Lactose Intolerance

[YatesNightBlade]

Is this something that can happen to you ? or are you rather lactose intolerant or not (born that way)?

Can it be developed ?

[Mystic Eric]

*thinks back to biology days*


Some people are just straight out born lactose intolerant because they are completely missing the enzyme "lactase" which digests. Now here is the part that gets cloudy for me, but I'm sure I'm right:

You are born with a certain amount of enzymes, and in this case, we're dealing with lactase. Your body does not produce any new lactase and eventually, you will run out or not have enough to digest large amounts of lactose.

So yes, you can develope lactose intolerance.

Someone correct me if I was wrong, but I'm pretty sure I was right.

[Bullrider Billy]

I think it varies. When I was a kid I could drink regular milk with no problems. When I was about 15 I started having problems. For years after that I had to avoid regular milk. I could only drink Lactaid brand after it came out. But then I started experimenting with regular milk again and found that I can drink any variety of milk (1%, 2% or whole) usually 2x or 3x day without much problem, if any at all. It's only skim milk that goes through me and makes me bloated, gassy and gives me the ****z.

[xraygirl]

Some people are born that way. 80% of hispanics and 90% of african americans either are lactose intolerant or become that way by adulthood.
I became lactose intolerant right after my 22nd b-day. But I used to drink bunches of milk too. Now, I can have it on very rare occasion. But cheese lasagna is out unless I take about 3 lactaid tabs immediately before and after eating the stuff.

[Saint Patrick]

For white folk, I believe it's like an allergy (some born with it, some developed over time).

[Sayiajin Prince]

yes it can develope; i am proof, used to drink milk daily with cereal when i was younger, now i can only take 2oz of it or i go poo poo..

just take lactaid and ull be fine (cost 2x as much though )

[BCC]

I'm lactose intolerant, but I can build a tolerance up to it by drinking over a gallon of milk a day.

[Mystic Eric]

Originally posted by stpatrick44
For white folk, I believe it's like an allergy (some born with it, some developed over time).

Lactose intolerance is an allergy because your body doesn't have enough enzymes to break down the lactose sugar in milk... Why won't people listen to me???

[GonePostal]

It is because your body can not produce lactase... you can make more enzymes but your body doesn't...

[YatesNightBlade]

I know full well what it is. My question was "Can it be developed !"

[Tryska]

Short-lived episodes of lactose intolerance are common in small children after suffering gastroenteritis or other viruses, which may damage the lining of the intestine. However, lactose intolerance almost always develops in late adolescence or early adulthood. Lactose intolerance is sometimes an inherited disorder, though there are no exact causes known which produce this disease or its symptoms.


DANGERS

Because the human body requires calcium, it is never advisable to just stop consuming milk or other dairy products.


TAKE THE TEST

Because lactose intolerance and allergic reactions produce the same symptoms, it's best to consult with a doctor or perform a dairy test at home. Follow these steps to learning more about how your body responds to dairy products:


1. On an empty stomach, drink two full glasses of milk.

2. Eat nothing for four hours. During the first four hours, take note of any gastrointestinal discomfort you may suffer.

3. After four hours has passed, eat 2 ounces of hard cheese.

4. Eat nothing for two hours. Take note of any symptoms you may experience during this time.


If the milk causes gastrointestinal upset, but the cheese does not, the chances are good that you suffer from lactose intolerance. Cheese contains only minute traces of lactose, and almost never causes problems for those who are truly lactose intolerant. If both the cheese and the milk make you uncomfortable in any way, you probably suffer from food allergies. Take your findings to your family doctor for further testing.


TRADITIONAL TREATMENTS

Because there is no one cure for lactose intolerance, a personalized plan usually works best. Individuals should try several methods and then, choose which steps are most effective.


REDUCE the amount of lactose you ingest. Certain individuals with mild cases of lactose intolerances will be able to decrease the amount of milk products consumed without experiencing further symptoms. If you normally consume four glasses of milk per day, try cutting back to two, to see if your body will tolerate the lower amount.


LACTOSE-REDUCED and lactose-free products are readily available to consumers. Most products are made with goat's milk, soy, almonds, or other dairy alternatives.


KNOW what you're eating. Learn to read product labels for hiding milk products that may be upsetting your intestines. Common problems for the lactose intolerant include nonfat milk added to dry mixes, eggs and egg based products, butter, soft cheese or cheese spreads and ice creams. Also, learn to read over-the-counter medicine labels. Many pain relievers and vitamins contain lactose, which is often used as a pill coating.


UNDERSTAND what "friendly" dairy products are. Thankfully, there are a large array of dairy products which contain little or no lactose. Hard cheeses, yogurt, sour cream, sorbet and more, will not cause bothersome side effects.


ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES

DAILY doses of yogurt are a great source of calcium and protein for the lactose intolerant individual. Yogurt's active ingredients often help to prevent and treat diarrhea, as well. Many patients have found that eating as little as one-half cup of yogurt with a lactose-based product eliminates many would-be side effects.


SWITCH from white milk to milk containing "betagalactosidase," a friendly enzyme, which is naturally lower in sugar content.


TAKE LACTASE before drinking milk or eating other dairy products. By adding lactase pills, drops, or tablets to your diet, you'll be able to better tolerate dairy foods, particularly those containing milk.


TRY milk containing Lactobacillus acidophilus. This friendly bacteria is also found in yogurt, and will help help your body digest milk sugars easier.


FIND alternative sources of calcium, such as beans, seeds, dark-green leafy vegetables.


PEPPERMINT oil is an effective treatment for gastrointestinal upsets. Enteric coated peppermint tablets have also been used with some success as a preventative measure in lactose intolerant patients.


FENNEL seeds will aid your body in producing less gas. A small dosage of fennel before ingesting dairy may be an effective treatment for those who suffer self-limiting upper abdominal upsets.


COMFRY, taken immediately before a meal, can also help to reduce inflammation of the intestines.


MANY health food stores commonly stock 100% dairy-free products.

(cut and paste)

[YatesNightBlade]

Now thats what im talking about. Thanks.

[Y2A]

I think I developed an intolerance. I used to drink milk and be fine. Now it doesnt settle so well in my stomach so I dont drink it.

[Berserker]

If I wen that long on 2 glasses of milk and some cheese I bet there would be some stomach discomfort. It would be growling.

[xraygirl]

If you're lactose intolerance is mild, drinking whole milk as opposed to drinking the reduced fat ones are more easily digestible.