If you have lactose intolerance, you can't digest the naturally occurring sugars that are usually found in dairy products such as milk and cheese. Lactose intolerance isn't life-threatening, and MayoClinic.com states that it's not considered a serious condition. However, if you don't treat lactose intolerance by eliminating foods with lactose in your diet, post-mealtime can get uncomfortable.
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is fairly common. Between 30 and 50 percent of the U.S. population experiences it to some degree, although it's more prevalent in people of certain races and ethnicities, such as blacks, Native Americans and Asians. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, or NDDIC, lactose intolerance is usually a part of the natural aging process. As you grow older, your body produces less lactase, an enzyme in your small intestines that breaks down sugars. Some children inherit lactose intolerance from their parents. Injury or surgery to the small intestine can also cause lactose intolerance.
Intolerance Unchecked
When lactose intolerance goes unchecked, you may experience uncomfortable symptoms after consuming foods that contain lactose: stomach cramps, gas, bloating, diarrhea and nausea. Usually, these begin a half-hour to a couple of hours after you eat dairy, and according to MayoClinic.com, most of the time, these symptoms won't be too severe. Each individual with lactose intolerance has a different threshold for lactose. Some experience discomfort after eating only a tiny amount, while others can consume a generous serving of milk or other dairy food before noticing symptoms.
Resolution
Lactose intolerance is easy to treat, states the Cleveland Clinic, and it starts by eliminating foods that contain lactose from your diet. Dairy foods with a lot of lactose include milk and other milk-based beverages, butter, whipping cream, yogurt, ice cream, cheese, pudding, cream-based soups and any dish that's made with a dairy product. However, even "nondairy" foods may contain lactose in small quantities, such as bread, lunch meat, chocolate candy, margarine and some vegetables. If you have lactose intolerance, you may be able to consume these foods in small quantities. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it may take a bit of trial and error as you slowly introduce the foods back into your diet and discover the amount that you can safely tolerate without noticing symptoms.
Other Options
There's no drug or medical treatment that can make you produce more lactase. Some people may find additional relief by purchasing lactose-free milk and other dairy products or by taking lactase enzymes with meals. These nonprescription enzymes can be purchased in capsules, tablets and liquids. Dairy foods are rich in calcium, and restricting them may result in deficiencies in your diet. If you have lactose intolerance, ask your doctor or a registered dietitian to help you create a balanced diet.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Lactose Intolerance; February 2010
- Cleveland Clinic; Lactose Intolerance; February 2011
- Cleveland Clinic; Problem Foods: Is it an Allergy or Intolerance?; April 2009
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Lactose Intolerance; June 2009
- Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia; Lactose Intolerance; June 2011
