Lactose Intolerance: Food Items to Avoid

Lactose intolerance is a condition in which the affected person is not able to digest lactose, the main sugar in milk. It results from a shortage of the enzyme lactase, which is produced by cells lining the wall of the small intestine. Lactase breaks the sugar in milk (lactose) into simpler forms so that it can be absorbed into the bloodstream.

Lactose intolerance can affect anyone, but it is most common among Native American, Asian, and African American populations.

Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance

Pain in the upper belly
Nausea
Vomiting
Loose stools
Excessive gassiness

Usually, symptoms begin 30 minutes to two hours after eating or drinking milk or dairy products. The severity of symptoms can vary widely and tends to develop gradually.

Medical Assistance

If these symptoms develop after consuming milk or dairy products, medical advice should be sought. A doctor will take a detailed history and may order tests to diagnose lactose intolerance.

Test for Lactose Intolerance

Doctors often perform a lactose hydrogen breath test for suspected cases. This outpatient test measures hydrogen levels in a person’s breath after ingesting a fixed amount of lactose. A rise in hydrogen indicates lactose maldigestion or intolerance and is a reliable method for diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms but generally involves avoiding or limiting dairy intake. The recommended dietary approach includes:

Limit dairy products to low-lactose or lactose-free options
Avoid foods containing milk, skim milk, milk solids, or milk by-products
Use dairy alternatives like soy milk, almond milk, or coconut milk
Maintain normal intake of calcium and vitamin D
Monitor vitamin D levels if avoiding all milk products completely

These measures can significantly reduce symptoms and help individuals lead a normal lifestyle.

Enzyme Supplements for Lactose Intolerance

There are several enzyme supplements available that contain lactase. These should be taken just before or with lactose-containing foods. While not a complete cure, they can help reduce symptoms to a certain extent and improve quality of life.