Can I Consume Dairy Products if I’m Lactose Intolerant?

Just think of craving a creamy scoop of ice cream or a cheesy pizza slice, but finding oneself struggling with cramps and bloating shortly after! Patients experiencing lactose intolerance generally face these kinds of situations. They are generally told to keep away from dairy products, but does that imply that they have to give up on their favorite bites completely, or is there a silver lining? The answer to this question might be rather tricky. While some people with Lactose intolerance​ might not be able to handle even a drop of milk, there might be some of them who can have it in small amounts. There are certain lactose free alternatives to cheese and yogurt that might help the patients enjoy various delicacies without taking a toll on their well-being. In many cases, being diagnosed as lactose intolerant does not mean that a patient has to completely avoid dairy products and keep them away from the table, instead, what is required is mindful consumption and a strategic approach to the intake of dairy products.

What is lactose intolerance?

Lactose intolerance​ is an abnormal reaction of a person’s digestive system to lactose, which is a form of sugar present in dairy products. Many people might have difficulties digesting lactose, but it usually does not cause any visible symptoms. However, when the symptoms are caused, it is called lactose intolerance. Lactose malabsorption is another term that is often used interchangeably with lactose intolerance, however, there is a slight difference in both these terms. Lactose malabsorption is the inability to break down lactose molecules and absorb them in the digestive system. Every patient with lactose intolerance will face lactose malabsorption, but everyone with lactose malabsorption might not face lactose intolerance. Malabsorption happens in the small intestine of a person, while intolerance occurs when the lactose passes through the large intestine.

How is lactose intolerance caused?

Lactose intolerance usually occurs when an enzyme called lactase, which is used by the body to break down lactose into simpler molecules, is lacking in quantity, or not being formed in the required amount. If a person does not have enough amounts of lactase, they will not be able to digest lactose. The amount of lactase keeps declining as a person grows from the stages of infancy, but if the levels are extremely low, lactose intolerance can occur. This might result in certain uncomfortable symptoms like diarrhea, Digestive distress, nausea and vomiting, bloating, cramps and gas. These symptoms usually start 30 minutes after consuming foods that contain lactose.

Can someone develop lactose intolerance over time?

Most of the people with lactose intolerance are the ones who develop it over time as they grow from childhood to adulthood. The most common form of lactose intolerance known as primary lactose intolerance develops slowly as the body of a person stops producing lactase gradually. The sensitivity of the gut towards lactose might also change over time. Apart from lactose malabsorption, people who have the following conditions are also at risk of developing lactose intolerance:

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Visceral Hypersensitivity
• Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth

Some people might also develop secondary Lactose intolerance​ suddenly if they have not had any history of lactose intolerance. This can occur due to an injury to the small intestine, radiation therapy, celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, enterocolitis etc.

Can someone with lactose intolerance consume dairy products?

The answer to this question lies largely in the self-experimentation of the patient. Experimenting carefully with one’s diet might help them understand what is their personal threshold for lactose consumption. Some patients might find that they can consume certain dairy products in certain amounts, or when mixed with some other food items. Patients can begin with a lactose-free diet, and then gradually include lactose back in their Lactose intolerance diet in small amounts to check for their own limit, by seeing how their digestive system responds.  Some people with lactose intolerance might be able to consume around 12gms of lactose, which is equivalent to one scoop of ice cream or a cup of milk at a time. These days, many lactose-reduced and lactose-free versions of various dairy products are also available. 

Hence, we now understand that lactose intolerance might not cause any big health hazard on itself, however, its symptoms can be rather frustrating and can reduce the quality of life of a person. This can be avoided easily by lactose supplements and lactose-free dairy products.Consulting a Gastro doctor near me​ , can give a person a better idea about their lactose intolerance and steps they can take to deal with it.

If you are looking for the Best Gastroenterologists In Mohali or Lactose intolerance treatment​, Sohana Hospital might be an ideal choice for you. Sohana Hospital Mohali boasts of the world’s most advanced endoscopic ultrasound near me technology and North India’s leading Gastroenterologists who provide the most holistic and comprehensive treatment for all the gastrointestinal ailments of the patients in the region. Take the first step towards a healthier and happier gut!