Most persons probably know what lactose intolerance is. If this is your first time hearing the word " Lactose intolerance" and you don't know what it means, then you're in the right place because you're just about to learn something new.
To understand it properly, we are going to break the word Lactose intolerance into smaller chunks; Lactose and Lactose Intolerance.
Lactose; is a sugar found in milk, dairy product etc. Lactose is gotten from the combination of two sugars; Glucose & Galactose.
Lactose Intolerance: is defined as the body's inability to digest lactose which is the main sugar found in diary products. People with lactose intolerance, do not produce enough enzyme ( lactase) to breakdown lactose and as such. the undigested lactose stays in the gut ( Gastrointestinal tract). Normal bacteria in the gut combines with the undigested lactose causing the signs and symptoms listed below.
Causes; Lactose Intolerance is caused by deficiency of lactase ( an enzyme required for the breakdown of lactose) in the body. It's is also caused by genetic disorder in rare cases.
Signs $ Symptoms; Abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, flatulence, nausea, indigestion, diarrhea, belching, stomach rumbling etc. These symptoms usually begins 30 minutes to 2 hours after eating or drinking lactose food.
Types of Lactose Intolerance
Primary, secondary, congenital, developmental
Primary Lactose: occurs as one ages. The amount of lactase produced in the small intestine reduces as people age.
Secondary Lactose: this type is due to injury to the small intestine.
Congenital Lactose Intolerance: this is extremely rare and it is associated with genetic disorder in which little or no lactase is produced.
Now that we've mentioned the signs and symptoms, we're moving to the next part, management and treatments.
Management & Treatment
There is no cure for lactose intolerance, but most people are able to manage, control and live with the symptoms of lactose intolerance, by maintaining a healthy diet.
In mild cases of Lactose Intolerance, the symptoms are temporary and can be managed, but in severe cases where the causes are as a result of an underlying condition or genetic disorder, the symptoms are long lasting and total avoidance of lactose intolerance seems to be their best option.
Maintaining a healthy diet.
Since Lactose Intolerance cannot be cured, maintaining a healthy diet is the only way to live with the effects. People with severe symptoms of Lactose Intolerance should avoid foods and drinks containing lactose and replace it with lactose free alternative foods. While people with mild cases of lactose intolerance would have to reduce their intake of lactose containing food or preferably consume lactose in very little quantity.
Sources of lactose includes
Milk: this is the major source of lactose. It includes cow milk, goat milk, sheep milk
Diary products: foods made with milk, eggs, yoghurt, butter, cheese ice cream.
Other food & drink product: salad cream, biscuits, chocolate, sweets, cakes, bread, pancakes etc.
Most times lactose may not be listed among the ingredients of all food & drink products,i it is very important to carefully check them before buying. Some ingredients like sodium lactate, lactic acid, cocoa butter may sound like they contain lactose, but they do not. They're safe to consume for those suffering from lactose intolerance.
Medications: some over the counter medications or prescription medication may contain lactose in very little quantity. If for some reasons you need start a new medication, it is very important to check with your GP or your pharmacist, incase it contains lactose.
Lactose free foods: soya, yoghurt, rice, milk, oat milk, hazelnut, plain meats, fish, fish& poultry Eggs cooked with milk fruits, vegetables etc.
Always remember that Health is wealth.
Ps: This article is for educational purposes only,