Do you feel an upset stomach, a feeling of fullness, or a stomach ache after drinking a glass of milk, eating yogurt, or eating some cheese? You may also experience diarrhea. This is a problem that many people in our country have. It is not dangerous, but it can be very annoying. Today we are talking about a condition called `(Lactose Intolerance)` that may be the cause of this.
What is Lactose?
Simply put, lactose is a type of sugar naturally found in milk and dairy products.
Our body uses an enzyme called `lactase` to break down this sugar called lactose, that is, digest it, and absorb it into the body. Imagine that lactose is a big brick. Lactase is like a hammer that breaks that brick. If this hammer is missing, the brick cannot be broken into small pieces. Similarly, when the lactase enzyme is missing enough in our body, specifically in the small intestine, lactose cannot be digested. That is what happens to people with `lactose intolerance`.
The important thing is, this is not an allergy to milk. An allergy is something that involves our immune system. But lactose intolerance is a problem related to the digestive process.
What really happens inside the body?
Normally, when we drink milk, the lactose in it is broken down in our small intestine by the lactase enzyme and absorbed into the body.
But because a person with `lactose intolerance` does not have enough lactase in their body, this lactose goes directly to the large intestine/colon without being digested. This lactose combines with the normal bacteria there and undergoes `fermentation`. It is as a result of this process that we experience discomfort.
- Gas
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
That's why these symptoms occur. Although these symptoms may be bothersome to you, they are not a life-threatening condition. Many people can control these symptoms by changing their diet and limiting the amount of lactose they consume.
What are the main types of lactose intolerance?
This condition can be divided into several main types depending on how it occurs. It will be easier for you to understand this if you look at a table.
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Primary Lactose Intolerance | This is the most common type. As we age, our body naturally produces less and less of the enzyme lactase, which is why this condition occurs. |
| Secondary Lactose Intolerance | This can be caused by a decrease in lactase production due to another medical condition (for example, Crohn's disease, celiac disease), an intestinal infection, or surgery. This condition may improve once the underlying cause is treated. |
| Congenital Lactose Intolerance | This is a very rare condition. A gene inherited from both parents causes the inability to produce lactase from birth. |
| Developmental Lactose Intolerance | This condition can sometimes occur in premature babies because their small intestines are not fully developed. |
How do you know if you have this?
If you have these symptoms, you can first do a little self-examination.
Try completely eliminating milk and all dairy products (like yogurt, cheese, and ice cream) for about two weeks. If your symptoms go away, meaning you feel better, you probably have lactose intolerance. Then, gradually reintroduce dairy foods and see how you feel.
However, it's best to see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis. Your doctor will ask you questions and, if necessary, order some tests.
Medical tests
There are several tests to confirm this situation.
- Breath Test: This involves giving you a liquid containing lactose to drink and measuring the level of hydrogen gas in your breath for several hours. When lactose is not digested, bacteria in the large intestine produce hydrogen gas. This gas is absorbed into the bloodstream and exhaled through the lungs. High levels of hydrogen in your breath are a sign of lactose intolerance.
- Blood Test: This also involves drinking a lactose-containing liquid and then checking your blood sugar levels for a few hours. If the lactose is being digested properly, your blood sugar levels should rise. If it doesn't, it means the lactose isn't being digested.
- Stool Acidity Test: This is usually done for young children and babies. Undigested lactose increases the acidity of the stool. This condition can be diagnosed by testing it.
How to treat and manage?
Although there is no specific "cure" for this, it can be well controlled by changing your lifestyle and eating habits.
1. Limit your lactose intake: You don't have to completely cut out dairy. Some people can tolerate a small amount of milk, such as yogurt, especially when taken with other foods, which can help reduce discomfort.
2. Some dairy foods are better than others: They are easier to digest. For example, hard cheeses are low in lactose. Also, yogurt is easier to digest because of the live bacteria (probiotics).
3. Lactose-Free Products: We now have `lactose-free` milk and yogurt products available in our supermarkets. These taste just like regular milk, but the lactose has been removed.
4. Alternative foods: There are other ways you can get calcium and vitamin D instead of milk.
- Soy milk, almond milk, coconut milk
- Dark green vegetables like kale and spinach
- Oily fish like salmon and tuna
- Nuts like almonds, dried beans, and chickpeas
- Tofu `(Tofu)`
The most important thing is to listen to your body. Experiment and figure out what you can and can't tolerate.
Be careful of hidden lactose too!
In addition to milk and dairy products, many foods we don't think about may contain lactose. So make it a habit to read the label before buying anything.
- Bakery products (bread, cakes)
- Processed foods, snacks
- Some sauces and salad dressings
- Lactose is also used as a filler in some vitamins and medications. It is important to ask your doctor if the medications you are taking contain lactose.
If you have any further questions about this, or need advice about your diet, talk to your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Lactose intolerance is the inability of the body to digest the sugar (lactose) found in milk. It is not an allergy.
- The most common symptoms are bloating, gas, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.
- Although there is no complete cure for this, it can be well controlled by changing your diet and eating a low-lactose diet.
- If you have these symptoms, it is essential to see your doctor to accurately diagnose the condition and receive the right advice.
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