly adults. The condition is caused by a deficiency of lactase in the small intestines. If you don't produce enough lactase during digestion, the lactose will remain in its complex state, causing common lactose intolerance symptoms. These symptoms include cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting after eating dairy products. Some people can tolerate a low-lactose diet, while others may have to implement a strict lactose-free diet to prevent symptoms from developing.
What Not to Eat
On a lactose-free diet you cannot eat any dairy products or any product that contains dairy. Obvious foods and beverages include milk, cheese, yogurt, chocolate, ice cream, custard, pudding or half-and-half. Other foods that may contain lactose include salad dressing, nondairy creamers, hot dogs, lunch meat, cereals, breads, soups and processed foods. Read the ingredients of all products before ingesting. If you see the words "lactose," "whey," "dry milk powder" or "milk byproducts," do not ingest the product, because it contains lactose,
What to Eat
You can eat almost anything that is not made from milk or contains milk --- for example, fresh meats, fruits, vegetables, cereals without milk and baked goods made without milk. You can eat dairy products that are clearly labeled "lactose-free." These dairy products have added the lactase enzyme during production and do not contain any lactose. You can also use milk substitutes, such as rice milk, soy milk, almond milk and coconut milk. You may be able to eat dairy products if your doctor approves the use of medications that contain the lactase enzyme to prevent your symptoms.
Calcium Consideration
Removing dairy from your diet entirely can decrease the amount of calcium that you ingest daily. Talk with your doctor about dietary modifications you should make to increase your calcium intake. The following foods are rich in calcium: broccoli, almonds, canned salmon, fortified orange juice, kale, rhubarb, pinto beans, oranges and spinach.
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