Many people live with lactose intolerance diagnosis since there are ways to control the discomfort of this ailment by substituting other foods and medication.
People with Lactose Intolerance often suffer painful symptoms of bloating, gas and diarrhea. This is caused by the inability to digest the natural sugar (lactose) that is found in dairy products. Lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose, is not present in the digestive system in adequate amounts, so the lactose ferments in the intestine causing the symptoms. The easiest way to combat lactose intolerance is to simply eliminate milk, cheese and dairy products from the diet. This has the disadvantage, however, of causing a calcium deficiency. To get the required amount of calcium, a sufferer may wish to substitute calcium-fortified orange juice since the calcium content is the same as milk. Calcium supplements as well as other calcium-rich foods may also be used.
Another way to prevent symptoms is to use one of the commercial preparations on the market which may be taken before a meal containing dairy products. These can be very convenient especially when dining away from home or in restaurants. Also helpful are lactose drops, which may be purchased at drug and health food stores. These drops can be added to regular milk to make it free of lactose. There are also some "safe" dairy foods for Lactose Intolerance sufferers. They include lactase-treated mlik, live-culture yogurt, aged and fermented cheeses, cultured butter and buttermilk, cultured sour cream and dry cottage cheese.
As with most conditions there are individual differences in frequency and intensity of symptoms. Some sufferers can even eat small amounts of dairy foods without being adversely effected. Others can eat dairy foods as long as they are combined with other foods. Experience will determine the seriousness of an individual problem.
Generally speaking, foods that should be avoided include frozen desserts like ice cream, breakfast foods with powdered milk, dairy coffee creamers, etc. Those with very sensitive cases may also need to avoid breads or baked products made with milk as well as prepared meats, such as sausages and weiners, which have milk additives. Frozen foods, candies and salad dressings may also contain milk solids. Labels should be checked for any use of lactose before consuming any packaged foods.
