When milk and dairy products are consumed, they can cause gas, bloating and digestive problems due to lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance is an important problem seen in almost everyone of all ages. Lactose that cannot be digested moves into the intestines and damages the person's health. If left untreated, it can cause constipation, which can be controlled with a simple change in diet.
It is a natural milk sugar present in milk and dairy products. Some time after milk and dairy products are consumed, it is broken down by the enzyme lactase secreted from the intestines and turns into glucose and galactose.
It is also called lactose sensitivity, lactose intolerance or lactose sensitivity. This is the point at which people say "milk touches me". Lactose intolerance is defined as the inability of the body to digest the milk sugar present in milk, which occurs in the absence of the enzyme lactase.
When it cannot be digested, it is fermented in the intestines by bacteria and fungi, a kind of digestion process, resulting in the formation of hydrogen, carbon dioxide and methane gas. As a result, the gas produced by the bacteria and fungi causes problems such as abdominal pain, bloating, nausea and diarrhea. This problem can be similar to the symptoms of various diseases of the digestive system, so it can be confused with this condition.
What are the symptoms of lactose intolerance?
Lactase enzyme deficiency is associated with bloating, gas formation in the intestines and abdominal pain about half to two hours after consuming milk-containing foods. If it cannot be broken down in the small intestine, it creates an acidic state, which causes a build-up in the intestine and causes diarrhea. People who are sick do not lose weight because of this, but the changes in the bacterial flora in the intestines can cause constipation after a while. Other symptoms can be listed as follows;
- Headache, dizziness
- Memory problem
- Sleep and drowsiness problems
- Pain in muscles and joints
- Allergic reaction
- Mild or severe sore throat
Babies with lactose intolerance may have the following symptoms
- Diaper rash problem
- Restlessness
- Constantly creating problems
- Attachment problems during breastfeeding
- Inadequate development
Just because your baby has these symptoms does not always mean that he or she has this condition. Some or all of these symptoms can also occur in babies who are breastfed. If you think your baby or child has these symptoms, you may need to consult a specialist.
How is lactose intolerance tested?
Some tests are performed to make a diagnosis. One of these tests is a lactose intolerance test. This test can be done for both adults and children. Patients who want to have this test should not consume any food for a few hours and a sample of their blood is taken to determine their current sugar levels. After the blood sample is taken, the affected person is given a liquid containing 50 grams of lactose to drink. Blood samples are taken from the person for 2 hours after drinking the liquid and the effect of lactose consumption on blood sugar levels is observed. If the person has the lactase enzyme in the body, the lactose drunk at the start of the test can be broken down into glucose and galactose, resulting in an increase in blood sugar. However, determining that there is no increase in blood sugar in repeated evaluations indicates that this sugar cannot be digested in the patient and the individual can be diagnosed.
Lactose Intolerance Treatment
There is no treatment that can help your body provide more lactase. But symptoms can be alleviated by changing your diet. The symptoms of this condition are very uncomfortable, but do not cause great harm. Therefore, try to consume dairy products that do not cause severe symptoms. Fermented dairy foods are easier to tolerate than non-fermented dairy foods.
- Keep a diary of the foods consumed for the first 1-2 months after the discomfort is detected and note the digestive problems experienced.
- Milk and dairy products should not be consumed for a while. Different foods can be supplemented in small proportions.
- Once the body's lactose tolerance level is determined, it is necessary to act in a planned manner, and foods containing lactose should be avoided as much as possible.
- In addition to regular milk, lactose-free milk or milk such as coconut milk or almond milk should be consumed.
- Information about lactose-containing foods should be obtained.
The relevant specialist may recommend consuming different foods to ensure adequate calcium intake. Calcium support can be provided.
Children with lactose intolerance should be checked by a specialist. Children and young people need dairy products during their growth phase. Dairy products are important for the development of bones.