Lactose Intolerance - What You Should Know About This Common Condition

Lactose Intolerance - What You Should Know About This
Common Condition by Jeff Plante

or products containing milk are consumed. Lactose is a larger sugar that is made up
of two smaller sugars, glucose and galactose. Lactose intolerance is caused by
reduced or absent activity of lactase that prevents the splitting of lactose. This
condition is not lethal and morbidity is low, although osteopenia can be a
complication of this disorder.

Common symptoms of lactose intolerance include loose stools, abdominal bloating
and pain, flatulence, nausea, and borborygmi. Symptoms may or may not occur in
the digestive system. Symptoms tend to develop 30 minutes to two hours after
consuming milk or dairy products and are usually mild, but may sometimes be
severe. Symptoms of lactose intolerance are often confused with symptoms of
irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Dietary control of lactose intolerance depends on each person's learning through trial
and error how much lactose he or she can handle. Some people can tolerate a
reasonable amount of lactose, while others can tolerate none at all. Many individuals
with the condition can digest the amount of lactose found in 1/2 cup of milk, but
more is asking for trouble.

People who have trouble digesting lactose can learn which dairy products and other
foods they can eat without discomfort and which ones they should avoid.
Lactose-reduced milk and other products are available at many supermarkets. Smart
shoppers learn to read food labels with care, looking not only for milk and lactose
among the contents but also for such words as whey, curds, milk by-products, dry
milk solids, and nonfat dry milk powder.

Regardless, people who are lactose intolerant should follow the same basic strategies
to build and maintain healthy bones, and pay extra attention to getting enough
calcium. A diagnosis or even the suggestion of lactose intolerance leads many people
to avoid milk and/or consume specially prepared food with digestive aids. However,
milk is the primary source of calcium and calcium is necessary for good health and
strong bones. It is also pivotal in preventing osteoporosis, a major health threat for
an estimated 44 million Americans, 68 percent of whom are women.

About The Author

Jeff has been writing online for over 3 years now. The author specializes in the topic
of lactose intolerance, but also has a new site with deals,
reviews and information on all types of .

Lactose intolerance is a common
condition in our society, but many
people never link their digestive
disturbances with the consumption of
dairy products. Lactose intolerance is
especially common among Asian,
South American, and African persons.
It is least prevalent among people
with a northern European heritage. In
the United States alone, there are
approximately 50 million people who
are lactose intolerant.

Lactose intolerance is an inability to
digest and absorb lactose resulting in
gastrointestinal symptoms when milk

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The content on
this website is for educational purposes only. Please consult with your physician before using natural
remedies and before making any drastic changes to your diet or exercise program.