Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance affects hundreds of thousands of people on a daily basis. 
Whilst it is extremely common, many individuals are unaware of what it is, 
what causes it and ways to potentially decrease the impact of the symptoms. 
The symptoms that surface due to Lactose intolerance are sometimes unbearable, 
so it is beneficial to understand all of the above. 

Lactose intolerance is where the body does not possess the correct components 
to break down and therefore absorb lactose from a range of foods. This means 
that the lactose content within food will never reach the digestive system, 
or if it does, it will in miniscule volumes. As a result of this, individuals 
who are subjected to lactose intolerance will experience a range of symptoms, 
such as abdominal pains, aches and in some cases, diarrhea. The combination 
of abdominal pains and diarrhea often leads to nausea, which can sometimes 
last for days, or even weeks on end. The small intestine is lined by an 
enzyme named lactase. This is one of the most important components involved 
in the breakdown of lactose. If the small intestine lacks the volume of 
lactase needed, then the breakdown of sugars will not occur, producing excess 
gas in the large intestine.

Lactose intolerance can affect literally anyone. In the past, a range of 
cases have been reported after bowel or stomach surgery, as well as after a 
recent case of diarrhea. By laying off dairy products for a few days, it’s 
an easy intolerance to identify. After eating or drinking dairy products, 
if the body shows any of the mentioned symptoms, the chances are that the 
individual is lactose intolerant. Of course, there are formal tests to 
determine the level of lactose intolerance, including a breath test, small 
intestine analysis, but the most common is the lactose tolerance test.

Products such as milk, butter, bread and cheese are all examples of products 
that are prone to aid in the development of lactose intolerant symptoms. 
Constructing a diet without the use of lactose based products will be essential 
to ensure that symptoms surface on a minimal basis. The obvious cure for this 
would to be cutting down on dairy products.

Whilst is may seem like an extremely serious condition, it is easily diagnosed 
and on the same note, easily treated. It is important that individuals take 
the time to determine their intolerance to lactose and from there, they can 
construct a suitable diet.