Lactose intolerance is when people have trouble digesting lactose, a type of sugar found in dairy products. When you have lactose intolerance, your body can't break down the naturally occurring sugars called lactose.
There are several signs of lactose intolerance and symptoms. The signs include:
The digestive system produces more gas, making you feel bloated after having a dairy product. This symptom occurs when the body doesn't have enough of an enzyme to digest lactose.
When you eat dairy products, your body produces carbon dioxide, hydrogen gas, fluid, and chymotrypsin. Sometimes these gases and the fluid mix and make your tummy swell up.
Some people have cramps around their belly buttons after eating dairy products like ice cream, milk, or cheese. Swelling in this area can make you feel pain.
If you don't digest lactose properly and it remains in your small intestines, your body may think it's a foreign substance. It can cause your body to create bacteria that cause diarrhea, so the substance is flushed out.
After your body cannot break down lactose, the bacteria in your small intestines can cause diarrhea, making you vomit. It may happen about 30 minutes after eating a dairy product.
Lactose intolerance is a common cause of bloating and abdominal discomfort. The intestines can absorb lactose, but the amount of lactose that you absorb is different from normal and may produce gas, bloating, or discomfort.
Dairy products can also cause mouth sores from the bacteria in your mouth when you eat dairy foods. Sores on the lips and tongue may also occur.
Some people experience discomfort in their abdomen when they eat dairy products. This discomfort may be mild or severe.
Some people may produce more gas than normal after eating dairy products. It is because lactose remains unabsorbed in the small intestine, and bacteria break it down, resulting in gas.
Production of lactic acid and hydrogen may lower your energy level and make you feel tired after eating dairy products. Lactose intolerance symptoms are often different from person to person, but there are a few that will affect most people with this condition. Although they're not symptoms, they'll help you determine whether you're lactose intolerant or not.
The only way to prevent symptoms of lactose intolerance is to remove dairy products from your diet. However, if you experience any signs or symptoms of lactose intolerance, try to avoid the following foods:
Ice cream is usually made from milk containing lactose. However, many ice cream products contain lactase and the body can produce enough of the enzyme to break down lactose.
Milk is the most common food that causes cramps and a swollen belly when people have lactose intolerance. Other dairy products also contain some lactose, so you should avoid these foods as well.
Hard cheeses are made with the same ingredients as other hard cheeses, usually blue or white. It includes cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan cheeses.
Frozen yogurt is another dairy product that contains lactose. The only way to avoid lactose intolerance is to avoid all foods that contain dairy products. It can be not easy, but you'll find lots of different kinds of food and recipes out there.
This is a great food choice for parties and family gatherings. However, if you have lactose intolerance, avoid pizza or anything with dairy products.
Bread, like cornbread, biscuits, and muffins, is another great choice for a picnic or barbecue. However, if you have lactose intolerance, avoid these foods as well.
This is a great food because it's versatile and people enjoy it with meat or butter sauce. If you're lactose intolerant, however, avoid any pasta that contains dairy products.
Beers made with milk, soda, and similar drinks are usually an excellent source of nutrition. However, if you have lactose intolerance, avoid them as well.
Dairy desserts are some of the most delicious treats purchased. But if you have lactose intolerance, avoid dairy desserts or anything containing dairy.
There are many different signs that you may be lactose intolerant. If you are experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, try to avoid dairy products for a few days to determine if your symptoms go away. Everyone is different so some people will have more severe lactose intolerance than others; therefore, the amount of time you should eliminate dairy should be longer. If your symptoms don't disappear after several days, you should talk to your doctor about a better diet plan.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.