Lactose Intolerance in Adults

Lactose intolerance in adults is most certainly one of the most common adult health complaints. Although the symptoms of being lactose intolerant can be extremely distressing, they have absolutely nothing to do with becoming physically dysfunctional in the classic sense of the word, and nor does lactose intolerance have to do with bowel or intestinal damage.

Being lactose intolerance is in fact normal. It is the default setting for the vast majority of the world's adult population. On the larger scale of life and evolution, for humans to consume milk in the quantities we do – if at all, anytime after the weaning period of very early childhood is abnormal . It is only since humans have domesticated animals such as cows and have begun to consume milk throughout adulthood that in some instances, tolerance to lactose in adulthood exists to the degrees it does.

Whilst many people are severely lactose intolerant, there are instances of entire cultures been highly tolerant to lactose, and this is known as ‘lactase persistence'. In cultures which have long-running ties to dairy produce and consummation, such as those of northern Europe, a culturally defined genetic change has come about in which persistent exposure to lactose has resulted in persistent production of lactase throughout adulthood. On the other hand, cultures which traditionally never consumed lactose at all, or very little, are generally far more lactose intolerant.

The symptoms of lactose intolerance aren't some of the finest to be experienced, and may be complaints such as stomach cramps, bloating and diarrhoea. By cutting down on lactose consumption, symptoms will generally ease or disappear. The best way of doing this is by embarking on a lactose-free diet by purchasing lactose-free foods.