Symptoms from lactose intolerance are always related to the digestive tract. Anxiety is not considered a common symptom of lactose intolerance, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Any unpleasant experience in life can cause anxiety, so if you have a severe case of lactose intolerance and you continue to consume dairy products, anxiety may result leading up to your symptoms. The anxiety is not caused by lactose intolerance but rather the symptoms that come from not treating the condition appropriately.
Background
Most adults are intolerant to lactose to one degree or another. Only people who develop symptoms from consuming dairy products are diagnosed as lactose intolerant, according to MayoClinic.com. Lactose is a sugar in milk that needs to be digested in order for the body to be able to absorb it. Lactase is the enzyme needed to break down the lactose into galactose and glucose. If you have a lactase deficiency, the lactose will remain undigested and go through your digestive system. The inability to digest lactose causes common symptoms.
Symptoms
The undigested lactose enters the colon and interacts with bacteria. The reaction of this interaction causes various gastric symptoms. Symptoms can develop within 20 minutes of consuming dairy products or can take up to two hours before forming. Symptoms may include diarrhea, floating stool, foul-smelling stool, cramping, stomach pain, gas and bloating. Symptoms do not cause any long-term damage, but they can be embarrassing and unpleasant.
Treatment
If you find that you become anxious after consuming dairy products because of the adverse reactions you experience, you can use lactase supplements to prevent symptoms from developing. Before using a lactase supplement, consult with your doctor to ensure safety. Some dairy products contain less lactose, such as yogurt, aged cheeses and sour cream, making it easier to digest. Certain dairy manufacturers remove the lactose from the product during production, making it lactose-free.
Consideration
If you develop more than digestive symptoms after consuming dairy products, you may have a more serious condition, such as a milk allergy or irritable bowel syndrome. Milk allergies can cause facial swelling, asthma, skin rashes, lightheadedness and digestive complications. Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic digestive condition that can trigger anxiety after consuming dairy products because of severe symptoms. Only a medical doctor, such as a gastroenterologist, can clinically diagnose your condition.
