Lactose intolerance: handling and alternatives

Veröffentlicht:

Aktualisiert:

Von:

Lactose intolerance: dealing and alternatives What is lactose intolerance? Lactose intolerance is a condition in which the body cannot properly digest the lactose contained in milk and dairy products. This is due to a lack of lactase, an enzyme that is usually produced in the small intestine and is responsible for the breakdown of lactose. If lactose remains undigested, it can lead to unpleasant symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea and nausea. Types of lactose intolerance There are three main types of lactose intolerance: primary, secondary and congenital lactose intolerance. Primary lactose intolerance: This form of lactose intolerance is genetically due to and occurs most frequently. People with primary lactose intolerance produce in the course of ...
(Symbolbild/natur.wiki)

lactose intolerance: handling and alternatives

What is lactose intolerance?

Lactose intolerance is a condition in which the body cannot properly digest the lactose contained in milk and dairy products. This is due to a lack of lactase, an enzyme that is usually produced in the small intestine and is responsible for the breakdown of lactose. If lactose remains undigested, it can lead to unpleasant symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea and nausea.

types of lactose intolerance

There are three main types of lactose intolerance: primary, secondary and innate lactose intolerance.

  1. Primary lactose intolerance: This form of lactose intolerance is genetically due to and occurs most frequently. People with primary lactose intolerance produce fewer and fewer lactase over time, which leads to inadequate digestion of lactose.
  2. Secondary lactose intolerance: This form occurs as a result of another disease or a state that affects the small intestine. Examples of this are celiac disease, Crohn's disease or a bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine. In these cases, the production of lactase can be temporarily or permanently impaired.
  3. Congenital lactose intolerance: This form of lactose intolerance is extremely rare and occurs due to a genetic defect that leads to not producing babies from birth from birth. These babies have to avoid dairy products from the start or receive a special formula.

    4. Symptoms of lactose intolerance

    The symptoms of lactose intolerance can vary from person to person and depend on the amount of lactose consumed. The most common symptoms include:

    • abdominal pain
    • nausea
    • flatulence
    • diarrhea
    • gas formation
    • bloated stomach
    • constipation (less often)

      It is important to note that these symptoms do not have to occur immediately after eating lactose and some people react more sensitive to lactose than others.

    Diagnosis of lactose intolerance

    If you suspect that you suffer from lactose intolerance, you should see a doctor who can make a precise diagnosis. Your doctor can carry out various tests to determine whether you actually suffer from lactose intolerance. These include:

    1. hydrogen breath test: This test measures the hydrogen content in the exhaled air after drinking a lactose-contained solution. A high hydrogen content indicates inadequate digestion of lactose.
    2. Lactose tolerance test: In this test, drink a lactose-contained solution and then your blood sugar level is checked. If your body does not digest the lactose properly, your blood sugar level does not increase as expected. Based on these tests, your doctor can make a diagnosis and help you to learn how to deal with your lactose intolerance.

      3. handling of lactose intolerance

      If you diagnose lactose intolerance, this does not mean that you have to do without milk and milk products completely. There are various ways to make it easier to use lactose intolerance:

      1. Avoid lactose -containing food: The most obvious solution is to avoid lactose -containing food such as milk, cheese and yogurt. Instead, you can switch to lactose -free or herbal alternatives. There is now a wide range of lactose -free milk products on the market that have the same taste and the same texture as conventional dairy products.
      2. pay attention to hidden lactose: lactose can also be included in many processed foods. Therefore, always read food marking to ensure that there are no lactose -containing ingredients. In particular, pay attention to the following terms: milk powder, dry milk, milk sugar, whey and casein.
      3. gradually eat tolerance: some people with lactose intolerance can develop a certain amount of small amounts of lactose over time. You could try to gradually insert small amounts of lactose -containing food into your diet and observe how your body reacts to it. A nutritionist can help you create an individual plan.

        4. alternative dairy products

        If you suffer from lactose intolerance, you don't have to do without milk and milk products. There are a variety of vegetable alternatives that can be a good option for people with lactose intolerance. Here are some popular alternatives:

        1. Almond milk: Almond milk is made from ground almonds and water and has a mild taste. It is poor in calories and usually does not contain saturated fats.
        2. soy milk: soy milk is obtained from soybeans and has a similar protein content as cow's milk. It is a good source of calcium and vitamins.
        3. oat milk: oat milk is made from ground oats and water and has a slightly sweet taste. It is rich in fiber and contains no saturated fats.
        4. coconut milk: coconut milk is obtained from the meat of the coconut and has a slightly sweet, tropical taste. It is rich in healthy fats and has a low lactose content.

          These vegetable alternatives are available in most supermarkets and offer a good option for people with lactose intolerance.

          5. FAZIT

          Lactose intolerance can cause unpleasant symptoms, but with the right nutrition and the correct handling, it is possible to live a normal and active life. Avoid lactose -containing food and instead try out lactose -free or herbal alternatives. However, note that every person reacts differently to lactose and you may have to find an individual approach that works for you. Talk to your doctor or nutritionist to discuss the best strategies for your specific situation.

          More about natural and healthy nutrition can be found in our advisory magazine ein-heilpraktiker.com