The inability of the body to digest lactose, the primary carbohydrate found in dairy products, results in lactose intolerance. It affects at least two-thirds of adult people worldwide, making it extremely common. This disorder arises from insufficient production of the lactase enzyme in the body, which is necessary for the digestion of lactose. When dairy is consumed, people with lactose intolerance have digestive issues that can have a detrimental impact on their quality of life. There are various forms of lactose intolerance, and their etiology varies, nonetheless, a lack of the enzyme lactase characterizes all forms of lactose intolerance.
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Symptoms
Lactose intolerance can lead to serious digestive issues if left untreated. After eating, these symptoms could show up as soon as 30 to 60 minutes later. Common symptoms include; bloating, abdominal cramps, gas, diarrhoea, and nausea.
Constipation, lower abdominal pain, vomiting, and an urgent need to use the restroom are among the symptoms that some people encounter. Water enters your digestive tract through the small intestine’s unprocessed lactose, which leads to diarrhea. The bacteria in your stomach digest lactose after it gets to your colon, producing gas and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The amount of lactose you can handle and the amount you’ve eaten will determine how severe the symptoms are. Fortunately, these symptoms pass quickly, unless you have another ailment that is made worse by the irritation of your digestive system caused by lactose intolerance, or unless you ingest high amounts of lactose, you are generally unaffected.
Causes;
Glucose and galactose are the two basic sugars that makeup lactose. To convert lactose into glucose and galactose, which your body subsequently absorbs into your circulation for energy, you require the enzyme lactase. Insufficient lactase allows lactose to pass through your intestines undigested, which can lead to digestive problems. Still, lactase insufficiency can have a variety of causes.
As people age, their body’s ability to produce lactase decreases, leading to primary lactose intolerance, which is the most prevalent kind. Because of this, over time, your body becomes less able to absorb lactose. Secondary lactose intolerance is caused by a disorder that affects the small intestine, which produces lactase. This is due to the possibility that intestinal wall irritation will produce a brief decrease in lactase synthesis. Congenital lactose intolerance is present in newborns. It’s rare, these babies are unable to nurse, and if the disease is not treated promptly, it could even be fatal. High calcium levels and severe diarrhea are possible side effects. Developmental lactose intolerance also affects babies. It usually only manifests as symptoms like digestive distress in premature babies, who are born before their digestive systems are completely formed.
Treatment Options;
Enzyme supplements; Supplemental enzymes may aid in the body’s lactose digestion. The effectiveness of these products can, however, differ greatly, ranging from having no noticeable effect to reducing the symptoms of lactose intolerance and producing better hydrogen breath test results.
Probiotics and Prebiotics; Prebiotics are specific kinds of fiber that serve as food for probiotics, which are microorganisms that are good for your health and nourish the good bacteria in your stomach. According to studies, probiotics and prebiotics have been demonstrated to lessen the symptoms of lactose intolerance. Some probiotic and prebiotic strains may work better than others. Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus strains, which are frequently found in probiotic yogurts and supplements, are regarded to be the most advantageous probiotics.
Lacoste Exposure; Regular lactose consumption can aid in your body’s adaptation if you are lactose intolerant. Although there haven’t been many studies done on this, the preliminary findings seem promising. Even though your body lacks lactase, regular exposure to lactose may enable your gut bacteria to manufacture enough lactase on its own to alleviate the symptoms of lactose intolerance. With this strategy, consistency is essential. Whole milk, or high-fat milk, maybe the ideal option because it digests more slowly in the body and may give your gut flora more time to break down the lactose.
In conclusion, the symptoms of lactose intolerance are brought on by a lack of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose, a sugar found in milk. The symptoms of this ailment appear after consuming dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese that contain lactose. These symptoms, which can appear soon after eating, include diarrhea and stomach ache. A lot of people have lactose intolerance, however, it’s simple to modify your diet to avoid or consume less lactose. Among these tactics is the purchase of lactose-free meals. You can enjoy a wide variety of meals and drinks, as well as several therapy alternatives to help avoid or relieve symptoms if you’re worried that you can’t tolerate dairy.