Lactose is a sugar chemical found in milk. As a result, it is present in many dairy food items including milk, yogurt and cheese. Some people are lactose intolerant, which means that it is difficult for their bodies to properly process lactose. This difficulty can cause several physical symptoms. If you believe you are lactose intolerant or if you are not sure, being able to identify these symptoms can help you to determine whether you are lactose intolerant. If you suspect that you are, you can visit your physician to have her confirm the diagnosis.
Step 1
Evaluate how you feel after eating a food item that contains lactose. It is often helpful to eat a food item with lactose by itself to gauge accurately. Eating a combination of foods with a lactose food item can make it difficult to pinpoint the source of any symptoms you identify. For example, drink 4 oz. of milk or eat 1 oz. of cheese or yogurt as a test. According to MayoClinic.com, those who are lactose intolerant experience symptoms 30 minutes to two hours after consuming a lactose item. Additionally, it is common for lactose intolerant people to experience feelings of nausea after eating these types of foods. Take note of how you feel after eating them.
Step 2
Observe the development of symptoms such as diarrhea. If you are lactose intolerant, ingesting lactose disturbs the balance in your digestive system. This causes your digestion to accelerate, and the bulk typically present in your stool is very limited. The result is diarrhea. Observe when the diarrhea occurs and the duration of this symptom. This will be valuable information for your physician.
Step 3
Observe any physical changes that may occur after you consume a food or beverage containing lactose. For example, bloating is a common symptom for those who are lactose intolerant. It could be subtle, such as feeling that your clothing is a bit tighter or noticeably different.
Step 4
Evaluate the occurrence of any pain such as abdominal cramps, particularly if it occurs after you have consumed lactose. In the short term, you may find that drinking water will ease the pain by diluting the lactose in your stomach. You should also pay attention to when the pain occurs and for how long so that you can discuss it with your physician.
