Do you have stomach pain after eating dairy products? Then let's learn about these Lactase Chewable Tablets.

Do you also get an upset stomach after drinking milk, eating yogurt, or eating cheese? Do you hear a gurgling sound when your stomach is full? Or do you have a stomach ache and a painful bowel movement? If these things happen to you often, you may have a condition called 'Lactose Intolerance'. But don't worry, this is not a serious illness. Today we are talking about a chewable tablet that can help with this problem. Those are Lactase tablets.

First of all, what is lactose intolerance?

Simply put, we call lactose a type of sugar that is naturally found in milk and milk products. In order for our bodies to digest this type of sugar, lactose, our intestines produce an enzyme called lactase .

Imagine that lactose is like a big log, and lactase is like an axe to chop it down. If you had an axe, you could chop the log into pieces and easily absorb it into your body.

However, some people's bodies don't produce enough of this enzyme called lactase. What happens then? When we eat dairy products, the lactose (sugar) in them cannot be digested and goes into our large intestine. The bacteria there take this lactose and start fermenting it. This process results in gas, bloating, cramping, and sometimes diarrhea.

So how do these Lactase pills help?

It's very simple. Lactase pills are an external administration of the lactase enzyme that your body produces in low quantities. It's like giving an axe to a person who doesn't have an axe.

When you take this pill before eating dairy, the lactase enzyme in it goes to your stomach and is ready. Then, when the lactose in the food you eat comes to your stomach, that enzyme will digest it nicely. Then, none of the aforementioned discomforts will occur.

It is important to remember that this is not a cure-all, but only an aid to digestion at that time . This means that taking this when you are not eating dairy will not do any good.

Things to tell your doctor before taking these pills

Although these are supplements that can usually be purchased at pharmacies, it is wise to talk to your doctor before using them. This is especially important if you have any of the following conditions:

How exactly do you use these pills?

To get the most out of this, it is very important to know exactly how to use it.

• Chew: This is a chewable tablet. Therefore, it should be chewed completely before swallowing.
• When to take: The most important thing is when to take it. Take this pill with the first bite of the dairy food you are going to eat (e.g. yogurt, cheese pizza, glass of milk). That's when the enzyme and lactose meet in the stomach at the same time and work properly. Taking it after a meal will not work.
• Recommended dosage: Follow the instructions on the package or as directed by your doctor. Do not take more than the recommended dose.
• For children: Doctors sometimes recommend these even for children over 4 years of age. However, if you are giving them to a child, be sure to talk to a pediatrician and give them only as directed.

What to do if you take too much medicine?

If you think you have taken more of these tablets than you think, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.

Let's also be aware of the side effects.

Generally, serious side effects from Lactase tablets are very rare. There is also a low risk of interactions with other medications. However, like anything, some people may experience side effects.

The main thing you should be concerned about is an allergic reaction . If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop taking the pills immediately and see a doctor.

• Skin rash or eczema-like condition
• Itching
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

This list does not include all possible side effects, so if you experience anything unusual, consult a doctor.

A little reminder about supplements

Lactase tablets are not like prescription medicine, they fall under the category of dietary supplements. Therefore, it is important to know a few things about them.

• Lack of strict control: Unlike conventional medicines, dietary supplements are not subject to strict quality control. Therefore, their purity and quality can vary.
• "Natural" does not mean "safe": Just because a product is made from natural ingredients does not mean it is safe for everyone.
• A trusted manufacturer: Whenever possible, choose a supplement manufactured by a nationally recognized, reputable company.

If your symptoms do not improve after taking these pills, or if they worsen, be sure to see a doctor for a checkup, as there may be other causes of stomach problems.