Although not a serious illness on its own, many people's lives are affected by lactose intolerance and it brings with it some complications and frustrations . This page offers a variety of solutions, including products that will aid in the proper digestion of lactose so sufferers don't have to entirely avoid lactose products.
What is lactose intolerance and what causes it? Symptoms Treatment Management Prices are Inclusive of GST (sales Tax).
Page updated 06/04/18 12:47:36 p.m.
What is lactose intolerance and what causes it?
A natural enzyme produced in the small intestine called lactase is what helps in digesting lactose. However, if a person is deficient in lactase he or she may suffer from lactose intolerance. And symptoms can be experienced after eating dairy foods or drinking milk.
The good news is that most people with lactose intolerance can manage their condition without having to entirely give up all dairy foods.
What are the symptoms of lactose intolerance?
You may start experiencing symptoms 30 minutes to 2 hours after consuming dairy foods that contain lactose and symptoms may vary from mild to severe depending on how much lactase your small intestines produces. The following are the common symptoms: Bloating, nausea or severe vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, gas, rumbling sounds in your stomach.
It pays to observe your body's reaction each time you take in dairy foods. If you experience symptoms every time you consume a dairy product, you may need to consult your healthcare practitioner to find out if you are lactose intolerant.
What are your treatment options?
If you suspect that you may be lactose intolerant, it is best to talk this over with your healthcare practitioner. It is best that they diagnose your condition properly so as not to mistake it as some other condition. Once diagnosis is reached, your doctor may require you to take some steps to prevent the symptoms or may prescribe lactase enzyme tablets.
What can I do to prevent the symptoms?
- Once diagnosed as lactose intolerant, it may be difficult to treat it entirely, immediately. So the best way to manage it is to avoid triggers.
- Limit your intake of milk and milk products.
- Eat your milk with solid foods, like cereals.
- Spread your milk or milk products throughout the day.
- Choose lactose free or reduced lactose products.
- Substitute milk with other products like soy, almond or rice milk.
- Eat yoghurt with live microorganisms.
Page updated 06/04/18 12:47:36 p.m.
