Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance is a common condition that affects millions of people around the world. It occurs when the body is unable to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and other dairy products. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and management of lactose intolerance.

More than 60% of Indians are suffering from lactose intolerance. But only a few of them are aware of it or take measures to solve the problem.

It is a huge problem globally and can be dangerous if severe. Because its symptoms are stressful and can harm your health. Let’s find out its symptoms and solutions for a better understanding. Read on to know about it in detail.

What is Lactose Intolerance?

Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose easily. In simpler terms, it is the inability to break down lactose, a natural type of sugar found in milk and dairy products like yoghurt, cheese, and more.

It is caused by a shortage of lactase in the human body. Although lactose intolerance isn’t harmful, its symptoms definitely are. So, let’s learn about its symptoms.

Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance

Before we discuss the symptoms of lactose intolerance, let’s understand the causes behind it.

Causes:

It usually happens when you have low lactase levels in your body, making milk difficult for you to consume.

If any family member of yours has lactose intolerance, there are higher chances you may inherit it. You may not see the symptoms initially but in your adult or teen years. Because over time, you may adapt less to lactose because of the absence of lactase.

Lactose intolerance may be caused at the time of birth because of newborns' inability to make lactase in the body.

Symptoms:

Gas, bloating, nausea, abdominal cramps & pain, diarrhoea, and vomiting are some common symptoms of lactose intolerance. If you start seeing these symptoms frequently after consuming dairy products like milk, cheese, yoghurt, etc., make an appointment with your doctor.

They may guide you better. And if you don’t, here are some solutions to reduce the impact of lactose intolerance.

Solutions for Lactose Intolerance

If you are lactose-intolerant, switch to a lactose-free lifestyle by consuming the right alternatives. For instance, start consuming vegan plant-based milk that is lactose-free.

You can switch to vegan milk brands like Only Earth that offer various options in lactose-free milks like almond milk, oats milk, and unsweetened coconut milk.

Just like you start consuming lactose-free milks, make sure you switch to a lactose-free diet too; however, start it slow. Start your diet by consuming the best lactose-free milk in India from Only Earth or other brands in smaller quantities. You can even have this milk along with breakfast like cereal.

If you don’t want to directly jump to vegan plant-based milk, consume dairy products with lower lactose.

In Conclusion

Lactose intolerance is a common condition that can cause uncomfortable digestive symptoms. It is caused by a deficiency of lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose. However, there are several ways to manage lactose intolerance and still enjoy dairy products, including limiting lactose consumption, using lactase supplements, and experimenting with different lactose-containing foods and beverages. If you suspect you have lactose intolerance, consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and management.

Lactose intolerance cannot be avoided because of the absence of lactase in your body; however, with these solutions, you can prevent the symptoms and avoid any stressful situations. If it is unavoidable, make sure you visit your doctor.