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LACTOSE INTOLERANCE – OVERCOMING DIFFICULTIES IN YOUR DIET
Lactose Intolerance (LI) is defined as the inability to completely break down lactose due to a lack or reduced production of lactase enzyme by the small intestines and is the most common type of Carbohydrate Intolerance affecting more than half the world population.
General symptoms tend to include bloating and flatulence but there is not one particular set of symptoms that will be suffered by all, nor will these symptoms be experienced with the same severity. Treatments vary from simply complete avoidance of food or ingredients that contain lactose, however, this is a particularly difficult. Another option is to buy specially treated food but the most straight forward solution is probably to supplement your diet with commercially available lactase enzyme, which, incidentally, may also help babies with colic.
Although symptoms of lactose intolerance are triggered by the lactose in some dairy products, not all lactose-intolerant people need to avoid all dairy. Dairy products have varying levels of lactose, which affects how much lactase is required for proper digestion. Milk, ice cream, and yoghurt contain significant amounts of lactose although yoghurt may not trigger symptoms in some lactose-intolerant people.
Several types of tests exist for you to discover if you are suffering from LI. These tests range from simple breath tests to blood, self home tests and stool tests. The most common tests used to measure the absorption of lactose in the digestive system are the lactose tolerance test, the hydrogen breath test, and the stool acidity test. Tests are usually performed on an outpatient basis at a hospital, clinic, or via your family doctor. However, one can also perform a home self-test. If performing these tests at home, it is particularly important to follow all procedures to avoid false positive or negative results.
If diagnosed with lactose-intolerance, a carefully maintained diet is of paramount importance. A supplemental source of the enzyme lactase can be implemented to prevent symptoms when consuming lactose-containing dairy products. Additionally, lactase drops may be added to normal dairy milk between 12 and 24 hours before drinking to reduce lactose levels. Additionally, lactase drops, capsules, and tablets may also be taken orally, as needed, immediately before eating food that includes lactose-containing dairy products. The degree of lactose intolerance varies by individual, so a greater or lesser amount of oral lactase may be needed to eliminate symptoms of lactose intolerance.
Research is currently being conducted to determine whether lactose-intolerant people absorb less calcium than those without the condition. Accordingly, it may be prudent for lactose-intolerants to also take a daily calcium supplement, particularly as dairy products are usually the most common sources of calcium in a normal diet.
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