How to Deal With Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is a condition that develops when you cannot digest the sugar in dairy products due to low levels of the enzyme, lactase. This article will explore what lactase is, why it decreases as we age and how you can reduce your symptoms-whether by avoiding milk altogether or by taking supplements.
What is lactose intolerance
Lactose intolerance is a condition in which the body cannot digest lactose. Lactose is most commonly found in dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt. The disorder most often develops with age- it’s estimated that up to 90% of adults worldwide are largely lactose intolerant.
The condition is often either “primary” or “secondary”. Primary lactose intolerance means that you didn’t produce enough lactase enzymes when you were an infant. Secondary lactose intolerance means that the small intestine has become damaged, depriving the body of necessary enzymes to break down the sugars in dairy. A person can also develop secondary lactose intolerance due to illness or gastrointestinal surgery.
How to reduce symptoms
There are a few ways to reduce the symptoms of lactose intolerance. The most obvious is to avoid dairy products altogether. However, if you’re looking for a more moderate approach, you can try taking supplements.
Lactase supplements are available over the counter and are designed to help the body digest lactose. They come in pill or liquid form and can be taken before or after eating dairy products. Some people find that they need to take a higher dose of lactase supplements when they’re eating dairy than when they’re not.
Another way to reduce symptoms is to eat dairy products that are low in lactose. These include hard cheeses like cheddar and Swiss, yogurt, and butter. Milk is high in lactose
Tips for dealing with lactose intolerance if you cannot avoid dairy products entirely
If you can’t avoid dairy products, one way to reduce your symptoms is by taking lactase supplements before consuming dairy. These are available at drugstores without a prescription. If you have food allergies or irritable bowel syndrome, you can ask your doctor about taking a probiotic. There are also some over the counter digestive enzymes that could help, but consult with your doctor first before starting these.
The article has provided a comprehensive introduction to lactose intolerance and the symptoms it causes. It also outlined some ways that you can reduce your symptoms or avoid dairy altogether, depending on what approach is best for you.
