Introduction
Lactose intolerance is basically happen when your body
cannot tolerate or having and intolerance with the lactose that is commonly
found in our daily food intake. The dimer of glucose, called lactose needs a
specific enzyme called lactase to break down the lactose. People who are having
lactose intolerance usually lacks of lactase in their body. Thus, it will cause
them to experience a bloating, flatulence and diarrhea after having milk. Lactose
is noticeably found in milk.
What are the signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance?
After consuming dairy products or any lactose-based
products, people with lactose intolerance may experience these symptoms:
1)
Flatulence.
It is a buildup of excessive gas in the intestinal tract; this can lead to
farting and burping.
2)
Diarrhea.
About an hour or two after consuming lactose the individual can suddenly become
desperate to go to the toilet.
3)
Feeling bloated
4)
Stomach ache
and abdominal pains
5)
Tummy
rumbles
6)
Nausea
What are the causes of lactose
intolerance?
Lactose
is a type of sugar found in milk. Lactase is a protein-base, which is an enzyme
that is produced in the small intestine to break down lactose. Individuals with
lactose intolerance do not produce enough lactase, lactase deficiency in an
individual body system.
People
with adequate amounts of lactase can break down lactose into glucose and
galactose (a type of sugar-a monomer of carbohydrates) which are then absorbed
into the bloodstream. In people with low levels of lactase, the lactose is not
broken down and does not absorb into the bloodstream, instead it moves into the
large intestine (colon). Bacteria in the colon react to the lactose, triggering
symptoms.
What are the four main types of lactase deficiency?
Primary lactase deficiency -
genetically inherited. It is the most common type and usually develops when the
patient is under 20 years of age. As soon as the individual's diet includes
less milk, lactase production drops. In most cases, this occurs when the baby
is weaned from milk to solids. Although lactase levels may drop at such an
early age, it may be a few years before lactose intolerance symptoms develop.
Secondary lactase deficiency - there is
a problem with the small intestine that results in inadequate amounts of
lactase production. Possible causes are intestinal surgery, Crohn's
disease, ulcerative colitis, chemotherapy, celiac
disease and gastroenteritis. If the underlying
condition is chronic (long-term), the resultant lactose intolerance tends to be
long-term too.
Congenital lactase deficiency - the
person is born with a genetic mutation which means they produce very little lactase
(or none at all). The condition is inherited from the patient's parents.
Familial lactase deficiency - lactase
production is fine, but it does not do the job. It does not break down the
lactase into glucose and galactose so that it can be absorbed into the
bloodstream. This condition is also inherited from the parents.
What are the risk factors?
- Increasing age. Lactose intolerance becomes more common as you age — the condition is uncommon in babies and young children.
- Ethnicity. Lactose intolerance is most common in black, Asian, Hispanic and American Indian people.
- Premature birth. Infants born prematurely may have reduced levels of lactase because this enzyme increases in the fetus late in the third trimester.
- Diseases affecting the small intestine. Small intestine problems that can cause lactose intolerance include bacterial overgrowth, celiac disease and Crohn's disease.
- Certain cancer treatments. If you have received radiation therapy for cancer in your abdomen or have intestinal complications from chemotherapy, you have an increased risk of lactose intolerance.
How is it treated?
There is no cure for lactose intolerance. But you can treat your symptoms by limiting or avoiding milk products. Some people use milk with reduced lactose, or they substitute soy milk and soy cheese for milk and milk products. Some people who are lactose-intolerant can eat yogurt without problems, especially yogurt with live cultures. You can also take dietary supplements called lactase products that help digest lactose. In time, most people who have lactose intolerance get to know their bodies well enough to avoid symptoms.
One of the biggest concerns for people who are lactose-intolerant is making sure they get enough of the nutrients found in milk products, especially calcium. Calcium is most important for children, teens, pregnant women, and women after menopause. There are many nondairy foods that contain calcium, including:
Broccoli, okra, kale, collards, and turnip greens.
Canned sardines, tuna, and salmon.
Calcium-fortified juices and cereals.
Calcium-fortified soy products such as soy milk, tofu, and soybeans.
Almonds.
Probiotics
Probiotics are living organisms present in your intestines that help maintain a healthy digestive system. Probiotics are also available as active or "live" cultures in some yogurts and as supplements in capsule form. They are sometimes used for gastrointestinal conditions, such as diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome. They may also help your body digest lactose. Probiotics are generally considered safe and may be worth a try if other methods don't help.
