Lactose IntoleranceNot what you're looking for? Show
What is lactose intolerance?Lactose intolerance is when your body can't break down or digest lactose. Lactose is a sugar found in milk and milk products. Lactose intolerance happens when your small intestine does not make enough of a digestive enzyme called lactase. Lactase breaks down the lactose in food so your body can absorb it. People who are lactose intolerant have unpleasant symptoms after eating or drinking milk or milk products. These symptoms include bloating, diarrhea, and gas. Lactose intolerance is not the same thing as having a food allergy to milk. Lactose intolerance is most common in Asian Americans, African Americans, Mexican Americans, and Native Americans. What causes lactose intolerance?Both children and adults can get lactose intolerance. Here are some common causes of this condition:
What are the symptoms of lactose intolerance?Each person’s symptoms may vary. Symptoms often start about 30 minutes to 2 hours after you have food or drinks that have lactose. Symptoms may include:
How severe your symptoms are will depend on how much lactose you have had. It will also depend on how much lactase your body makes. The symptoms of lactose intolerance may look like other health problems. Always see your healthcare provider to be sure. How is lactose intolerance diagnosed?Your healthcare provider will talk to you about your past health and family history. They will give you a physical exam. You may be asked not to have any milk or milk products for a short time to see if your symptoms get better. You may also have some tests to check for lactose intolerance. These may include:
How is lactose intolerance treated?There is no treatment that can help your body make more lactase. But you can manage your symptoms by changing your diet. In the past, people who were lactose intolerant were told to stop taking dairy products. Today, health experts suggest you try different dairy foods and see which ones cause fewer symptoms. That way you can still get enough calcium and other important nutrients such as vitamin D. Lactose intolerance symptoms can be unpleasant, but they won’t hurt you. So try to find dairy foods that don’t cause severe symptoms. Here are some tips for managing lactose in your diet:
If you have trouble finding dairy products that don’t cause symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider. They can suggest other foods to be sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D. You may need to take calcium or vitamin D supplements. Children with lactose intolerance should be seen by a healthcare provider. Children and teenagers need dairy foods. They are a major source of calcium for bone growth and health. They also have other nutrients that children need for growth. Living with lactose intoleranceLactose intolerance can affect you every time you eat a snack or meal. So you need to be careful about the foods you eat every day. But many people can tolerate a certain amount of lactose and don't need to completely give it up. It’s important to read food labels. Lactose is often added to some boxed, canned, frozen, and prepared foods such as:
Check food labels for words that may mean a food has lactose in it, such as:
When should I call my healthcare provider?Call your healthcare provider if you have trouble managing your symptoms. Some symptoms can be embarrassing. Your healthcare provider can work with you to help keep them under control. Key points about lactose intolerance
Next stepsTips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:
Medical Reviewer: Jen Lehrer MD Medical Reviewer: Marianne Fraser MSN RN Medical Reviewer: L Renee Watson MSN RN © 2000-2022 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions. Not what you're looking for? What helps a stomach ache from lactose intolerance?You can reduce discomfort by doing the following:. Cut back on the amount of dairy you eat or drink. ... . Have food in your stomach (not more dairy).. Wait several hours before having more dairy.. Choose foods with less lactose. ... . Substitute soy or nondairy products. ... . Take supplements that help you digest lactose.. How long does it take for your stomach to recover from lactose intolerance?Some cases of lactose intolerance, such as those caused by gastroenteritis, are only temporary and will improve within a few days or weeks. Other cases, such as those caused by an inherited genetic fault or a long-term underlying condition, are likely to be lifelong.
What do lactose intolerant pains feel like?People with lactose intolerance are unable to fully digest the sugar (lactose) in milk. As a result, they have diarrhea, gas and bloating after eating or drinking dairy products. The condition, which is also called lactose malabsorption, is usually harmless, but its symptoms can be uncomfortable.
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