What is lactose intolerance?
Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and milk products.
What are the symptoms of lactose intolerance?
The symptoms of lactose intolerance include bloating, gas, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and nausea.
How common is lactose intolerance?
Lactose intolerance is fairly common. It is estimated that up to 65% of the world's adult population has some degree of lactose intolerance.
Can lactose intolerance develop later in life?
Yes, it is possible to develop lactose intolerance later in life. This is called secondary lactose intolerance and can occur as a result of some medical conditions or treatments.
What causes lactose intolerance?
Lactose intolerance is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme lactase, which is needed to break down lactose in the small intestine.
How is lactose intolerance diagnosed?
Lactose intolerance can be diagnosed through a lactose tolerance test or a hydrogen breath test.
What is a lactose tolerance test?
A lactose tolerance test involves drinking a liquid containing a high amount of lactose and then measuring the levels of glucose in the blood over several hours to determine the body's ability to digest lactose.
What is a hydrogen breath test?
A hydrogen breath test involves drinking a liquid containing lactose and then measuring the levels of hydrogen in the breath over several hours to determine the body's ability to digest lactose.
What are some foods that contain lactose?
Foods that contain lactose include milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt, cream, and butter.
Can lactose intolerance be treated?
Lactose intolerance cannot be cured, but it can be managed through dietary changes and the use of lactase supplements.
What are some lactase supplements?
Lactase supplements are pills or drops that contain the lactase enzyme and can be taken before consuming lactose-containing foods.
What are some non-dairy sources of calcium?
Non-dairy sources of calcium include broccoli, almonds, kale, salmon, and tofu.
Can someone with lactose intolerance still eat cheese?
Some cheeses, such as cheddar and Swiss, are low in lactose and may be better tolerated by people with lactose intolerance. Others, such as soft cheeses, may still cause symptoms.
Can someone with lactose intolerance still eat yogurt?
Yogurt contains lower levels of lactose than milk, and some people with lactose intolerance may be able to tolerate it. It is also possible to find lactose-free yogurt.
What are some other names for lactose intolerance?
Other names for lactose intolerance include lactase deficiency, milk intolerance, and dairy intolerance.
Can lactose intolerance cause weight loss?
Lactose intolerance on its own is not likely to cause weight loss. However, if lactose-containing foods are avoided and not replaced with other sources of nutrition, weight loss may occur.
Can lactose intolerance cause skin problems?
Lactose intolerance is not likely to cause skin problems, but some skin conditions, such as eczema, may be aggravated by consuming dairy products.
Can lactose intolerance cause headaches?
Lactose intolerance is not likely to cause headaches, but some people may experience headaches as a result of other digestive symptoms, such as bloating or stomach cramps.
Can lactose intolerance cause joint pain?
Lactose intolerance is not likely to cause joint pain, but some people with other autoimmune disorders, such as celiac disease, may also be lactose intolerant and experience joint pain as a result of those conditions.
Can lactose intolerance cause fatigue?
Lactose intolerance is not likely to cause fatigue, but some people may experience fatigue as a result of other digestive symptoms, such as diarrhea or nausea.
Can lactose intolerance be genetic?
Yes, lactose intolerance can be genetic, and is most commonly seen in people of African, Asian, or Hispanic descent.
Is lactose intolerance the same as a milk allergy?
No, lactose intolerance is not the same as a milk allergy. A milk allergy involves an immune system reaction to one or more of the proteins in milk, while lactose intolerance involves an inability to digest lactose.
Can lactose intolerance cause constipation?
Lactose intolerance is more commonly associated with diarrhea, but it is possible that it could cause constipation in some people.
Can lactose intolerance cause acne?
There is no direct link between lactose intolerance and acne, but some people may find that avoiding dairy products helps to improve their skin.
What age group is most susceptible to lactose intolerance?
Lactose intolerance is most common in adults, and tends to develop gradually over time.
Can lactose intolerance cause anxiety?
Lactose intolerance is not likely to cause anxiety, but some people may experience anxiety as a result of other digestive symptoms, such as bloating or stomach cramps.
Can lactose intolerance cause depression?
Lactose intolerance is not likely to cause depression, but some people may experience depression as a result of digestive symptoms that impact their quality of life.
Can lactose intolerance cause heartburn?
Lactose intolerance is not likely to cause heartburn, but some people may experience acid reflux as a result of other digestive symptoms, such as bloating or stomach cramps.
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