Lactose intolerance is a condition that affects many people. There are different types of lactose intolerance, varying symptoms, and suggestions for treating this problem.
Lactose intolerance is a problem experienced by many. According to the book "Every Woman's Health", published by Doubleday Book & Music Clubs, Inc., an enzyme called lactase is necessary for the body to be able to absorb lactose, which is a form of sugar that is present in milk and milk products. When a person has low levels of this necessary enzyme in their small intestines, malabsorption can occur causing uncomfortable symptoms. According to the same book, this inability to break down dairy products comfortably is known as lactose intolerance.
Symptoms of lactose intolerance can be very distressing. The website article "Lactose Intolerance & How to get the Calcium you Need", published by Woolsworth Limited, provides the following symptoms of lactose intolerance. It says people with lactose intolerance may experience large amounts of intestinal gas, pain, bloating, and diarrhea. It is important to see a doctor because these symptoms may indicate a problem other than lactose intolerance.
The book entitled "The American Medical Association Family Guide", which was published in 1982 by Random House, Inc., says that people of certain ethnic backgrounds may produce very little or no lactase. It says the majority of Asians, Native Americans, and blacks, often fall into this category. In addition, some Caucasian people also have problems digesting dairy products.
Babies and small children can also be affected by lactose intolerance. "Lactose Intolerance & How to get the Calcium you Need" provides the following information on the development of lactose intolerance. It says temporary lactose intolerance, usually lasting approximately two weeks, can affect babies and children who have just gotten over gastroenteritis. An inflammation occurring inside the small intestines prevents the cells from producing lactase. When the swelling subsides, the lactase producing cells return to normal.
Primary lactose intolerance is a condition present from birth. According to "The American Medical Association Family Guide", a baby with this condition cannot consume breast milk and will require an alternative formula such as a soy protein formula. A person who has had this condition from birth should not consume cow's milk since primary lactose intolerance is usually a life-long condition.
"Lactose Intolerance & How to get the Calcium you Need", says people who are lactose intolerant can usually eat dairy foods such as yogurt, butter, and cheese. These foods contain very minimal amounts of lactose and are great sources of calcium. The same article says large quantities of ice cream and milk should be avoided because they are usually a problem.
It is important for a person suffering from lactose intolerance to get the proper amounts of calcium from sources that can be tolerated. "Lactose Intolerance & How to get the Calcium you Need" says calcium can be obtained from fish having edible bones, green vegetables, oranges, almonds, soy milk fortified with calcium, and tofu. Products made from heavy cream rather than low-fat varieties, according to the same article, are usually tolerable to those suffering with lactose intolerance. This is because heavy cream takes longer to digest. This gives the small intestines more time to transfer the lactose to the large intestines, which are then better able to deal with smaller and slower incoming amounts.
There are some over-the-counter products that help some people who suffer from lactose intolerance. These products often allow those who could not tolerate some dairy products to be able to enjoy them. If you suspect you have lactose intolerance, talk to your doctor to see if these products are right for your particular condition.
