Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance happens to individuals that have difficulty digesting the sugar or (lactose) found in milk and other dairy products. Medically it is referred to as lactose malabsorption . As most of us are well aware, the telling results of lactose intolerance are gas, bloating of the stomach and diarrhea. Sharp abdominal pain is also often associated with severe cases. These general symptoms seem to indicate that many people suffer undiagnosed variations of this condition. Although it is not fatal and is usually a harmless ailment, as a Nurse Practitioner I see this becoming a more prevelent ailment for women. I will discuss the cause, effects, symptoms and remedies for this malady. Note that lactose intolerance is not a food allergy as it is commonly thought of, as this condition does not involve the immune sytem as food allergies do.
I have found that for many Wyoming women, the ability to digest lactose improves during pregnancy, especially later in pregnancy. As a result, even if you're normally lactose intolerant, you might be able to drink milk and eat other dairy products without discomfort.
Dairy foods are good sources of calcium, which is importance for women's bone health and in pregnancy because it helps your unborn baby's developing bones form properly. However, there are some cheeses and other dairy products that you should avoid during pregnancy as they may make you ill or harm your baby. See the post located under Good Nutrition During Pregnancy in the blog section or 307 Pregnancy page.
Lactose intolerance means that you have trouble digesting foods with lactose in them. Lactose is the natural sugar found in milk and foods made with milk. Between 30 million and 50 million Americans are lactose-intolerant. Lactose intolerance is common, but it may be especially harmful for women, as it may raise a woman’s risk for health problems such as osteoporosis.
What is lactose intolerance?
If you have lactose intolerance, your body cannot digest lactose, the sugar found naturally in milk and milk products. Most people are born with the ability to digest lactose, but up to 75% of people lose the ability as they grow older. Lactose intolerance causes symptoms such as stomach cramps and diarrhea after you eat foods with lactose. Although it is uncomfortable, the condition is not medically serious.
What is the difference between lactose intolerance and a milk allergy?
Lactose intolerance is not the same as a milk allergy.
Lactose intolerance is a problem with the digestive system. It causes uncomfortable symptoms but is not life-threatening.
A milk allergy is caused by a problem with your body’s immune system. Milk allergies are more common in children younger than 3. Symptoms can range from mild (rashes or itching) to severe (trouble breathing or wheezing). A life-threatening reaction caused by an allergy is called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. Call 911 right away if your child has any symptoms after drinking milk or eating foods with milk. Most children eventually outgrow milk allergies.
What foods have lactose?
Lactose is found in milk and all milk products, such as yogurt, cheese, and ice cream. It is also added to many prepared foods, such as:
Breads and other baked goods
Cereals
Frozen dinners
Instant potatoes, soups, and breakfast drinks
Lunch meats
Margarines
Mixes for cakes, cookies, pancakes, and biscuits
Nondairy liquid and powdered coffee creamers
Salad dressings
Check the Nutrition Facts label for products with lactose, milk, or milk byproducts. These may also be listed as whey, curds, or nonfat dry milk powder.
What are the symptoms of lactose intolerance?
Symptoms of lactose intolerance include:
Diarrhea
Nausea
Stomach cramps
Bloating
Gas
Symptoms usually begin within 30 minutes to two hours after you eat or drink foods with lactose.
How is lactose intolerance diagnosed?
Talk to your Healthcare Provider if you have symptoms of lactose intolerance. They may ask you to stop eating foods with lactose for a few weeks to see whether your symptoms stop. Your provider may give you a test to see whether you have lactose intolerance. Common tests include:
Breath tests. Your doctor measures the hydrogen level in your breath. High levels mean you likely have lactose intolerance.
Blood tests. Your doctor will ask you to drink milk or a lactose solution. A blood test will then show whether your lactose or glucose levels rise.
How is lactose intolerance treated?
For most people, lactose intolerance does not require treatment. Instead, your provider will talk to you about how to prevent the symptoms of lactose intolerance. This includes limiting or avoiding foods that have lactose, such as milk and foods made with milk.
How can I prevent the symptoms of lactose intolerance?
Some ways to help prevent symptoms include the following:
Limit the amount of foods with lactose that you eat.
Take a lactase tablet just before eating foods with lactose. The tablet gives your body the lactase it is missing.
Choose lactose-reduced or lactose-free dairy products. These products have the same nutrients as milk, including calcium and vitamin D.
Can I eat some dairy products if I am lactose intolerant?
Maybe. Some people with lactose intolerance can eat a small amount of certain foods with lactose. For instance, you may be able to eat yogurt or aged cheeses, like cheddar or Swiss. Or you may find that you can tolerate milk if you drink it in small amounts or only at meals. Regularly having some dairy products may help keep lactose intolerance from getting worse. If you cannot tolerate any amount of milk or milk products, you should find other ways to get enough calcium and vitamin D. Calcium and vitamin D are needed for healthy bones and teeth and essential functions of the body like a steady heartbeat. Ask your healthcare provider whether you should take a calcium or vitamin D supplement every day. Or you can try lactose-free dairy products.
How does lactose intolerance affect women’s health?
Lactose intolerance may prevent you from getting enough calcium and vitamin D, which are important for bone health. Calcium and vitamin D are found in many foods with lactose, including milk and milk products. Women especially need to get enough calcium and vitamin D throughout life to help build and maintain bone density and reduce the risk of oesteoporosis later in life. Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to weaken and break easily. More women than men are at risk for osteoporosis. If you are lactose-intolerant, your healthcare provider will likely talk to you about how to get more calcium and vitamin D each day. A dietary supplement may give you the amount you need to help prevent osteoporosis, or you can try lactose-free dairy products.
Did we answer your question about lactose intolerance?
For more information about lactose intolerance, call the OWH Helpline at 1-800-994-9662 or check out the following resources from other organizations:
Lactose Intolerance — Information from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
Lactose Intolerance — Information from the National Library of Medicine.
Problems Digesting Dairy Products? — Information from the Food and Drug Administration.
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