Nutritional Therapist Food Intolerances Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance is the inability of lactose indigestion. Lactose is a form of sugar which is found in dairy and milk products and is the result of an enzyme lactase deficiency. Lactase when broken down into lactose is commonly referred to as galactose and glucose, two simpler sugar forms, which is absorbed by your bloodstream. Not everyone who has lactase deficiency shows signs of indigestion. But if you do, the consensus is that you have lactose intolerance. Many people even with lactose intolerance have the ability of digesting small amounts of lactose. People tend to confuse lactose intolerance with allergies from drinking the milk from cows. Milk allergy is caused by the body’s immune system, which results in a life threatening reaction even when a small amount of milk is consumed. Milk allergy occurs in the beginning of childhood, while lactose intolerance comes up mostly during adulthood.

Primary lactase intolerance develops after the age of two, when your body produces less lactase. Many children with lactase deficiency show little or no signs of symptoms until adulthood. Researchers have also identified that lactase deficiency can be linked to one’s genetics. This is a useful discovery when treating people who are at risk in the future. Secondary lactase intolerance is caused by damage to your small intestine, which occurs due to intestinal infection, celiac disease or chemotherapy. This type of deficiency is common in infants; though it can occur in later stages in life.

Lactose intolerance occurs mostly in adults and especially the elderly. Some racial and ethnic populations seem to be more affected, including Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans and American Indians. This condition occurs least in northern European American descents. Premature infants are also likely to suffer from lactose deficiency, as well.

There are a number of symptoms as a result of lactose deficiency being in your system. Some of these symptoms are mild, while others may be severe. Patients with lactose deficiency will experience abdominal bloating, abdominal pain, gas, nausea and diarrhoea. It is rather difficult to diagnose lactose intolerance based on symptoms. People who suffer from digestive symptoms may think it is the same as lactose intolerance. However, there are other similar conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome.

While you cannot change the ability of your body to produce more lactose, you can manage lactose intolerance with changes to your diet. Many patients with this condition can tolerate certain dairy products. Gradually including milk and dairy products in your diet, may even help you adapt to experiencing fewer symptoms. Often, patients can tolerate milk when taken with other meals.