Do you also get stomach upset when you drink milk? Let's learn about this lactose intolerance!

Do you feel full, bloated, or upset after drinking milk, eating a piece of cheese, or eating ice cream? Do you sometimes have diarrhea? This is actually a common problem for many people. This is what we medically call `(Lactose Intolerance)`. Let's talk about this in detail today.

What is lactose intolerance?

Simply put, `(Lactose Intolerance)` is the inability of our body to properly digest the sugar `(Lactose)` found in milk and milk-based products. This is an allergy to milk, which is an `(Allergy)`, right? Those are two completely different conditions. However, if a person with `(Lactose Intolerance)` drinks milk, or eats something containing `(Lactose)` like cheese, yogurt, or ice cream, the body may feel a little uncomfortable.

Many people in the world have this `(Lactose Intolerance)` condition. But you don't have to suffer from stomach problems all the time because of this. If you also have this condition, you can control it by being a little careful about what you eat and drink, and if necessary, using medication prescribed by a doctor.

What actually happens inside the body in Lactose Intolerance?

Like everything else we eat, our bodies need to digest the sugar in milk called `(Lactose)` in order to get energy. To help with this task, our small intestine, that is, the small intestine, produces a special substance. This is called `(Lactase)` (pronounced: lac-tase). This `(Lactase)` is an enzyme `(Enzyme)`. What it does is break down the complex sugar `(Lactose)` into two simple sugars that our bodies can easily absorb, `(Glucose)` (Glucose) and `(Galactose)` (Gal-tose). These simple sugars are what our bodies can use as energy.

Now, what happens to people with `(Lactose Intolerance)` is that this enzyme called `(Lactase)` is not produced enough in the small intestine. Then, without `(Lactase)`, the body cannot properly digest food containing `(Lactose).` This means that when you eat dairy foods, the `(Lactose)` in it goes straight down your intestines without being digested. That's when the stomach fills with air (gas), the stomach hurts like a sore throat, the stomach feels like it's full, and sometimes the stomach goes flat, which means symptoms like `(Diarrhea)` occur.

Imagine, even if you don't have any problems with `(Lactose)` now, there is a possibility that this situation will arise someday. Do you know why? Because, usually, when we are about two years old, the production of this `(Lactase)` enzyme in our body starts to gradually decrease. That means that as we get older, the chances of having difficulty digesting dairy products increase.

What are the symptoms of `(Lactose Intolerance)`?

If you have `(Lactose Intolerance)`, your body will usually start to react within two hours of eating or drinking a food or drink that contains `(Lactose)`. However, not everyone will experience these symptoms in the same way or at the same time. This is because some people can tolerate more `(Lactose)` than others. However, it is when your body tries to digest that food that you start to feel discomfort.

Don't assume that a single stomach upset after drinking a glass of milk is a sign of `(Lactose Intolerance). But if you constantly get upset after drinking a milkshake, eating ice cream, or eating a piece of cheese pizza, then it's very likely that you have `(Lactose Intolerance). Sometimes, even if you've never had any problems with dairy or other foods containing `(Lactose)` before, `(Lactose Intolerance)` can start suddenly.

What is the doctor doing?

If you or your family think you may have `(Lactose Intolerance)`, the best thing to do next is to see a doctor. After listening to your symptoms and examining you, your doctor may tell you to stop eating dairy for a while. If your symptoms improve while you are away from dairy, but symptoms return when you eat dairy again, you may have `(Lactose Intolerance)`.

In addition, your doctor can test your breath to see if you have symptoms of `(Lactose Intolerance)`. This test checks for a gas called `(Hydrogen)` in your breath. This is a gas that we cannot see or smell. When `(Lactose)` is not digested properly, the bacteria that normally live in our large intestine use this `(Lactose)` to produce hydrogen gas. This test is called a `(Hydrogen Breath Test) .`

During this breath test, the doctor will give you a drink of a liquid containing lactose. Then, every 15 minutes, you will be asked to breathe into a mask or bag to check the level of hydrogen in your breath. If it is high, you may have lactose intolerance.

If you are diagnosed with lactose intolerance, your doctor will talk to you about the best way to treat it and what you can do to help you stay healthy. The most important thing you can do is be mindful of what you eat and drink. It is also a good idea to make a list of foods that cause you discomfort. Then you can stay away from them. Talking to a dietitian , a specialist in food and nutrition, can also help you decide what you should and should not eat.

Also, the doctor can tell you about a medicine that you can take when you eat dairy foods and other foods that contain `(Lactose)`. This medicine contains the same enzyme `(Lactase)` that was mentioned earlier. These are available in the form of drops or tablets from pharmacies and supermarkets. If you take this before eating the food that bothers you, it will help your body digest `(Lactose)` normally.

How to live with `(Lactose Intolerance)`

Some people with lactose intolerance have to avoid all foods containing lactose. Others can eat some dairy products. Many people can drink lactose-free milk with added calcium. Ask your doctor if this is a good option for you.

If you are new to lactose intolerance, start by figuring out what foods are best for you. When you eat dairy, choose foods that are low in lactose. For example, aged cheeses, such as cheddar .

Yogurt with live cultures is easier to digest because the healthy bacteria in it produce the enzyme lactase. Even if you have lactose intolerance, you may be able to tolerate small amounts of your favorite dairy foods. Also, eating a lactose-free food with a lactose-containing food can help. Think of it like eating a bagel and cream cheese with a piece of fruit!

If you have lactose intolerance, you should also be careful about getting the right amount of calcium .

• Tofu `(Tofu)`
• Dark green vegetables like spinach
• Lactose-free milk
• Calcium-fortified fruit drinks or soy milk

You can get calcium from things like:

If you find it difficult to get enough calcium from food alone, your doctor may recommend a calcium supplement. You should also get enough vitamin D , which helps your body absorb calcium.

You can also take a `(Lactase)` enzyme supplement. Taking this before eating dairy foods will help your body digest the `(Lactose)` sugar in the milk. This will prevent stomach pain, cramping, bloating, gas, or diarrhea.

If you're trying to eliminate lactose, it's not enough to just eliminate milk. It's important to check food labels. Many packaged foods have lactose added to them. Sometimes it's hard to find. For example, butter, cheese, cream, dried milk, milk solids/powdered milk, and whey.Be careful about ingredients like. If you are unsure about something, ask an adult before eating it.

The most important things to remember (Take-Home Message)

Lactose intolerance is not something to be afraid of, but it is important to be aware of it.

• If you frequently experience symptoms such as stomach upset, gas, or bloating when consuming milk or dairy products, it may be due to Lactose Intolerance.
• This is not an allergy to milk.
• It's best to see a doctor and find out the exact situation.
• This condition can be well controlled by making small changes to the diet and, if necessary, using `(Lactase)` enzyme supplements.
• Also make sure you are getting enough calcium and vitamin D.
• Be a little more discerning when choosing your food and drinks. Then you can stay healthy before and after eating!

So, enjoy your food and drink. But choose what suits you, and stay healthy!

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