You have probably
heard many commercials discussing lactose intolerance. But do you know
what it really is? Let's start with the basics. Lactose is the
predominant sugar in milk. If you are lactose intolerant, you are unable
to digest the sugar in dairy products. It's that simple!
Of course we can go
a little further into this explanation. Normally, lactose is
broken down by enzymes in the intestinal tract so it can be absorbed as an
energy source. Lactase is the enzyme that breaks down
lactose. When the intestine does not contain lactase, then lactose intolerance
occurs.
Symptoms of lactose intolerance can
include bloating, gas, diarrhea and cramps. These symptoms may begin as
early as 30 minutes after you have eaten dairy. Lactose intolerance is
least common among northern Europeans. It is most common in African
Americans and American Indians (75%), as well as Asian Americans (90%).
But as you might have guessed, lactose intolerance can happen to anyone.
Lactose
intolerance affects different people in many different ways,
depending on the severity of their intolerance. Some
individuals have to take a lactase product with every bit of
dairy they eat. Others may be able to eat cheese and drink
milk, but experience cramping and gas at their first bit of ice
cream. As you grow older, you may begin to experience a
bit of lactose intolerance, even though dairy never bothered you
before.
Lactose Intolerance Testing
How do you diagnose lactose intolerance?
There are three common tests that measure your body's ability to absorb lactose.
These three tests are conducted by a physician:
1. Lactose Intolerance
Test: You are instructed to refrain from eating several hours before the
test. You are then instructed to drink a liquid containing lactose.
Over the next two hours, several blood samples are taken to measure your blood
sugar level (glucose). If your blood glucose level does not rise, it shows
the physician that you are lactose intolerant. This test is not safe for
infants and young children, as it can cause severe diarrhea and therefore
dehydration in their small bodies.
2. Hydrogen Breath Test:
This test measures the amount of hydrogen in your breath. You will be
given a drink that contains a large amount of lactose. If you are
intolerant, the undigested lactose in the colon will be fermented by
bacteria, causing hydrogen to form. This will be carried through the blood
stream and can be detected when you exhale. During the test, your breath
is analyzed several times for hydrogen levels. If hydrogen is detected,
you are lactose intolerant. This test is not safe for infants and young
children, as it can cause severe diarrhea and therefore dehydration in their
small bodies.
3. Stool Acidity Test:
This test measures the amount of acid in the stool, and is safe for infants and
young children. The physician is able to detect undigested lactose,
glucose and other short-chain fatty acids in the stool, confirming lactose
intolerance.
Once lactose intolerance has been
confirmed, you will be able to control the unpleasant symptoms associated with
eating dairy. For young children and infants, all forms of dairy should be
taken out of their diet. Older children and adults can purchase lactase
enzymes in tablet and liquid form. These products will convert the lactose
to a more digestible form, easing and sometimes stopping uncomfortable symptoms.
Simply take the pill or drops at your first bite of dairy to diminish or
discontinue pain and discomfort.
If you suspect you are lactose intolerant,
ask your physician if he or she thinks you might benefit from any of the three
lactose intolerance tests.
To compare lactose intolerance vs. a food
or milk allergy, click HERE.
