Lactose Intolerance: 5 Ways to know

Lactose intolerance is a digestive disorder that affects the body’s ability to break down lactose. Lactose is a type of sugar found many of the dairy products like milk. We digest lactose with the help of lactase. People with lactose intolerance do not produce enough lactase, lactose stays in intestine and is fermented by bacteria.

If you suspect that you may be lactose intolerant, it is important to understand the symptoms and how to confirm a diagnosis.

Here are some steps you can follow to determine if you are lactose intolerant:

PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR SYMPTOMS

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Lactose intolerance can cause a range of digestive symptoms, including bloating, gas, diarrhea, stomach rumbling and stomach pain after consuming dairy products. These symptoms usually occur within a few hours of consuming lactose.

KEEP A FOOD DIARY

It can be helpful to keep track of the foods you eat and any symptoms you experience. This will allow you to identify any patterns and determine if lactose intolerance is the cause of your symptoms.

TRY A LACTOSE-FREE DIET

If you suspect that you are lactose intolerant, you can try eliminating all dairy products from your diet for a few weeks to see if your symptoms improve. If they do, it is likely that lactose intolerance is the cause.

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CONSIDER A HYDROGEN BREATH TEST

This test measures the amount of hydrogen in your breath after consuming lactose. If you are lactose intolerant, your body will not be able to fully digest the lactose, and it will produce hydrogen as a byproduct.

CONSULT A HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL

If you are experiencing symptoms that you think may be due to lactose intolerance, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis. They may recommend one of the above tests or perform a lactose tolerance test, which involves drinking a liquid containing lactose and measuring your blood sugar levels over a period of time. 

If you face irritable bowel syndrom or reaction form dairy products. 

If you are diagnosed with lactose intolerance, it does not mean that you have to completely eliminate dairy from your diet. Many people with lactose intolerance are able to consume small amounts of lactose without experiencing symptoms. If you do choose to continue consuming dairy, there are also lactose-free options available, such as lactose-free milk and lactase supplements, which can help your body break down lactose. Talk to Gytree’s nutritionists who help you understand the root cause and give a personalised diet plan.

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If you're lactose intolerant, getting the right amount of important vitamins and minerals can be difficult.

This may lead to vigorous shedding of weight and higher risk of:

• Osteopenia- low bone-mineral density, may even develop into osteoporosis
• Osteoporosis_ bones become thin and fragile
• Malnutrition- the nutrients necessary for proper functioning of the body are not provided

To avoid such risks, doctors usually draft a diet chart with the appropriate supplements.