- Image by tibult99 via Flickr
In order to reduce the symptoms of lactose intolerance, you first need to understand why a person can not digest lactose. Lactose is milk sugar. Lactase is the enzyme, which is created in the small intestines, that breaks down lactose. Everyone has some of the enzymes and only a rare few are born without the enzyme altogether. When there is a deficiency of this enzyme the milk sugar can not be broken down to a much simpler form of carbohydrates, sugars, that can be easily dissolved into the blood. The more complex lactose is then pushed thru the body with out being treated, hence it is neglected and sent to the colon to be assembled with bacteria. This bacteria along with the undigested lactose is the main cause of the symptoms for lactose intolerance. The body systematically develops bloating, gas, nausea, and diarrhea. In order to lessen the symptoms, intake of dairy products that contain lactose would have to be considerable decreased.
Eliminating dairy products may not be entirely feasible to some people. In cases such as this a lactase enzyme tablet can be taken right before every meal that has dairy. Another way is to eat dairy products that are labeled, lactose-free. There are many lactose-free products on the rise. One thing to be careful of are foods that have lactose, but you normally do not think of them as being dairy. Just to name a few are canned spaghetti, salad dressings, and it is even in some medications. Make sure that you are consciously aware of which foods contains lactose and those you can eat or drink without concern. If you are resolved to eat dairy foods that you love, you will have to determine if the taste of your favorite food is worth the consequences that come with lactose intolerance.
