Lactose intolerance symptoms occur in people who have this condition, but these symptoms are usually mild. In some cases, they can be severe, but these cases are rare. Lactose intolerance can be defined as the inability of the body to digest lactose found in milk. The body can digest lactose if there is enough lactase produced in the small intestine. If the body lacks this enzyme, it will be impossible to digest lactose and lactose will remain undigested, resulting in several possible symptoms. Lactose intolerance symptoms can occur half an hour after drinking milk or having some dairy product, or they can occur several hours after consuming milk.
Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Gas
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Lactose intolerance is very common, but if you have any of those symptoms after consuming milk just once, this doesn’t mean you have lactose intolerance. In addition, there is the difference between milk allergy and lactose intolerance. Milk allergy is not so common and this condition is much different. Even the symptoms aren’t the same. If you notice that every time you have some milk, you experience some of these symptoms, this probably means you have lactose intolerance. You should go to your doctor and he will be able to tell you what the problem is. Diagnosing lactose intolerance is not too difficult. There are several types of tests that are used for diagnosing lactose intolerance, and each of them is quite precise. Stool acidity test is usually used in children, because sometimes it is the only possible way to do analyses.
Although it is possible in children and infants, lactose intolerance usually occurs during puberty and adulthood. This condition can be annoying, but it is not dangerous.
How to Treat Lactose Intolerance
Lactose-free diet is the best possible way to avoid lactose intolerance symptoms. Lactose intolerance requires diet without milk and other milk-based products. This is not so difficult, since there are many products that are perfect substitutes for milk and dairy products. You will not miss anything, actually. There are great recipes for people who are lactose intolerant and you will see that they include many different foods. Milk and dairy products can be successfully replaced and you will not miss them at all. It is important that you avoid other foods that contain milk, like biscuits, cakes, cookies, creams, etc. If you are sensitive, these amounts of lactose will also lead to lactose intolerance symptoms and you will feel bad.
If you have stopped taking milk and dairy products, there is one thing you have to think of. We are talking about calcium. This important mineral is much needed for your bones and teeth. If you stop taking milk, you will have to find alternate sources of calcium. Some foods are also high in this mineral, like salmon, tuna, sardines, broccoli, soymilk, etc. You can eat those to get enough calcium. However, you will have to talk to your nutritionist about calcium intake.