If you experience bloating, diarrhea or cramping after consuming milk or other dairy products, you may be lactose intolerant -- meaning you lack an enzyme that helps you break down this sugar. Reducing or eliminating lactose-containing foods is one way to alleviate symptoms of this condition. You may also seek out lactose-reduced or lactose-free versions of milk and your other favorite dairy foods. These special products are not a guarantee that you will eliminate all of your symptoms, however.
About Lactose-Free Milk
Manufacturers of lactose-free milk add a natural enzyme to regular milk that breaks the lactose down into simple, easily digested sugars. If you experience bloating after consuming milk designed for lactose intolerance, read the label carefully. Some products are simply reduced in lactose, rather than completely lactose-free. If you are particularly sensitive, lactose-reduced milk can still cause bloating.
Milk Allergy
If you still experience bloating after consuming lactose-free milk, you may have a dairy allergy rather than lactose intolerance. A milk allergy can manifest as a skin rash or respiratory distress, but it can also appear as gastrointestinal discomfort. While lactose intolerance is a result of a lacking digestive enzyme, a milk allergy involves the immune system and should be carefully monitored by your physician.
Considerations
Consider whether you are consuming other lactose-containing foods in addition to the lactose-free milk. Canned soups, pizza, salad dressing and frozen desserts may all contain ingredients with lactose. It may not be your milk at all, but these other foods that are causing your bloating. While bloating and other symptoms of lactose intolerance may be very uncomfortable, they do not cause permanent damage to your intestine.
Nutrition Concerns
If you find you cannot even tolerate lactose-free milk, seek out other sources of calcium. Dark leafy greens, pinto beans, fortified juice, soy milk and canned fish with the bones are milk-free sources. Calcium is essential for healthy bones and teeth, especially for children and teens.
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