If eating dairy products or drinking milk causes gastrointestinal issues, you may be lactose intolerant. Lactose is a type of sugar found in milk that some people have difficulty digesting.
These issues can occur over time as a person drinks less milk during adulthood, which is known as primary lactose intolerance. They can also accompany another medical condition, such as Crohn’s disease or an infection of the intestines. Symptoms associated with lactose intolerance include:
These symptoms usually occur within 30 minutes to two hours after a person has consumed a dairy product.
If lactose intolerance is caused by another medical condition, treating that condition can improve a person’s tolerance of dairy products. With Crohn’s disease, aminosalicylate medications reduce inflammation in the GI tract, while corticosteroids suppress the immune system, which prevents the body from responding aggressively to lactose.
For those with primary lactose intolerance, meaning the condition is not linked to another medical issue, over-the-counter lactase enzymes are beneficial. This medication, which is available in pills and drops, can aid in the digestion of dairy when taken before meals. Some people also experience success with probiotic supplements, which boost the presence of “good” gut bacteria that helps with digestion.
Along with medication, doctors recommend certain self-care tips and home remedies to enhance digestion. These include:
While lactose intolerance isn’t usually associated with serious health effects, it can reduce your intake of essential nutrients. In this case, you can ensure sufficient calcium intake by increasing consumption of fortified cereals, leafy green vegetables, and certain types of nuts, including almonds.