Lactose, which is a type of milk sugar, is found in all dairy foods made from cow milk and some other types of animal milk. Raw milk does not undergo pasteurization, a process that heats foods to a certain temperature to kill any pathogens that are present. While raw milk isn't processed in the same manner as regular milk, it still provides the same amount of lactose, reports the Food and Drug Administration.
Milk Processing
In addition to being pasteurized, milk is also homogenized and fortified. Homogenization binds fat to fluids in milk, creating a smooth texture that doesn't separate during storage. Some milk is also fortified to replace nutrients lost during processing, such as vitamin D. Raw milk comes straight from the cow, without undergoing any of these processes. Raw milk can be hard to find, since some states forbid the sale of raw milk for human consumption. Raw milk does contain lactose, so you may want to avoid it if you are lactose intolerant.
Lactose Intolerance
Lactase, an enzyme made in your small intestine, breaks down lactose from dairy foods. In some cases, your body doesn't produce adequate amounts of lactase, meaning lactose passes through your digestive tract relatively intact. When this occurs, you may experience gas, bloating or diarrhea shortly after consuming milk foods, including raw milk. There is no cure for lactose intolerance, but you can take an over-the-counter supplement that acts like lactase in your intestines, helping your body break down lactose. Before you take any supplements, talk with your doctor to ensure that your gastrointestinal distress is not related to a more serious issue.
Dangers
Suffering from lactose intolerance can be uncomfortable and limits the types of foods you can enjoy, but it is not dangerous to your health. The Food and Drug Administration highly discourages consumption of raw milk, since it is may be full of harmful bacteria. Certain pathogens, such as E. coli, listeria monocytogenes and salmonella, thrive in raw milk. E. coli can lead to an infection called hemolytic uremic syndrome, which leads to sudden kidney failure in some people. Since raw milk may be full of these types of bacteria, groups at risk for infection, such as senior citizens, children and pregnant women, should avoid consuming raw milk.
Milk Alternatives
Because raw milk is rich in lactose, you may want to replace it with milk alternatives if you are lactose intolerant. Plant-based milk, such as rice, almond or soy milk, doesn't contain any lactose. Goat milk might work for you, since it has less lactose than cow milk, but you should introduce it slowly into your diet to avoid complications from lactose intolerance. In addition, some varieties of cow milk receive a lactase treatment, making it easier to digest.
Member Comments