Have you ever heard about Lactose Intolerance? Most probably, your friend or a family member or even you have experienced a cramping upset stomach due to this for it is very common. In fact, it’s thought to affect around 65% of the world’s population according to Talia F. Malik et al. Most Filipinos are genetically intolerant to lactose, the main sugar found in dairy. Ingestion of milk causes symptoms such as abdominal pain, flatulence and diarrhea. People with lactose intolerance experience digestive problems when they eat dairy. The condition isn’t serious but may be unpleasant
What is Lactose intolerance? Healthline defines Lactose Intolerance as the inability to break down a type of natural sugar called lactose. Lactose is commonly found in dairy products, such as milk and yogurt. You become lactose intolerant when your small intestine stops making enough lactase, an enzyme responsible for digesting and breaking down the lactose. When this happens, the undigested lactose moves into the large intestine. The bacteria that are normally present in your large intestine interact with the undigested lactose and cause symptoms such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea. The condition may also be called lactase deficiency.
It is very common among adults, particularly those with Asian, African, and Hispanic ancestry. Lactose intolerance usually causes gastrointestinal symptoms about 30 minutes to two hours after ingesting milk or other dairy products containing lactose. People who are lactose intolerant may need to avoid eating these products or take medications containing the lactase enzyme before doing so.
Lactose intolerance is diagnosed through various tests but the most common test used is the Lactose intolerance test. A lactose intolerance test is a blood test that measures your body’s reaction to a liquid that contains high lactose levels. Sad to note, there is currently no way that your body produces lactose. People who are lactose intolerant and not consuming milk or dairy products may become deficient in calcium, vitamin D, riboflavin and protein. But, taking calcium supplements or eating foods that are either naturally high in calcium or are calcium-fortified is recommended.
Those with lactose intolerance may choose to adopt a lactose-free diet to alleviate symptoms. Some people may also choose to follow a lactose-free diet to decrease their consumption of dairy products. Fortunately, many foods can be enjoyed as part of a lactose-free diet, including fruits, veggies, whole grains, legumes, and proteins. Additionally, a lactose intolerant individual may still enjoy eating anything without experiencing the uncomfortable symptoms by simply checking the label of his/her favorite foods to determine whether a certain product contains lactose. It is still better to be patient having the hassle of checking than having the discomforts due to negligence.
PNC-ZDS Marie Claire A. Gaas
References:
- Lactose Intolerance Among Filipinos
https://www.aboutfilipinofood.com/lactose-intolerance/
- Everything You Need to Know About Lactose Intolerance
https://www.healthline.com/health/lactose-intolerance/
- Lactose-Free Diet: Foods to Eat and Avoid
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/lactose-free-diet#bottom-line
4. Lactose Intolerance
Talia F. Malik; Kiran K. Panuganti. Last Update: May 19, 2021.