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The Lowdown on Lactose Intolerance Symptoms

Are you wondering how long lactose intolerance symptoms last? The answer is, it depends. Typically, symptoms can strike anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours after consuming dairy, and can linger for up to 48 hours. But don’t worry, we’ve got the scoop on how to manage bloating, gas, and more while exploring dairy-free alternatives.

What is Lactose Intolerance, Anyway?

Lactose intolerance occurs when your body can’t break down lactose, a natural sugar found in dairy products. This happens when your small intestine stops producing enough lactase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose. Without lactase, undigested lactose travels to your large intestine, causing a range of uncomfortable symptoms.

Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance

If you’re lactose intolerant, you may experience:

• Bloating
• Gas
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Feeling sick

These symptoms can vary in severity and may last anywhere from 30 minutes to 48 hours after consuming dairy.

How Long Do Lactose Intolerance Symptoms Last?

Most of the time, symptoms of lactose intolerance can occur within 30 minutes to 2 hours after eating dairy and will go away once the dairy has passed through your system. However, in some cases, symptoms can last for up to 2 days.

Other Food Intolerances: How Do They Compare?

Food allergies, intolerances, and other digestive conditions can cause similar symptoms to lactose intolerance. For example, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can cause stomach pain, cramps, and diarrhea, while a milk allergy can cause more serious symptoms like shortness of breath, throat swelling, and mouth tingling.

Managing Lactose Intolerance Symptoms

So, what can you do to alleviate symptoms? Try the following:

• Eat smaller portions of dairy to see how your body reacts
• Take lactase enzyme tablets before consuming dairy
• Load up on probiotics to reduce symptoms
• Cut out the worst offenders, like soft cheeses and milk
• Try lactose-free alternatives, like dairy-free milks and yogurts

When to Call a Doc

While lactose intolerance is usually not a serious condition, it’s still important to chat with a doctor if you’re unsure about your symptoms or if you’re experiencing other digestive issues. A healthcare provider can help diagnose lactose intolerance through a lactose tolerance test, hydrogen breath test, or stool acidity test.

Living with Lactose Intolerance

It may take some trial and error to figure out what works best for your body, but with a little patience and creativity, you can learn to manage lactose intolerance symptoms and live a healthy, happy life.