Lactose Intolerance

Individual that are lactose intolerant will be unable to digest the milk sugar lactose. Digestion of lactose requires the enzyme lactase, which is produced by the cells lining the small intestine. The lactase will break down lactose into two simpler form of sugar called glucose and galactose to be absorbed  into the blood stream. Lactose intolerance usually results in unpleasant digestive symptoms when products containing lactose are eaten.


Symptoms

• Diarrhea
• Bloating
• flatulence
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea

Causes

• Genetics
• Damage of digestive tract due to coeliac disease, gastroenteritis or colitis,infection, surgery and injuries

Action plan

• Add plenty of non-dairy calcium-rich food to diet such as broccoli, soy milk, tofu,oat and soya yoghurt
• Eat magnesium rich food to ensure correct uptake of calcium such as white beans, dark green leafies, pumpkin seeds, brown rice, and seaweed
• Check labels carefully, dairy products and lactose are found in many products.
• Eat milk products that are easier for people with lactose intolerance to digest, such as yogurt and hard cheese
• Take a tablet that contains the lactase enzyme when eat foods that contain lactose