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Milk isn't always good for you
Lactose intolerance doesn't play favorites -- men and women, boys and girls are all affected. African-Americans, Asians, Hispanics, and Native Americans seem to suffer an especially high number of stomach aches over this distressing condition -- an inability to digest lactose, the sugary part of milk.
The symptoms of lactose intolerance can be quite uncomfortable: diarrhea, gas, bloating, and pain. But once lactose intolerance is identified as the cause, it's a fairly easy condition to treat. Just stay away from dairy products or use any of the over-the-counter medications that will allow you to drink milk with your cookies.
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Don't Blame Lactose Until You're Sure
Confirm that you actually have lactose intolerance before you label it the culprit.
- Sometimes lactose intolerance gets confused with lactose malabsorption or milk-protein allergy.
- Keep track of what you eat in a diet-symptom diary.
- Have your doctor give you a hydrogen breath test to measure whether you're lactose intolerant. A high level of hydrogen in your breath after you've eaten lactose-containing foods means the lactose has failed to be absorbed and your body is starting to produce a fermentation that is releasing hydrogen gas.
Lactose Variables
Lactose intolerance -- like all food sensitivities -- can be tricky to pin down. Variables include the following:
- Sometimes the quantity of lactose-containing foods is a variable; some people can tolerate a small amount of milk or milk products, but not a lot at one time. (This still indicates you may be lactose intolerant.)
- Mixing alcohol with foods can alter the results; alcohol makes some people more lactose sensitive. So a glass of wine and cheese can cause a lactose response while a cheese omelette at breakfast might not.
- Exercise can worsen lactose sensitivity responses. So if you are lactose intolerant, don't eat or drink any milk products before you exercise.
- Lactose intolerance can be a transient condition; it can surface as a secondary issue for patients suffering from the side effects of other gastrointestinal conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease, giardia, or chemotherapy.
Symptoms of lactose intolerance begin to emerge about 45 minutes to two hours after lactose ingestion. They include the following:
- Oral itching
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Increased flatulence
- Borborygmi (commonly known as "stomach gurgles")
- Abdominal bloating, cramping, or pain
- Irritability
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Weight loss without loss of appetite
Ease into Lactose
Some scientists theorize that lactose-intolerant patients can teach their bodies to absorb milk products by gradually introducing milk into their diets. Avoiding milk products completely can exacerbate the problem. (This theory has is still unproven.)
Introduce dairy products slowly. Try the following:
- Hard and aged cheeses contain less lactose.
- Let unpasteurized yogurt stand at room temperature to increase the number of live lactose-digesting bacteria in it.
- Lactose-reduced milk is available in many grocery stores.
- Drops or tablets can be added to regular milk to predigest it and reduce the level of lactose.
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| Lactase | Ingredient | Description |
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| Lactase | ? | The lactase enzyme is available as a supplement for the lactose intolerant. It can be added to dairy products or taken orally to aid in the digestion of milk sugars. Lactose-intolerant individuals cannot digest the sugar lactose found in dairy products. Lactase breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose, digesting it for you. |
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Use Them When You Eat- Lactose-intolerance medications are enzymes that break down lactose.
- They must be taken with your dairy foods. Taking them when you already have symptoms will not be of much benefit.
Recommended Dosage
| Enzymatic | | Drug | Adults & Children Over Age 12 | Max. Daily | Children Ages 6 to 12 | Max. Daily | Children Under Age 6 | Max. Daily |
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| Lactase | Liquid: 5 to 15 drops per quart of milk
Tablets: 1 to 3 with dairy food
Capsules: 1 to 2 with dairy food | Refer to package or consult a physician | Refer to package or consult a physician | | Refer to package or consult a physician |
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Common Side Effects
Infrequent to Rare Side Effects
Effects of Overdose
What to Do in Case of Overdose
- It is unlikely that an overdose of this medication will cause life-threatening symptoms. If you are still concerned, please seek the advice of your health professional.
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Websites, Organizations & Manufacturers
Sources & Further Reading
Books
- 1. Covington, TR et al. Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs, Eleventh Ed. American Pharmaceutical Assoc. Washington, DC 1996.
- 2. Kastrup EK et al. Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts and Comparisons.
Find more books on health and wellness at  barnesandnoble.com.
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