Ignoring Lactose Intolerance: Consequences for Those Who Do
Lactose intolerance is a common condition that affects the digestion of lactose, a sugar found in dairy products. This condition arises when someone cannot properly digest lactose due to a deficiency of the enzyme lactase, which is needed to break down lactose in the body.
If someone with lactose intolerance continues to consume dairy products, they may experience a range of symptoms, including bloating, diarrhea, gas, stomach cramps, and nausea. These symptoms occur as undigested lactose ferments in the colon, leading to discomfort. It's important to note that there is no evidence of lasting intestinal damage from continued lactose consumption, but ongoing symptoms can significantly impact a person's quality of life.
Primary lactose intolerance, also known as lactase nonpersistence, is a lifelong condition. It begins in infancy with a gradual decline in lactase activity, which may cause symptoms in childhood or early adulthood. Secondary lactose intolerance, caused by intestinal injury or disease, may be temporary if the intestinal mucosa heals.
Beyond gastrointestinal symptoms, some case reports link lactose intolerance to less common issues like constipation, headaches, muscle/joint pain, mouth ulcers, urinary problems, and eczema. However, these are less well-established. The severity of symptoms depends on the individual's residual lactase activity and the quantity of lactose consumed.
Managing lactose intolerance typically involves dietary adjustments, such as avoiding or limiting dairy products, using lactose-free products, and ensuring adequate calcium intake from non-dairy sources. Lactase supplements can also be taken to aid in digesting lactose. A person with lactose intolerance may need to consider including alternative sources of calcium, such as plant-based foods and fortified products, in their diet to maintain bone health.
Foods that contain dairy and should be avoided by someone with lactose intolerance include sauces and dressings, pancakes, puddings, mashed potatoes, margarine, and butter. In rare cases, someone may have congenital lactase deficiency, where symptoms occur as soon as an infant ingests milk. This condition is more common in premature infants, whose underdeveloped intestines may compromise their ability to digest and absorb lactose.
It's also important to note that lactose intolerance is not the same as a milk or dairy allergy, which involves an inappropriate immune response to certain foods. Chronic diarrhea due to lactose intolerance can lead to complications such as malnutrition, unexplained weight loss, anemia, dehydration, and acute kidney injury.
Doctors treat and manage lactose intolerance through dietary modifications and supplements, and may advise about any underlying health conditions. In rare cases, secondary lactase deficiency can be caused by various conditions such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, gastroenteritis, chemotherapy, antibiotics, surgery, or other medications.
Probiotics, particularly the DDS-1 strain of Lactobacillus acidophilus, may help improve symptoms of lactose intolerance. However, more research is needed to fully understand the benefits of probiotics in managing this condition.
This reflects current medical understanding from multiple recent sources on lactose intolerance. It's always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalised advice and management strategies.
- For those with lactose intolerance, chronic digestive health issues may arise from consuming dairy products, leading to symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, gas, and stomach cramps.
- Lactase supplements can be beneficial for individuals with lactose intolerance, aiding in the digestion of lactose and potentially reducing associated symptoms.
- In the realm of health and wellness, it is crucial to recognize that lactose intolerance can also have implications for eye-health, hearing, skin-care, mental-health, and even sexual-health, though these connections are less established.
- Parenting can be more challenging when dealing with a child's lactose intolerance, as there may be a need to make adjustments to their dietary intake to ensure adequate nutrition and prevent discomfort.
- Fitness and exercise routines that focus on men's health should consider the potential impacts of lactose intolerance on an individual's diet and nutritional requirements.
- CBD, a popular health trend, may have potential benefits for managing symptoms related to lactose intolerance, although further research is necessary to fully understand its efficacy.
- Beyond dairy, foods containing lactose can include sauces and dressings, pancakes, puddings, and certain plant-based foods and fortified products, which may need to be avoided in those with lactose intolerance.
- Maintaining bone health is crucial for overall well-being, and individuals with lactose intolerance may require alternative sources of calcium, such as plant-based foods and fortified products, in their diet.
- In cases of secondary lactose intolerance, various medical conditions such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or celiac disease may be underlying factors, necessitating proper diagnosis and management under a healthcare professional's guidance.
