Lactose intolerance is one of the hottest topics on the Net. You can view all you need to know on lactose intolerance at http://www.lactose.co.uk/

Important categories in your self-study of lactose intolerance will cover the following: What is lactose anyway?
What causes it?
What are the symptoms?
What is the best treatment?
Do I/my child suffer from lactose intolerance?
Is it contagious?
Milk Allergy
Irritable Bowels
Allergens
Food Additives
Treatment/Cure
Milk & Calcium
Milk Alternatives
Hidden Milk Products
Recipes
Dairy Free Recipes

When someone is said to have lactose intolerance, the digestive system of this individual is not able to break down completely the sugar called lactose found in milk . This inability results from a shortage of the enzyme lactase, which is produced by the cells that line the small intestine. Hence, the term Lactase Deficiency.
In a normal digestive system all the food we eat is broken down into smaller and simpler ‘bits and pieces' in an easy way to say it. This helps the body to absorb the food and take out the proteins and what ever is needed to maintain itself. Lactase breaks down milk sugar (lactose) into the simpler form of sugar called glucose and galactose that can then be absorbed into the bloodstream.
When lactase is missing or there is not enough of it to digest the lactose consumed, the results may be very distressing (see symptoms) for the person. While not all persons deficient in lactase have the same symptoms if at all, those who do are considered to have lactose intolerance.
Lactose is simply a sugar found in milk.

Any sort of milk produced by the human being or animals contains lactose. The sugar we mix with our coffees or teas comes generally from the sugarcane and this sugar is called sucrose. On the other hand sugar we find in fruits is called fructose and sugar that is used in the brewing of barley, wheat and oats is called maltose (not Maltese). Our body needs sugar as it is the source of fuel we need to for example move our muscles or to simply be able to read this message. However, the only sugar our body is able to burn is called glucose, therefore all other sugars that enter our system have to be converted into glucose. This can only be done by the help of enzymes produced by our body that are able to biochemically convert what ever sugar into glucose.

What causes lactose intolerance?

So now we know that lactose intolerance is caused by the inability of the digestive system to break down lactose into glucose. We also know that the protein (enzyme) responsible to break down lactose into glucose is called lactase. Therefore, the lack of lactose causes lactose intolerance.

What are the symptoms of lactose intolerance?

Common symptoms include: nausea
cramps
bloating gas,
wind diarrhea, which may begin from after half an hour to 2 hours after eating or drinking foods containing lactose.
Persons who suffer from lactase deficiency and do not avoid lactose may suffer from weight loss and malnutrition.

The severity of symptoms varies depending on the amount of lactose each individual can tolerate. Some of the symptoms may be similar to those of milk allergy but milk allergies can cause the body to react quicker, more often within a few minutes.

Compare the symptoms of lactose intolerance with those of milk allergy.

What treatment can I use for lactose intolerance?

Presently there is no cure for Lactose Intolerance and there are only two ways to cope with lactose intolerance.

If you can live without consuming dairy products all you have to do is keep away from them. However, you must make sure not to buy foods with milk hidden in them because you may suffer some symptoms.

The second option is to replace the lactase that your digestive system is not producing. This way you may be able to enjoy dairy products without sufferance. There is a handful of pharmaceutical companies that produce lactase enzyme tablets to have with your dinner.

Lactose Intolerance

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Information on this site is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or dietitian. Information and statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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