She Strengthens

The Surprising Truth About Lactose Intolerance

It Can Happen at Any Age

Lactose intolerance is often associated with infancy, but the truth is, it can strike at any point in life. Whether you’re in your 20s, 30s, or beyond, lactose intolerance can become a reality. But what triggers this condition, and how can you manage it effectively?

Understanding Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance occurs when your body is unable to break down lactose, a natural sugar found in dairy products. This usually happens when your small intestine stops producing enough lactase, an enzyme that helps digest lactose. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe reactions, including gas, nausea, bloating, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.

Four Types of Lactose Intolerance

There are four main types of lactose intolerance: primary, congenital, developmental, and secondary. Primary lactose intolerance is the most common type, caused by an inherited gene. Congenital lactose intolerance is a rare condition that affects infants, while developmental lactose intolerance can occur in premature babies. Secondary lactose intolerance can develop due to issues with the small intestine, such as an infection or intestinal surgery.

Risk Factors

Certain factors can increase your risk of developing lactose intolerance. These include premature birth, ethnicity, aging, certain cancer treatments, and underlying health conditions that affect the small intestine.

Diagnosis and Treatment

If you’re experiencing symptoms, talk to your doctor about getting a diagnosis. Two common tests are the hydrogen breath test and the lactose tolerance test. If you’re lactose intolerant, your doctor may recommend lactase supplements or probiotics to help manage symptoms. You can also try milk and dairy swaps, such as lactose-free milk or nondairy alternatives like almond or soy milk.

Getting the Same Nutrients Dairy-Free

While cow’s milk dairy products are rich in calcium and other essential nutrients, you can still get these nutrients from dairy-free sources. Soy milk is a close nutritional equivalent to cow’s milk, but most nondairy milks have less protein and may not be fortified with vitamin D or calcium. Leafy greens, seafood, almonds, and calcium-fortified orange juice are all great sources of calcium.

Managing Lactose Intolerance

The good news is that lactose intolerance can be managed with the right strategies. By understanding the causes and symptoms, you can take steps to reduce or eliminate dairy from your diet or find alternative solutions that work for you.