Lactose-free Milk & Interstitial Cystitis

The new 2010 dietary guidelines for Americans recommend you get three servings of milk or milk products a day. Milk provides your body with protein, calcium and vitamin D. But people with lactose intolerance have trouble drinking milk. Lactose-free milk provides all the nutrients as regular milk, but without the lactose. If you are lactose intolerant and suffer from the painful bladder condition interstitial cystitis, lactose-free milk may provide relief from symptoms.

Interstitial Cystitis

Approximately 4 million to 12 million men and women in the United States suffer from interstitial cystitis, or IC, according to Julie Beyer, a registered dietitian who specializes in the disorder. IC causes pain in the bladder and pelvic area, along with difficulty urinating. The exact cause of IC is unknown, but it is believed to be related to a condition that causes inflammation of your organs. Diet plays an important role in helping you manage your IC symptoms. Some foods trigger symptoms while other foods, like milk, may help to soothe your symptoms.

Lactose-Free Milk

Lactose is the natural sugar in milk. If you have lactose intolerance, you lack the enzyme to digest the lactose in milk, which can cause digestive problems such as gas, bloating, abdominal pain or diarrhea. Lactose-free milk has been treated with the lactase enzyme so that you can enjoy milk without having any ill effects. Nutritionally, lactose-free milk is the same as regular milk; however, it is slightly sweeter.

Lactose-Free Milk and Interstitial Cystitis

To help people with IC manage their symptoms and still eat a balanced diet, Julie Beyer has created a diet list that includes a variety of bladder-friendly foods. Milk and milk substitutes are both considered bladder-friendly foods for people with IC, meaning you can consume them without fear of flare-up. In addition, milk may be especially soothing during a flare-up, says Beyer.

Considerations

Eating a healthy and balanced diet can be difficult when you suffer from two illnesses that require diet modification to prevent symptoms. You may be fearful of trying new foods because of the potential side effects. But lactose-free milk is safe for both IC and lactose intolerance. In addition, it can help soothe your IC flare-up and help you meet your nutritional needs for strong and healthy bones.