Lactose Intolerance Treatment

What is Lactose Intolerance?

Treatment for Lactose Intolerance: An allergy to breast milk as soon as an infant is born is quite typical. This allergy appears immediately after the infant starts breastfeeding, with a widespread skin reaction all over the body, similar to measles. These cases are characterized by a congenital deficiency or absence of the enzyme LACTASE, which is necessary for the digestion of the sugar LACTOSE in milk. These types of allergies are true milk allergies. Sometimes an allergic reaction that does not appear to occur to breast milk can develop to cow’s milk. Some of these cases are alleviated or disappear after the first 3 years of life. The condition characterized by LACTASE enzyme deficiency is called “LACTOSE INTOLERANCE”. And these account for 3-5% of cases of MILK ALLERGY.

But an allergy to milk and dairy products later in life, when it did not exist in the past, is completely different. These cases develop allergies due to the condition called “Leaky Gut Syndrome”, which develops due to FLORA DAMAGE in the intestines. Our gut and defense systems recognize the products consumed by our ancestors thanks to our genetic memory. Though we cannot distinguish whether a product is natural or not at first glance, our genetic memory allows our body to easily recognize them. Our intestines are selectively permeable. However, damage to the intestinal flora results in impaired selective permeability. Upon impairment of the selective permeability of the intestine, dairy products that have been processed and structurally modified are perceived as foreign by our genetic memory, and when these products are consumed, they are absorbed from the intestines although they should not be absorbed and pass into the bloodstream, causing allergic reactions to these products. The prevalence of this type of allergy in the population is 10%. We call milk allergy resulting from flora damage without Lactase enzyme deficiency as “LACTOSE INTOLERANCE-LIKE SYNDROME”. This syndrome accounts for 95-97% of all milk allergies, which can be treated. These patients can be treated with a FLORA TRANSPLANT.

 

What are the symptoms of Lactose Intolerance?

Lactose intolerance is when the body cannot digest dairy products that contain a type of sugar called Lactose. This is due to a deficiency or absence of Lactase, the enzyme needed to digest milk sugar. Usually, the symptoms of lactose intolerance start between 30 minutes and 2 hours after having a meal and are as follows:

• Abdominal pain or cramps
• Nausea
• Intestinal gas, bloating
• Diarrhea
• Constipation (although less frequent)

These symptoms depend on the amount of lactose you consume and your tolerance to lactose. Whereas some people can tolerate small amounts of lactose, others may not tolerate it at all.

How is Lactose Intolerance diagnosed?

Although lactose intolerance is usually diagnosed based on symptoms and history of symptoms, a precise diagnosis may also require some medical tests. Here are some of the methods used to diagnose lactose intolerance:

Lactose Intolerance Test: This test aims to analyze how your body copes with lactose. You need to be hungry before you undergo the test. You are then given a high-lactose liquid to drink and your blood sugar level is measured for a couple of hours. If your blood sugar doesn’t go up, this may be a sign that your body is not digesting lactose properly.

Hydrogen Breath Test: This test measures the amount of hydrogen in your breath. The test involves taking breath samples at regular intervals after drinking a liquid containing a high amount of lactose. When you cannot digest lactose, the intestines produce more hydrogen, which affects your breath.

Colon Biopsy: This test is less commonly performed, usually when other tests are inconclusive. The practitioner takes a small sample from your small intestine and checks the level of Lactase in the laboratory.

Which Should People with Lactose Intolerance Pay Attention to?

Those who suffer from lactose intolerance should pay attention to some important points to prevent the onset of symptoms and maintain their overall health. Here are the things to pay attention to in Lactose intolerance:

Read Food Product Labels: Milk and dairy products naturally contain lactose, but lactose can sometimes be found in unexpected foods. So, read the labels of foods and beverages carefully.

Lactose Free or Lactose Reduced Products: Many supermarkets and healthy food outlets keep a stock of lactose-free milk and lactose-free dairy products, as well as lactose-free cheese and yogurt. These products are generally more convenient for people with lactose intolerance.

Increase Calcium and Vitamin D Intake: By avoiding milk and dairy products, people with lactose intolerance often do not get enough calcium and vitamin D. Those people should take care to consume other foods containing vitamins and minerals (e.g. broccoli, kale, salmon, sardines, orange juice, almond milk).

Consider Using a Lactase Supplement: Lactase is an enzyme our bodies use to break down lactose. When taken with meals, lactase supplements can make it easier to digest lactose.

Consult Your Doctor: Consult your doctor before you start any diet or use any supplements. It is also important to see a health professional if your symptoms worsen or become uncontrollable.

Always keep in mind that lactose intolerance can affect each person in different ways and everyone has a different level of tolerance. Whereas some people can tolerate small amounts of lactose, others may not tolerate it at all. What matters is to listen to your own body and find out what works best for you.

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