According to the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation, lactose intolerance affects approximately 44% of Canadians (more than 7 million people) and is the most common food intolerance.

Imagine enjoying your favourite dairy treat only to experience uncomfortable symptoms shortly after. This is the reality for those with lactose intolerance, and these symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Understanding lactose intolerance symptoms and treatment and prevention options are crucial for managing this condition effectively and improving quality of life.

Let’s delve deeper into what lactose intolerance is, how it manifests, and the best ways to diagnose and manage it.

What is Lactose Intolerance?

While it’s commonly assumed that lactose intolerance is an allergy, it’s not. Lactose intolerance is simply the body’s inability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. It occurs due to a deficiency of lactase, an enzyme produced in the small intestine.

Lactase breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose (simple sugars), which are then absorbed into the bloodstream. When lactase levels are low, undigested lactose moves into the colon, causing the symptoms associated with lactose intolerance.

What Causes Lactose Intolerance?

The primary cause of lactose intolerance is a deficiency in lactase. This deficiency can be genetic or develop over time.

For some, lactase production decreases significantly with age, making it more challenging to digest dairy products.

Additionally, certain gastrointestinal diseases, such as Crohn’s disease and celiac disease, can damage the small intestine, reducing lactase production.

Risk Factors for Lactose Intolerance

Understanding the risk factors associated with lactose intolerance can help individuals recognize their susceptibility to this condition. Several factors increase the likelihood of developing lactose intolerance:

• Age: Lactose intolerance is more common in adults as lactase production naturally decreases with age.
• Ethnicity: Genetic factors make people of African, Asian, Hispanic, and Indigenous Peoples descent more prone to lactose intolerance.
• Gastrointestinal Diseases: Conditions such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and celiac disease can damage the small intestine, reducing its ability to produce lactase.
• Premature Birth: Premature infants may have underdeveloped digestive systems, including lower levels of lactase enzyme production.
• Gastrointestinal Surgeries or Infections: Surgeries and infections that affect the small intestine can impair lactase production, leading to lactose intolerance.

According to Mayo Clinic, even some cancer treatments, such as radiation or chemotherapy, can increase your risk of developing lactose intolerance.

Lactose Intolerance Symptoms

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance is essential for managing the condition effectively.

Symptoms typically appear within 30 minutes to 2 hours after consuming lactose-containing foods or beverages. These symptoms can vary in severity based on the amount of lactase you have, as explained by the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation.

Diarrhea

One of the most common symptoms of lactose intolerance is diarrhea. When lactose is not properly digested, it remains in the digestive system, drawing water into the intestines.

This results in loose, watery stools. Chronic diarrhea can lead to dehydration and nutrient deficiencies, so it’s crucial to address this symptom promptly.

Stomach Pain and Bloating

Stomach pain and bloating are other frequent symptoms. As undigested lactose ferments in the colon, it produces gas, leading to abdominal discomfort and bloating.

The severity of these symptoms can vary, ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain, depending on the amount of lactose consumed and individual sensitivity.

Nausea or Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting can also occur, particularly after consuming a large amount of lactose. These symptoms are the body’s response to the irritation caused by undigested lactose in the stomach and intestines.

Managing portion sizes and lactose intake can help mitigate these uncomfortable symptoms.

Increased Gas

Increased gas is a direct result of the fermentation process of undigested lactose in the colon. The production of hydrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide gases leads to flatulence and discomfort.

While these symptoms are not harmful, they can be socially embarrassing and inconvenient.

Lactose Intolerance Diagnosis & Tests

Accurate diagnosis of lactose intolerance involves several tests to measure the body’s response to lactose.

• Lactose Tolerance Test: The lactose tolerance test measures the body’s ability to digest lactose. The patient drinks a liquid containing high levels of lactose, and blood samples are taken over a two-hour period to measure glucose levels. If glucose levels remain low, it indicates that lactose is not being properly digested and absorbed.
• Hydrogen Breath Test: The hydrogen breath test is a non-invasive method to diagnose lactose intolerance. After consuming a lactose-rich beverage, the patient breathes into a device that measures hydrogen levels. Elevated hydrogen levels indicate that undigested lactose is fermenting in the colon, producing hydrogen gas.

5 Lactose Intolerance Treatment Options

Managing lactose intolerance involves dietary modifications and, in some cases, supplements to aid digestion. Here are the top solutions to help manage this condition:

1. Limit Milk

One of the most straightforward ways to manage lactose intolerance is to limit or avoid milk.

There are various lactose-free milk options on the market, or you can consider using plant-based alternatives, such as almond, soy, and oat milk, which provide similar nutritional benefits without causing symptoms.

2. Limit Dairy Products

Limiting other dairy products, such as cheese, yogurt, and ice cream, can also help manage symptoms. Choosing lactose-free versions of these products can allow individuals to enjoy dairy without discomfort.

3. Eat and Drink Lactose-Reduced Products

Lactose-reduced products are specifically designed for people with lactose intolerance. These products contain added lactase enzyme, which helps break down lactose, making them easier to digest.

4. Include Small Servings of Dairy Products

Some people with lactose intolerance can tolerate small servings of dairy products without symptoms. Gradually introducing small amounts of dairy into the diet and monitoring the body’s response can help identify individual tolerance levels.

5. Taking a Lactase Enzyme Supplement

One of the most common solutions for those still seeking to enjoy dairy products, are lactase enzyme supplements.

Taking lactase enzyme supplements can be highly effective in managing lactose intolerance. These supplements provide the lactase enzyme that the body lacks, helping to break down lactose in dairy products.

Lactase enzyme supplements are available over the counter and can be taken just before consuming dairy products to prevent symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, and stomach pain.

They come in various forms, including tablets, capsules, and chewables, offering flexibility to suit individual preferences and lifestyles.

While typically, this is a costly solution, look for the Diary Digestive with the Option+ logo at your local PharmaChoice pharmacy to enjoy the benefits of this supplement at affordable rates.

By incorporating these strategies, individuals with lactose intolerance can enjoy a varied diet and minimize the discomfort associated with lactose consumption. Adjusting dietary habits and using available supplements can significantly improve the quality of life for those affected by this condition.

Lactose Intolerance Prevention

While there is no sure way to prevent lactose intolerance, certain strategies can help manage the condition and prevent symptoms.

• Avoiding Trigger Foods: The most effective way to prevent symptoms is to avoid foods and beverages that contain lactose. Reading food labels carefully and being aware of hidden sources of lactose can help prevent accidental consumption.
• Reading Food Labels Carefully: Food labels often list ingredients that may contain lactose, such as whey, curds, and milk by-products. Being vigilant about checking labels can help individuals with lactose intolerance avoid problematic foods.
• Including Probiotics and Prebiotics In Your Diet: Probiotics and prebiotics can aid in reducing symptoms of lactose intolerance. Probiotics, found in supplements and fermented foods, can help balance gut bacteria and improve digestion. Prebiotics, found in fibre-rich foods, feed beneficial gut bacteria, enhancing overall digestive health.

When Should I Call My Healthcare Provider?

It’s important to know when to seek medical advice for lactose intolerance symptoms.

Milk Allergy Symptoms

If you or your child experiences symptoms of a milk allergy, such as hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing, shortly after consuming milk, it’s essential to contact a healthcare provider immediately.

Milk allergy can cause severe reactions, including anaphylaxis, which is a medical emergency.

Signs of Anaphylaxis

Signs of anaphylaxis include difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat and tongue, rapid pulse, and loss of consciousness. If these symptoms occur, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Lactose Intolerance FAQ

Let’s answer some of the most common questions about lactose intolerance:

Can Lactose Intolerance Go Away?

Lactose intolerance can fluctuate, but it is generally a lifelong condition. Some people may experience temporary lactose intolerance due to gastrointestinal infections or other illnesses, but for most, the condition persists.

How to Fix Lactose Intolerance?

While there is no cure for lactose intolerance, managing the condition with dietary changes and lactase supplements can help alleviate symptoms. Avoiding large amounts of lactose and incorporating lactose-free products can make a significant difference.

What if I Love Milk but I’m Lactose Intolerant?

If you love milk but are lactose intolerant, try lactose-free milk or plant-based alternatives like almond or soy milk. Lactase enzyme supplements, such as Option+ Dairy Digestive, can also help you enjoy milk without experiencing symptoms.

Combat Lactose Intolerance – Speak to Your Local PharmaChoice Pharmacist

Lactose intolerance is a manageable condition that requires awareness and dietary adjustments. Understanding the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options can help you live comfortably with this condition.

For personalized advice and treatment options, consult your healthcare provider at your closest PharmaChoice pharmacy. They can provide the right medications and guidance to help you manage lactose intolerance effectively.