If you’re unsure whether you’re lactose intolerant, you’re not alone. Many people around the world experience discomfort after consuming dairy products such as milk, cheese, or ice cream, and they’re unsure of what’s causing it. In this article, we’ll take a close look at the signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance, so you can better identify whether or not it’s a problem for you.
1. Is It Lactose Intolerance? Peculiar Signs and Symptoms
Are you suspecting that you may have lactose intolerance? Lactose intolerance is a condition in which you cannot breakdown a type of sugar found in most dairy products. Lactose intolerance has a range of symptoms that can give you a clue to if you may be lactose intolerant, below are a few peculiar signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance.
1. Flatulence and Abdominal Pain
- Bloating
- Pain and cramps in the midsection
- Excess gas
2. Diarrhea and Constipation
- Loose or watery stool
- Inconsistent bowel movements
- A feeling of being unable to completely empty the bowels
3. Vomiting and Nausea
- Frequent vomiting
- Upset stomach and discomfort
- A feeling of nausea
2. Investigating the Possible Causes of Lactose Intolerance
People with lactose intolerance have difficulty or an inability to digest lactose, a sugar found in dairy products. There are many possible causes of lactose intolerance including genetics, age, anemia, and certain medications.
1. Genetics – Genes can lead to the body not making enough of the enzyme called lactase which is needed for digestion of lactose. This form of lactose intolerance is inherited, and is typically present from birth.
2. Age – As people age, the body produces less of the enzyme lactase which is needed to digest lactose. This age-related decrease can lead to symptoms of lactose intolerance, even if someone has never had them before.
3. Anemia – Anemia can reduce the amount of lactase in the small intestine, leading to lactose intolerance. Iron-deficient anemia, which is caused by lack of iron in the diet, can reduce lactase activity, as can vitamin B12-deficient anemia.
4. Medications – Certain medications such as antibiotics can disrupt the flora of the gut, leading to a reduction in the amount of lactase produced. This can cause symptoms of lactose intolerance.
3. Management Tips: How to Cope With Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance can be very difficult to deal with—but it doesn’t have to be unmanageable. Here are some simple tips to help you cope with your lactose sensitivity:
- Keep a Lactose-free Diet: Eliminate all dairy products from the diets of those with lactose intolerance. Check food labels for hidden dairy ingredients, such as butter, whey, and lactose; avoid anything containing them.
- Choose Dairy-free Alternatives: Opt for lactose-free milk, almond milk, or soy milk as replacements for cow’s milk. Other dairy-free substitutes include vegan cheese and coconut ice cream.
- Focus on Other Protein Sources: People with lactose intolerance should focus on other protein sources, including lean meats, fish, tofu, legumes and grains.
- Add Dairy Gradually: If you want to gradually introduce dairy into your diet, start with small amounts of yogurt or cheese, or use lactase enzyme tablets to help the body digest lactose.
Additionally, taking probiotics can help the body adapt to dairy products while reducing the effects of lactose intolerance. A balanced diet and regular exercise can also help improve digestion and reduce lactose intolerance symptoms.
4. Seeking Professional Help: When to Know When to See a Doctor
Life is a complex journey that often requires professional help, and it is important to recognize when it is time to seek the assistance of a medical professional. Everyone experiences mental health challenges at different points in their lives, and it is important to be prepared for when they arise. Here are some telling signs that indicate it may be time to make an appointment:
- Inability to concentrate: You are unable to focus on tasks and lack the mental clarity to make important decisions.
- Persistent feelings of guilt or worthlessness: You are plagued by personal feelings of guilt over small things or irrational thoughts of low self-worth.
- Changes in sleeping habits: You are having trouble falling asleep and/or not feeling rested when you do.
It is easy to try and brush off these issues as not being a big deal, but if the feelings have become persistent and are impacting your daily activities, it may be time to seek professional help. Mental health professionals are experienced in helping you understand why you feel the way you feel and can provide much needed relief. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help – you don’t have to go through this alone.
Learning to recognize the signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance is an important step in managing and improving your overall health and wellbeing. By being aware of the issues associated with this condition, you can take steps to safeguard your health and enjoy all the dairy products you love.
If you’re tracking stomach issues after you’ve indulged in dairy, it might be possible you could be lactose intolerant. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of being lactose intolerant can help you determine if you need to avoid dairy in order to maintain a healthy digestive system.
Lactose is the sugar found in milk and dairy products. Swallowing lactose when you’re lactose intolerant can cause a number of digestive and intestinal issues, including bloating, abdominal pain, gas, and diarrhea. To confirm if you are lactose intolerant, a lactose intolerance breath test may be recommended.
Usually, lactose intolerance has no signs or symptoms until the age of two or three. However, symptoms can appear before the age of twond continue into late adulthood. Symptoms may become more severe as older age. If you find yourself having any of the following symptoms you may be lactose intolerant:
• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Gas
• Nausea
• Severe itching
If you suspect you might be lactose intolerant, it’s best to consult a doctor or dietitian. A doctor may to conduct a physical exam, review your family’s health history, and/or recommend a lactose breath test. During the test, a small device in placed directly on your tongue to measure the amount of hydrogen present in your breath. This will determine if your body is not able to digest the lactose it has been exposed to.
No matter if the test is positive or not, the next step would be to pay close attention to dietary and lifestyle changes that will help resolve the symptoms. Most people who are lactose intolerant can still enjoy some dairy as part of a balanced diet. Conversely, avoiding all dairy products may not be necessary.
Living with lactose intolerance doesn’t mean it’s the end of the world. While the signs and symptoms may be hard to keep track of, following a lactose-free diet can help you make peace with the fact that dairy doesn’t necessarily have to be a major part of your life.