The Surprising Truth About Lactose Intolerance

It Can Happen at Any Age

Lactose intolerance is often associated with infancy, but 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
• Stomach cramps

Four Types of Lactose Intolerance

There are four main types of lactose intolerance:

1. Primary lactose intolerance: The most common type, caused by an inherited gene.
2. Congenital lactose intolerance: A rare condition that affects infants.
3. Developmental lactose intolerance: Can occur in premature babies.
4. 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, including:

• Premature birth
• Ethnicity
• Aging
• Certain cancer treatments
• 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
• The lactose tolerance test

If you’re lactose intolerant, your doctor may recommend:

• Lactase supplements
• Probiotics to help manage symptoms
• 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. For example:

• Soy milk is a close nutritional equivalent to cow’s milk
• 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.