Lactose intolerance

What Is It? Lactose intolerance is a common cause of abdominal cramping, bloating and loose stools. This condition occurs when the body does not have enough of the intestinal enzyme lactase. The job of lactase is to break down lactose, the main sugar in milk. Once lactose is broken down into simpler forms of sugar, these simple sugars can be absorbed into the bloodstream. In normal digestion, lactose is digested in the small intestine without the release of gas bubbles. When lactose can't be digested well, it passes into the colon. Bacteria in the colon break down some of the lactose, producing hydrogen gas. The remaining lactose also draws water into the colon. The extra gas and water result in symptoms, such as cramping, diarrhea, bloating and flatulence (gas). Lactose intolerance usually is genetic (inherited). In many people of African or Asian descent, the body begins making less lactase around age 5. As many as 90% of people from some areas of Eastern Asia, 80% of American Indians, 65% of Africans and African-Americans, and 50% of Hispanics have some degree of lactose intolerance. In contrast, most Caucasians (80%) have a gene that preserves the ability to produce lactase into adulthood. A rare cause of lactose intolerance is called congenital lactase deficiency. Infants with this condition do not produce any lactase. Unable to digest lactose, the infants have diarrhea from birth. This condition was fatal before the development of lactose-free infant formulas. Diffic...

Lactose is a sugar found primarily in milk and other dairy products. At an early age, bodies are able to break down and digest Around 75% of the world’s population has some form of Why You Should Avoid Lactose For those with no sensitivity to lactose, dairy is a highly nutritious source of However, those with lactose intolerance — whether mild or severe — should consider a low lactose or Lactose intolerance is caused by a decrease in Studies estimate that it affects 5-17 %of Europeans, 44 % of Americans, and 60-80 % of Africans and Asians. For those sensitive to lactose, • Bloating • Nausea • Vomiting • Abdominal cramps • Gas • Diarrhea • Constipation The severity of the symptoms depends on the level of lactose intolerance, as well as how much dairy was consumed. Even for those with no sensitivity to dairy, cutting down on dairy can offer certain health benefits." It can also increase the risk of developing Foods With Lactose Most dairy products contain lactose, but some contain more than others. The following foods contain the highest levels of lactose. However, keep in mind that other products may also contain these foods as ingredients and should also be avoided if you are lactose intolerant. 1. Milk 2. Cheese 3. Cream Products made from cream — like ice cream, cream cheese, custard, or butter — should be avoided due to the high levels of lactose. 4. Yogurt In addition to some kinds of cheeses, some people with lactose intolerance may be able to eat 5. Milk Chocolate Wh...

Overview What is lactose intolerance? Lactose intolerance is a reaction in your What is lactose malabsorption? Lactose malabsorption is the inability to break down and absorb lactose molecules in your digestive system. It’s common — in fact, about 65% of adults worldwide can't break down and absorb lactose. Unabsorbed lactose passes undigested through your gastrointestinal tract, causing symptoms for some people. What’s the difference between lactose malabsorption vs. lactose intolerance? Everyone with lactose intolerance has lactose malabsorption, but not everyone with lactose malabsorption has lactose intolerance. One way of thinking about it is that Your small intestine is where most of the nutrients from your food are absorbed. Your small intestine breaks nutrients down into smaller molecules that can pass through the intestinal wall into your bloodstream. Everything that isn’t absorbed in your small intestine passes to your large intestine. Undigested sugar molecules in your large intestine produce more water and more gas. They trigger your large intestine (colon) to secrete extra fluid to help pass them through. They produce gas when the bacteria in your colon ferment them. This can lead to digestive symptoms such as diarrhea and gas pain. How noticeable your symptoms are will depend on other variables. Can you break down lactose a little bit, or not at all? How much lactose do you eat at a time? What other conditions might affect the water and gas content in your co...

There are plenty of foods that can be enjoyed by those with lactose intolerance, a type of dairy intolerance, even some that contain small amounts of dairy. However, it’s important to know what foods are good for you and which ones you should avoid to prevent the often embarrassing side effects that come with lactose intolerance. Finding a balance in your diet is beneficial for managing your lactose intolerance while at the same time ensuring you get all the nutrients you need. Lactose is found in milk and milk products, as well as other foods and drinks. What is lactose intolerance? Lactose intolerance is an inability to digest lactose, a type of sugar found in milk and dairy products. Lactose intolerance occurs when you don’t produce enough of the enzyme lactase, which is responsible for breaking down lactose. Side effects of dairy consumption if you have lactose intolerance include, diarrhea, bloating, flatulence, nausea and cramps, which can be uncomfortable and embarrassing if you are around other people. Can I have lactose if I am lactose intolerant? People with lactose intolerance can be affected to varying degrees, but the majority of people with lactose intolerance can tolerate small amounts of dairy products. A total of 12 -15 grams of lactose, which is equivalent to about one glass of milk, can usually be consumed with mild or no symptoms. And, if the lactose is consumed across a whole day, a person with lactose intolerance may even be able to have twice this am...