Alleviating Lactose Intolerance Symptoms Through 6 Methods
Lactose intolerance is a common condition that affects many people, particularly adults. This condition arises when the body lacks the digestive enzyme lactase, which is necessary to break down lactose, a natural sugar found in milk and dairy products.
To determine if lactose intolerance is causing your digestive symptoms, medical testing combined with symptom evaluation is typically used. The most common diagnostic methods include the Lactose Tolerance Test and the Lactose Hydrogen Breath Test (LHBT).
The Lactose Tolerance Test involves fasting and consuming a fixed amount of lactose. Blood samples are taken over time to measure glucose levels. A low or no increase in blood glucose after lactose intake suggests lactase deficiency, indicating lactose intolerance.
The LHBT, on the other hand, measures hydrogen in exhaled breath over several hours after lactose ingestion. Elevated hydrogen indicates lactose fermentation in the colon due to undigested lactose, confirming lactose intolerance.
In addition to these tests, symptom tracking is crucial. Lactose intolerance symptoms typically include gut pain, bloating, distension, borborygmi (stomach rumbling), flatulence, diarrhea, nausea, and sometimes systemic symptoms like headaches or muscle pain. These symptoms occur after consuming lactose-containing foods.
It's important to note that milk allergy involves an immune response to milk proteins and has different, sometimes more severe systemic symptoms. To rule out a milk allergy, discussions with your healthcare provider are essential.
To relieve lactose intolerance symptoms, several remedies are available. Dietary management involves limiting or avoiding lactose-containing foods such as milk, soft cheeses, and ice cream, or opting for lactose-free dairy products.
Lactase enzyme supplements can also help digest lactose and reduce symptoms. Over-the-counter lactase enzyme pills can be taken before consuming lactose-containing foods.
Some evidence suggests that certain probiotics may improve lactose digestion and relieve symptoms, though results vary. Gradual lactose introduction may also help, as some people tolerate small amounts of lactose if introduced gradually due to variable lactase activity.
If symptoms persist despite these measures or if diagnosis is uncertain, consult a gastroenterologist as symptoms overlap with other digestive conditions.
In summary, diagnosis is based on lactose tolerance tests and symptom assessment, while relief primarily involves dietary adjustment and enzyme supplementation. If you suspect you have lactose intolerance, it's recommended to discuss with your healthcare provider about tests like LHBT or the lactose tolerance blood test. Avoiding lactose-containing foods temporarily to see if symptoms improve is often recommended but should be guided by a professional.
Following the lactose intolerance symptoms, maintaining a health-and-wellness lifestyle that includes fitness-and-exercise, nutrition, and a balanced diet could potentially lessen the impact on your health. However, it's crucial to understand the root cause of your digestive issues, as medical testing like the Lactose Tolerance Test and the Lactose Hydrogen Breath Test (LHBT) are essential for accurate diagnosis. Once you've determined lactose intolerance, lifestyle changes such as limiting or avoiding food containing lactose, taking lactase enzyme supplements, or gradually reintroducing lactose could help manage the condition.
