Lactose Intollerance

Lactose intollerance is an extremely common complaint, particularly among adults. What's more, those who suffer symptoms of lactose intollerance may be completely unaware their symptoms are in fact caused by lactose intollerance.

What is lactose intollerance, and why do so many people suffer from it?

Lactose intollerance is an unpleasant condition caused by a sugar compound called lactose which comes from milk. When lactose is consumed it needs to be digested in the same way as anything else we eat or drink. Most adults find lactose difficult to digest due to low levels of ‘lactase' within their small intestine. Lactase is the enzyme which is supposed to break down lactose into glucose, which our body can then utilise. When our bodies struggle to break down lactose, symptoms can occur. Given lactase levels are generally low in adults this digestive enzyme can easily find itself swamped by lactose.

What are the symptoms of lactose intollerance?

The symptoms of lactose intollerance and the degree in which they are suffered obviously vary greatly from individual to individual, and depend upon how low levels of lactase production actually are, as well as how much lactose is consumed.

If, for instance, an individual has extremely low levels of lactase production, they will typically suffer much more than somebody who has higher levels of lactase production if equal amounts of lactose are consumed.

The symptoms of lactose intollerance are the feeling of having an unsettled stomach, wind, bloating, stomach cramp and diarrhoea.

Are there any solutions to my problems of lactose intollerance?

Yes. The solution for those who suffer from lactose intollerance is to cut as much lactose consumption out of your diet as possible. The less lactose you consume, the less severe your symptoms will be.

You should also be aware that lactose is not only in bona fide dairy products such as milk, chocolate and yoghurt, but also may be found in bread and other products, as milk has been used as an ingredient.

There are also lactose-free varieties of many products available now which ought to help bring your symptoms down.