Lactose Intolerance - No More Embarassing and Painful Symptoms
A few years ago, we learned that my daughter is lactose intolerant. She was young, so it was a bit scary. I knew nothing about lactose or lactase enzymes! I started to think about all the dairy products that would have to be eliminated from her diet. Then I started reading about the "hidden" dairy in some foods. It became a bit overwhelming.
But, I did not want my daughter to have any more abdominal discomfort.
So, we took it one step at a time. Since then, she has learned there are some foods that are taboo, and some she can manage.
In this lens, I would like to share with you some of the things we have learned about lactose intolerance. I will explain what it is and what you can do about it. Follow along and learn what steps you can take to avoid the dreaded symptoms.
What is Lactose Intolerance?
Lactase breaks down milk sugar into two simpler forms of sugar called glucose and galactose, which are then absorbed into the bloodstream. Not all people deficient in lactase have the symptoms commonly associated with lactose intolerance, but those who do are said to have lactose intolerance.
Lactose Intolerance Symptoms
People who do not have enough lactase to digest the amount of lactose they consume may feel very uncomfortable when they digest milk products.Common symptoms, which range from mild to severe, include:
Nausea
Cramps
Bloating
Gas
Diarrhea
Symptoms begin about 30 minutes to 2 hours after eating or drinking foods containing lactose. The severity of symptoms depends on many factors, including the amount of lactose a person can tolerate and a person's age, ethnicity, and digestion rate.
Lactose Intolerance and Cooking
Cooking dairy free is possible!
Read some of the comments written by very satisfied customers:
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"I decided to try the author's Easy Parmesan Substitute. Three ingredients. Delicious. A great dairy-free alternative to parmesan cheese which we sprinkled over the pasta. Delish. I'm hooked! "
"The recipes are great - they are flexible and versatile. From how to make dairy free sweetened condensed 'milk' to sinful cinnamon bread, yum! The tips are wonderful too, everything from calcium supplementation...to dining out..."
Go Dairy Free: The Guide and Cookbook for Milk Allergies, Lactose Intolerance, and Casein-Free Living
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 11/11/2009)
Order your own copy of Go Dairy Free and inside you will find all of the following!
* Over 225 Delicious Dairy-Free Recipes
* A Comprehensive Guide to Dairy Substitutes
* Grocery Shopping Information
* A Detailed Calcium Chapter
* An In-Depth Health Section
* Everyday Living Tips
Hidden Lactose
Read food labels to avoid sources of hidden lactose
Some products labeled non-dairy, such as powdered coffee creamer and whipped toppings, may actually include ingredients that are derived from milk and do contain lactose.Learn to read food labels with care, looking not only for milk and lactose, but also for words such as:
* whey
* curds
* milk by-products
* dry milk solids
* non-fat dry milk powder
If any of these words are listed on a label, the product contains lactose.
Although milk and foods made from milk are the only natural sources of lactose, it is often added to prepared foods. People with very low tolerance for lactose should know about the many food products that may contain even small amounts of lactose, such as
* bread and other baked goods
* processed breakfast cereals
* instant potatoes, soups, and breakfast drinks
* margarine
* lunch meats (other than kosher)
* salad dressings
* candies and other snacks
* mixes for pancakes, biscuits, and cookies
* powdered meal-replacement supplements
Lactose is also used in more than 20 percent of prescription drugs and about 6 percent of over-the-counter medicines. Many types of birth control pills contain lactose, as do some tablets for stomach acid and gas. However, these products typically affect only people with severe lactose intolerance.
What Can You Do To Prevent Lactose Intolerance Symptoms?
Slowly begin to add dairy to your diet. Start with small amounts, and keep adding more.When you eat dairy foods, make sure you have it with a meal or other foods. Don't just drink a tall glass of milk with nothing else.
Have small amounts of dairy foods and drinks throughout the day.
Try dairy foods that have less lactose than milk, as they may not bother your stomach as much. Hard cheeses, such as cheddar and romano, and yogurt are examples.
When eating cheese, choose a hard cheese such as cheddar over soft cheese.
Drink lactose-reduced and lactose-free milk, which can be found in most grocery stores.
Try calcium and vitamin D fortified soy milk if you find you can't tolerate milk at all.
If you do have ice cream, stay away from the soft serve! That is an almost guaranteed stomach ache.
Add a lactase enzyme to your diet when you are having dairy foods.
Have Some Fun With Your Lactose Intolerance!
Got Gas? Dark T-Shirt
Price: 22.99
Intolerant Jr. Spaghetti Tank
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Got Soy? Women's Dark T-Shirt
Price: 22.99
So, What is Lactose?
Lactose Intolerance and Cow's Milk Intolerance
Same thing?
However, lactose intolerance and cow's milk intolerance are not related. Being intolerant to cow's milk is an allergic reaction triggered by the immune system. Lactose intolerance is a problem caused by the digestive system.
Are you lactose intolerant?
Do you have any suggestions for those who are lactose intolerant?
I would love to hear from everyone!
capriliz wrote...
in reply to aj2008 Thank you, AJ, for the squid angel blessing!
Posted October 09, 2009
capriliz wrote...
in reply to inkserotica If you are lactose intolerant, you are missing the lactase enzyme. Eliminate all dairy products from your diet for a few days and you should know! Best thing to do probably, is call your doctor and ask for the Hydrogen Breath Test.
Posted October 09, 2009
aj2008 wrote...
Just the sort of lens I like to see in the Health category. SquidAngel Blessings for you.
Posted October 09, 2009
inkserotica wrote...
I can't help wondering if this could be one of the causes of my gastric problems. I know I'm missing at least two vital chemicals in my body: serotonin and intrinsic factor. Could I be missing more? 5*
Posted October 09, 2009
Pastiche wrote...
I never had a problem with lactose until I was well into my fifties. I still enjoy many dairy products, but have switched over to soy milk. Terrific lens!
Posted July 20, 2009
capriliz wrote...
My daughter has done that - decided that taking a lactase pill will magically make everything OK. But, the "pill" does not prevent the symptoms when she has soft ice cream or home made macaroni and cheese! Those are two definite no-no's!
Posted June 16, 2009
EverythingMouse wrote...
I have a number of friends who have food allergies so I am learning a lot about this. It just seems to be affecting more and more people these days.
Posted June 16, 2009
ElizabethJeanAllen wrote...
Having grown up on a dairy farm, the idea of not being able to drink milk or eat ice cream is beyond my comprehension. I knew better but I thought they just didn't "like" milk. On the last day of class I brought in stuff to make homemade ice cream. We had a ball until one of the girls got sick. She was lactose intolerant. She took the pills figuring that would be enough. It wasn't. After reading your lens I have a better understanding of the frustrations lactose intolerant people go through.
Thanks
Lizzy
Posted June 09, 2009
by capriliz
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