Lactose Intolerance- What is Lactose Intolerance? Blog#04- By-DrAmna Sohail
Lactose intolerance is described a condition where a person is incapable of digesting Lactose (a type of sugar present in milk & other dairy products). The amount that brings about the symptoms of intolerance varies from person to person.
Lactose present in Milk & other Dairy products is broken down by an enzyme called "Lactase" which is present in the digestive system. This enzyme breaks down lactose into two simple sugars, "glucose" & "galactose" which can then be easily absorbed into the bloodstream & utilized by the body.
However, people with lactose intolerance have deficient levels of lactase means that much of this lactose sugar remains in gut without being absorbed. The lactose is then fermented by bacteria inside the gut and this leads to the formation of gas causing flatulence & bloating.
In result, the fermented lactose also irritates the inner wall of the gut causing nausea, vomiting & diarrhea.
Lactose intolerant people usually develops symptoms when they consume milk or milk products such as cheese, yoghurt & butter. Symptoms include:
¤ Nausea & Vomiting
¤ Diarrhea
¤ Bloated abdomen
¤ Increased Flatulence
Lactose intolerance cannot only be diagnosed based on clinical signs & symptoms and requires a blood test to assess how a person processes lactose.
There is a large count of people who misdiagnose themselves as lactose intolerant. Cow milk allergy is also often mistaken for lactose intolerance.
Treatment includes avoiding all milk & milk products. Most people with lactose intolerance may also be assessed for Calcium & vitamin D, as these are usually obtained from milk & milk products, so may need supplements in the diet.
Calcium & Vit D are essential for the healthy bones & teeth. Some individuals may also take benefit from Lactase enzyme substitutes.
Written by- DrAmna Sohail
Causes of Lactose Intolerance
Lactose present in Milk & other Dairy products is broken down by an enzyme called "Lactase" which is present in the digestive system. This enzyme breaks down lactose into two simple sugars, "glucose" & "galactose" which can then be easily absorbed into the bloodstream & utilized by the body.
However, people with lactose intolerance have deficient levels of lactase means that much of this lactose sugar remains in gut without being absorbed. The lactose is then fermented by bacteria inside the gut and this leads to the formation of gas causing flatulence & bloating.
In result, the fermented lactose also irritates the inner wall of the gut causing nausea, vomiting & diarrhea.
Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerant people usually develops symptoms when they consume milk or milk products such as cheese, yoghurt & butter. Symptoms include:
¤ Nausea & Vomiting
¤ Diarrhea
¤ Bloated abdomen
¤ Increased Flatulence
Basic Diagnosis & Treatment of Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance cannot only be diagnosed based on clinical signs & symptoms and requires a blood test to assess how a person processes lactose.
There is a large count of people who misdiagnose themselves as lactose intolerant. Cow milk allergy is also often mistaken for lactose intolerance.
Treatment includes avoiding all milk & milk products. Most people with lactose intolerance may also be assessed for Calcium & vitamin D, as these are usually obtained from milk & milk products, so may need supplements in the diet.
Calcium & Vit D are essential for the healthy bones & teeth. Some individuals may also take benefit from Lactase enzyme substitutes.
Written by- DrAmna Sohail
You are right DrAmna sohail
ReplyDeleteThank u
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