Lactose intolerance is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the body is unable to properly digest lactose. a type of sugar found in milk . other dairy products. Lactose intolerance can cause a range of symptoms. including bloating. gas. . diarrhea. . can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. In this article. we will explore the diagnosis. symptoms. treatment. . for lactose intolerance. What is Lactose Intolerance? Lactose intolerance is a condition that occurs when the body is unable to properly digest lactose. Lactose is a type of sugar found in milk . other dairy products. In order to digest lactose. the body produces an enzyme called lactase. Lactase breaks down lactose into two simpler sugars. glucose . galactose. which can be easily absorbed into the bloodstream. However. in people with lactose intolerance. the body does not produce enough lactase to properly digest lactose. When lactose is not properly digested. it can ferment in the large intestine. causing a range of uncomfortable symptoms. Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance The symptoms of lactose intolerance can vary from person to person . can range from mild to severe. Some common symptoms of lactose intolerance include: Bloating Gas Abdominal pain or cramps Diarrhea Nausea Vomiting Symptoms of lactose intolerance usually occur within 30 minutes to 2 hours after consuming lactose-containing foods or drinks. The severity of symptoms can depend on the amount of lactose consumed . the level of lactase deficiency. Diagnosis of Lactose Intolerance If you suspect that you may have lactose intolerance. it is important to speak with your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider may recommend a lactose tolerance test or a hydrogen breath test to confirm the diagnosis. During a lactose tolerance test. you will be asked to drink a liquid containing lactose. Your healthcare provider will then measure your blood sugar levels over time to determine how well your body is able to digest lactose. During a hydrogen breath test. you will be asked to drink a liquid containing lactose. Your healthcare provider will then measure the amount of hydrogen gas in your breath over time. If your body is unable to properly digest lactose. it will produce more hydrogen gas. which can be detected in your breath. Treatment for Lactose Intolerance While there is no cure for lactose intolerance. there are several treatment options available to help manage symptoms. Limit or Avoid Lactose-Containing Foods: The most effective way to manage lactose intolerance is to limit or avoid lactose-containing foods . drinks. This may include dairy products such as milk. cheese. . ice cream. as well as non-dairy products that contain lactose. such as breads. cereals. . processed foods. Lactase Supplements : Lactase supplements are available over-the-counter . can help to improve lactose digestion. Lactase supplements are taken before consuming lactose-containing foods or drinks. Probiotics: Probiotics are live bacteria . yeasts that can help to improve gut . Some studies have shown that probiotics can help to reduce symptoms of lactose intolerance. Plant-Based Alternatives: Plant-based milk alternatives. such as soy milk. almond milk. . oat milk. can be a good alternative to dairy milk for those with lactose intolerance. Diet for Lactose Intolerance If you have lactose intolerance. it is important to limit or avoid lactose-containing foods . drinks. including dairy products such as milk. cheese. . ice cream. as well as non-dairy products that contain lactose. You may also want to consider incorporating plant-based milk alternatives. such as soy milk. almond milk. . oat milk. into your . Lactase supplements . probiotics may also help to improve lactose digestion . reduce symptoms. It is important to work with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian to develop a personalized lactose-free or low-lactose plan that meets your nutritional needs mental natural curehealth mental natural curehealth mental
