One of my sons never liked
milk when he was growing up and now claims he is lactose intolerant. For sure, it's no fun to have a stomach ache! Lactose intolerance--a deficiency of the
enzyme lactase, which is produced by the lining of the small intestine--causes
an inability to fully digest the milk sugar in dairy products. Signs and symptoms of lactase deficiency
usually begin 30 minutes after eating or drinking foods that contain lactose. They are: diarrhea, nausea and sometimes vomiting,
abdominal cramps, bloating and gas. The
condition can be congenital, or be the result of aging, or even the result of
illness or injury. The diagnosis can be
made on the basis of symptoms or by means of blood tests. There is no cure. Relief is usually found by reducing the amount
of ingested
dairy products--smaller servings of dairy, saving milk for
mealtimes, experimenting with an assortment of dairy products with varied amounts
of lactose, or having lactose-reduced or lactose-free products. Over the counter tablets or drops containing
the lactose enzyme (Dairy Ease, Lactaid) taken before meals may aid in
digestion. Probiotics may also be of
value. It may also be necessary, in consultation with a
physician, to take calcium and vitamin D supplements.
Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc.,
Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics
(661) 325-1275 |
www.drtupac.com
5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309
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