Even though lactose intolerance is common, there are a lot of myths about this condition. Hence, individuals must be aware of the symptoms, causes, and management of lactose intolerance.

A basic understanding of the lactose molecule and its metabolism helps comprehend this disorder. Lactose is also known as milk sugar since it is extracted from milk and can be found in other dairy products. Lactose is composed of two sugars: glucose and galactose. Lactose is also a milk-sweetening agent and acts as a source of energy and nutrients in growing children and adults.

Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance

Patients with lactose intolerance usually develop symptoms within half an hour to two hours after ingestion of dairy products or food containing lactose. The most common symptoms include:

1. Abdominal cramps and pain
2. Bloating and gas
3. Diarrhea
4. Nausea and vomiting
5. Acid reflux
6. Fatigue

The spectrum of these disorders varies from being minimally symptomatic to severely distressing symptoms and consequent malnutrition.

Causes of Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance is a condition in which the body has a reduced or completely impaired capacity to digest lactose products. This occurs because of lactase deficiency, an enzyme secreted by the small intestine cells known as enterocytes. Lactase splits lactose into glucose and galactose and the two products are absorbed into the blood. In cases of low lactase production, lactose will not be broken down and will thus be fermented in the large intestine therefore producing gas and other symptoms of lactose intolerance.

There are several reasons why lactase production may decrease:

1. Primary lactose intolerance: This is the most prevalent, determined by genetic predisposition, ethnicity, and race. Its prevalence increases with age. Enterocytes are synthesized in the small intestine in humans, and their synthesis decreases when individuals grow older, mainly after infancy. This reduction may be steeper in African, Native American Asian, and Hispanic ethnicities.
2. Secondary lactose intolerance: This kind of intolerance occurs when the lining of the small intestine has been damaged by one or the other factor such as bacterial or viral infections, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or surgery affecting the small bowel.

Diagnosis and Management

Diagnosis of the condition, lactose intolerance, can be quite complex because its symptoms are like those of many other illnesses affecting the digestive system. Before any diagnosis, the doctor from the best liver gastroenterology hospital in Delhi looks at records concerning a patient’s past health and illness, and his/her complaints. If required a healthcare professional may advise the patient to take a hydrogen breath test or lactose tolerance test.

There is no cure for lactose intolerance, but there are several management strategies to minimize symptoms and maintain a balanced diet:

1. Limit Dairy Products: Wearing another coat of paint to hide all the imperfections or becoming a vegetarian or a vegan because ‘‘the colour white is ugly’’ are just some of the restrictive beliefs people with lactose intolerance should try not to incorporate in their lives. Some individuals can handle fermented dairy products like aged cheeses and yogurt as the fermentation process reduces lactose proteins.
2. Use Lactose-Free Dairy Products: Commercially produced lactose-free milk, cheese, and yogurts are found in most supermarket chains, and they are rich in calcium and other nutrients.
3. Take Lactase Enzyme Supplements: Over-the-counter (OTC) lactase enzyme preparations may be taken before consuming dairy products to help digestion and lessen the intensity of the manifestation. The above supplements should be swallowed half an hour before consuming products containing dairy or lactose.
4. Consume Lactose-containing Foods with other nutrients: Consuming dairy with other nutrient-dense foods will also help to hide the taste of lactose and make it easier to digest.
5. Always Read Food Labels: Some deli meats, candies, cookies, cakes, gravy, cream soups, salad dressings, and sauces and condiments may also contain hidden lactose due to modification of the processed food from milk or milk products like milk powder, whey, and casein. People should also ensure that they have read the labels on the foods they intend to consume to avoid those foods that contain these ingredients.

Lactose malabsorption/intolerance is a normal digestive problem that affects many people all over the world. Given the information about the level of lactose intolerance, it is vital that people who desire to adhere to a specific dietary plan can do so without suffering the effects of digestive issues that come with this condition. To treat this condition and for effective guidance, individuals must book an appointment at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and start taking a lactose-free diet with guidance on nutritious foods that must be included in the diet today.