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The Surprising Truth About Sudden Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance can strike at any age, leaving even the most devoted dairy lovers feeling betrayed. But what triggers this condition, and how can you manage it effectively?

What is 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 include 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 an issue with the small intestine.

Risk Factors for Lactose Intolerance

Certain factors can increase your risk of developing lactose intolerance, including:

• Premature birth
• Ethnicity (African, Asian, Hispanic, and Native American descent)
• Aging
• Certain cancer treatments
• Health conditions that affect the small intestine

Can You Still Develop Lactose Intolerance as You Get Older?

Yes, certain conditions can increase your risk of secondary lactose intolerance, including celiac disease, gastroenteritis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. Additionally, certain medications, such as antibiotics and chemotherapy treatments, can increase your sensitivity to dairy.

Getting a Diagnosis

If you’re experiencing symptoms after consuming dairy, talk to your doctor. They can administer a hydrogen breath test or lactose tolerance test to determine if you’re lactose intolerant.

Managing Lactose Intolerance

If you’re lactose intolerant, there are ways to manage your symptoms. You can try:

• Avoiding foods with lactose
• Taking lactase supplements before consuming dairy
• Eating low-lactose or lactose-free dairy products
• Swapping dairy for nondairy alternatives, such as almond milk or soy milk
• Incorporating probiotics into your diet

Getting the Same Nutrients Going Dairy-Free

While cow’s milk is a great source of calcium and other essential nutrients, you can still get these nutrients from nondairy sources. Soy milk is a close nutritional equivalent to cow’s milk, and other nondairy options like leafy greens, seafood, and calcium-fortified orange juice can provide calcium. Your doctor may recommend dietary supplements or changes to your diet to help you maintain optimal nutrition levels.

Remember, lactose intolerance can develop at any age, but with the right management strategies, you can still enjoy your favorite dairy products or find suitable alternatives.