Ignoring lactose intolerance can worsen the symptoms or cause additional health issues. Lactose intolerance can be caused by the inability to break down lactose properly, which usually develops in childhood or early adulthood. It can lead to digestive problems, such as diarrhea and gas. With dietary modifications and supplements, these symptoms can be managed, and a Glenroy GP doctor at Magnus Medical can also advise you about any underlying health problems.
Lactose is a type of sugar found in milk and milk products, such as yogurt, cheese, butter, and ice cream. The human body produces an enzyme called lactase, which helps us digest lactose properly.
Lactose intolerance is a condition that exacerbates the symptoms when someone eats or drinks products that have lactose. It is a sugar that occurs naturally in dairy products like cheese, milk, and yogurt. An enzyme digests the sugar in dairy products, which helps the body absorb and use it. However, people with lactose intolerance generate either insufficient lactase or none at all. A lack of the enzyme leads to lactose malabsorption, which results in unpleasant digestive symptoms. Lactose intolerance is not the same as a dairy allergy. Food allergies involve an inappropriate immune response to certain foods.
Lactase is an enzyme that helps the body digest lactose, a sugar found mainly in milk and other dairy products. When the body doesn’t produce enough lactase—or when the enzyme doesn’t work properly—lactose isn’t fully broken down, which can lead to digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, or diarrhea. This condition is called lactose intolerance. People who are lactose intolerant have difficulty digesting lactose found in milk and dairy foods.
Babies are usually able to digest lactose easily because breast milk contains it, which is why lactose intolerance is rare in children under five. However, as we grow older, some people gradually lose the ability to produce enough lactase, and lactose intolerance can develop. Today, around 75% of the global population experiences some level of lactose intolerance. So how can you tell if you might be lactose intolerant?
Ignoring lactose intolerance can result in uncomfortable digestive problems like bloating and gas, which become harder to manage. Long-term nutritional deficiencies and digestive issues can impact overall quality of life and increase the risk of various health problems, such as osteoporosis. Moreover, chronic and unpredictable digestive problems can also lower energy, mood, and self-esteem.
You will be asked to tell a doctor about your diet and symptoms. There are various tests performed for lactose intolerance. A doctor might suggest you do a lactose test. This is where you see what happens when you drink or eat something with a large amount of lactose. For instance, drinking a milkshake.
You may be asked to check what happens if you follow a lactose-free diet for a while. During this time period, you will need to notice if your symptoms get better or worse. If you notice that your symptoms get worse after eating or drinking lactose again, you might have lactose intolerance. Here are some tests that can be requested by a doctor:
People who ignore lactose intolerance and continue to eat dairy products risk worsening their symptoms and developing further health issues. You can seek help from professional doctors or dietitian Glenroy at Magnus Medical to manage your condition.
