Are you lactose intolerant?

Lactose is a form of sugar present naturally in most animal’s milk. Stomach discomfort, bloating, gas, and diarrhoea are some of the symptoms of lactose intolerance, which is brought on by lactose malabsorption. 

For the purpose of digestion, lactose is broken down in humans by the lactase enzyme. As lactase is required for newborns to digest breast milk, this is particularly crucial for them. However, as youngsters get older, their lactase production decreases. Up to 70% of adults no longer make enough lactase to effectively digest the lactose in milk, resulting in discomfort when consuming dairy.

The following list includes the top 5 lactose intolerance warning signs and symptoms. 

• Bloating and stomach pain 

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Lactose intolerance is associated with stomach discomfort and bloating. They are brought on when the body's undigested lactose is fermented by bacteria in the colon, producing too much gas and water. Most typically, pain is felt in the lower abdomen and around the navel. 

• Diarrhea 

The frequency, fluidity, or volume of stools may increase as a result of lactose intolerance. When lactose that hasn't been digested ferments in the colon, short-chain fatty acids are produced that raise the quantity of water in the digestive tract.

• Increased Gas 

Lactose fermentation in the colon can cause increased flatulence, and the degree to which this happens varies greatly from person to person. The gas generated by lactose fermentation is odourless. 

• Constipation 

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Constipation can be a sign of lactose intolerance. It is believed to be caused by an increase in colon methane production, which delays transit time in the gut. More study on constipation in persons with lactose intolerance is required.

• Other Signs and Symptoms 

While gastrointestinal symptoms are the most common signs of lactose intolerance, certain case studies have noted other symptoms such as headaches, weariness, loss of focus, muscular and joint discomfort, mouth ulcers, and issues urinating. 

Before eliminating dairy from your diet, it's crucial to get a proper diagnosis.Your doctor may do a hydrogen breath test on you if you exhibit lactose intolerance symptoms in order to make a diagnosis. Treatment often entails avoiding high-lactose foods such as milk, though you may be able to tolerate tiny quantities. Because the intensity of symptoms varies from person to person, it's critical to figure out how much dairy you can tolerate.