Lactose Intolerance

Health Tips

By Lifestyle

Primary lactase deficiency is the most common form of lactose intolerance in the world’s population although in the course of childhood or adolescence, lactase activity would be reduced. In some cases, babies who are lactose intolerant carry this throughout their adulthood.

Milk sugar or lactose is found in cow’s milk. It is known as a disaccharide, meaning it has two individual sugar components – glucose and galactose. For the lactose in the intestine to be absorbed, it should be broken down into these two components. Normally, the enzyme lactase, which is located in the small intestine, is responsible for this division.

People with lactose intolerance are not able to break down lactose into its individual components, thus, the ability to split the sugar is reduced. The reason is a lack of the enzyme lactase. The lactose remains in the intestine, binds water, and results to diarrhea. In addition, intestinal bacteria ferment the undivided sugar, causing intestinal gas or flatulence.

Symptoms

The symptoms of lactose intolerance occur directly a few hours after consumption of milk and dairy products like cheese, cream, ice cream or chocolate. The typical symptoms are growling and unrest in the stomach, diarrhea, cramp, stomach pain, and flatulence.

Complications

Congenital lactase deficiency is a recessive trait and occurs very rarely. The parties have since birth no lactase in their body, which leads to severe diarrhea. The acquired or secondary lactase deficiency arises as a consequence of other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract which include infections of the gastrointestinal tract which may be temporary, diseases of the small intestine or large stomach, and intestinal surgery.

In the absence of milk, the body is not sufficiently supplied with calcium. There is the risk of osteoporosis. Lactose intolerance is neither life threatening nor does it restrict life expectancy.

Causes

Lactose intolerance could be congenital or acquired through diseases in the gastrointestinal tract.

Natural Treatment

· Go for the alternative. Instead of cow’s milk or soy milk, have coconut milk. Choose low-lactose milk and cheese.

· Keep a low-lactose or lactose-free diet one. At least 240 milliliters milk per day is well tolerated in many cases.

· Read the label and be aware of nutritional advices in food brands and food-related products.

· Calcium supplements might be necessary. It is also useful to eat more often calcium-rich foods such as green leafy vegetables, coconut flakes, or sesame seeds.

· Quit smoking and regulate alcohol.

· Go for regular exercises that would help you keep your bones healthy and flexible such as walking, trekking, dancing, and yoga.