Lactose Intolerance

WHAT IS LACTOSE

Lactose is a sugar (carbohydrates) present in the milk and is the primary source of energy that comes from Milk. Lactose is basically made up of two smaller sugars called Glucose and Galactose. Lactose makes up around 2-8% of the milk by weight and is the major constituent of SNF (solid not Fat) in milk.

Infants nurse on their mothers to drink milk which is rich in lactose. The intestine secretes the enzyme called lactase to digest it. This enzyme cleaves the lactose molecules into its sub unit , the simple sugars glucose and galactose which can be readily absorbed. Since lactose occurs mostly in milk in most mammals, the production of lactase gradually decreases with maturity due to a lack of constant consumption.

WHAT IS LACTOSE INTOLERANCE

Lactose intolerance also called lactase deficiency and hypolactasia is the inability to digest lactose a sugar found in milk and to a lesser extent dairy product.

Lactose intolerance individual have insufficient levels of lactase the enzyme that helps in breaking down of lactose into glucose and galactose in their digestive system. In most cases this causes symptoms which are

• Abdominal bloating and cramps
• Flatulence, diarrhea
• Nausea or vomiting
• Rumbling stomach

Some studies have produced evidence that milk consumption by lactose intolerant individual may be a significant cause of inflammatory bowel disease

How to Know You have lactose Intolerance

If you feel sick after drinking a glass of milk, one time, you probably do not have Lactose intolerant. But if you feel sick every time you have milk, ice cream, or another dairy product you may have lactose intolerance. Common symptoms of Lactose intolerance are

• Abdominal bloating and cramps
• Flatulence, diarrhea
• Nausea or vomiting
• Rumbling stomach

But if you feel you might have lactose Intolerant talk to doctors to make sure the symptoms are caused by Lactose intolerance and not another problem.

How to prevent Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerant is a condition rather than a disease and there is no treatment in strict sense. However it can be prevented by measures like lactose reduced / free food as well modification in your diet in consultation with your physician.