1. Cut Out Dairy
Lactase, the enzyme needed to properly digest the dairy protein lactose, is produced in humans in varying levels. Since you cannot increase your body's lactase production, you have a "set point" of how much dairy your body can tolerate. One person may only be able to tolerate one glass of milk a day before the effects of lactose intolerance set in, while another person can tolerate three servings or more.
Effects of lactose intolerance can include bloating, nausea and cramps. Cutting all dairy out of your diet can treat the symptoms once the current meal is digested and processed out of your body. You can then add dairy back in slowly, in small amounts, until you find the point at which your body begins to have a negative reaction. You then know how to keep your daily intake low enough to prevent the uncomfortable effects of lactose intolerance.
2. Buy Over-the-Counter Lactase Pills
Since a deficiency of lactase enzymes in your body is what hinders you from properly digesting lactose, you can take lactase in capsule form before ingesting dairy products, allowing you to avoid the effects of lactose intolerance. Lactase can also be added to milk to make it more digestible. However, you must practice foresight in using these products, since to work properly they have to be taken before ingesting dairy. Once you are experiencing the effects of lactose intolerance, ingesting the pills may take the "edge" off, but will not treat your uncomfortable symptoms.
3. Get a Prescription for a Daily Tablet
Some one-a-day pills can keep the effects of lactose intolerance at bay. These prescription pills introduce enzymes into your body that can help you digest dairy and relieve the cramping that occurs when your body doesn't have the resources to digest a certain food. Since so many foods contain dairy traces, this can be more effective than trying to read every ingredient of every food you eat. Again, this is a preventive measure, but if you experience chronic pain from lactose intolerance, it's worth it to make an appointment with your physician to discuss getting a prescription for these pills.
