Lactose is a form of sugar found in dairy products, such as milk and cheese. Some people have an inability to digest lactose. Symptoms include stomach cramps, gas, diarrhea, nausea and stomach swelling. Lactose intolerance often doesn't occur until adulthood, but some people begin to experience lactose intolerance while they are still teenagers.
Function
In people with normal digestive systems, an enzyme called lactase breaks down lactose in the small intestine. This produces simpler forms of sugar called galactose and glucose, which are absorbed into the bloodsteam. But if you are lactose intolerant, you don't have lactase, so your body can't metabolize lactose. Instead, bacteria break down the lactose, leading to gas, cramping and the other symptoms you experience shortly after you eat foods that contain lactose.
Contributing Factors
A number of factors increase your likelihood of developing lactose intolerance. Asians, Africans, Native Americans and Hispanics face increased likelihood of developing lactose intolerance at a young age. If you have other digestive problems, such as Crohn's or celiac disease, you're more likely to experience lactose intolerance. Also, if you've recently taken certain antibiotics, they might interfere with your body's ability to produce the enzyme necessary for digesting lactose.
Expert Insight
Your lactose intolerance might be temporary. If you've experienced infectious diarrhea recently, it might take your body a few days or weeks to recover. For an accurate diagnosis, visit your doctor, who can perform tests to determine whether you have lactose intolerance. During a breath test, your doctor will have you drink a special lactose drink and then test your breath to see how well your body digested it. In some cases, a stool test will be necessary.
Solution
If you do have lactose intolerance, talk to your doctor about changing your diet to minimize the negative effects of the condition. Typically, you'll have to consume fewer lactose-containing products, such as milk, cream and cheese. These contribute a significant portion of the calcium your body needs, so you might have to take a calcium supplement to make up for the lack of dairy in your diet. Medications that help minimize the effects of lactose intolerance also might help eliminate the symptoms.
