While lactose intolerance causes unpleasant and embarrassing symptoms, it does not cause the creation of toxins in your body. Most of the reactions that stem from lactose intolerance are caused by the lactose interacting with bacteria in the colon. This reaction is what leads to diarrhea, bloating and gas. Once the lactose is eliminated from the body, symptoms subside and your digestion will return to normal. Toxins do not play a role in the cause or effect of lactose intolerance.
Lactose and Lactase
The main problem that causes lactose intolerance is a lack of lactase. Lactase is an enzyme that helps digest lactose, a sugar found in milk. In order for the body to absorb lactose, it needs to be simplified into glucose and galactose. Without lactase, lactose remains undigested and makes it way through the small intestines. When lactose enters the large intestines, also called the colon, bacteria interact with the undigested sugar, causing gas, bloating and diarrhea. Most people stop producing as much lactase during adolescence, which could lead to lactose intolerance in adulthood, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
Symptoms
Gas, bloating, cramping, stomach pain and explosive diarrhea are the most common symptoms of lactose intolerance. Symptoms develop within half an hour after ingesting dairy products. Most varieties of dairy foods contain lactose, including cow's milk, breast milk, sheep's milk and goat's milk. Symptoms typically do not last for more than an hour. Symptoms will not respond to common over-the-counter medications used for an upset stomach. If you ingest dairy and develop symptoms, you will need to wait until the lactose is expelled from the body before symptoms will subside.
Avoidance Treatment
Your degree of intolerance will determine the most effective treatment approach. If you are severely intolerant, you may need to implement a lactose-free diet, which will include lactose-free dairy products and dairy substitutes. Lactose-free dairy products remove the lactose from the milk during the manufacturing of the product. Lactose-free dairy substitute include soy, rice, coconut and almond milk, which are naturally dairy and lactose-free.
Moderate Treatment
If you have a minor to moderate degree of lactose intolerance you may be able to eat certain dairy products that contain minimal amounts of lactose. Common dairy products that are low in lactose include yogurt, aged cheeses and kefir. Lactase supplements may also be used to prevent lactose intolerant symptoms from developing. Talk with your doctor before using any medication.
