What You Should Know About Lactose Intolerance

Intolerance to lactose is also known as lactase deficiency, an incapability to metabolize and digest lactose. It is a big sugar molecule created of glucose and galactose and also sugars. For the absorption of lactose, galactose and glucose must be split. Then these are getting absorbed through the lining of the cells of the small intestine. The enzyme which helps in splitting the lactose into both galactose and glucose is known as lactose. Lactose intolerance is caused by the lack of lactase in the digestive tract.

Lactose intolerance signs and symptoms

Most of the people suffer a lot due to this, parents are very anxious about babies who are suffering with this condition. Everyone will not experience all the symptoms. Yet, wind and bloating are the two major symptoms which are common to everyone.

If the lactose is not digested, it stays in the intestines by exerting the osmotic effects. Salts and fluids are drawn by the osmotic pressure in to the guts that moves fast to the large intestines. This increased salt levels and fluid in the colon assists the bacteria which ferments the lactose to methane, CO2, hydrogen and also hydrogen sulphide. The hydrogen is a major gas that causes bloating, as it is small it moves on out of the intestinal walls. Fermentation of lactose results in symptoms such as cramping pain, flatulence and abdominal bloating.

Diarrhea is the most general symptoms occurring but it is different from one individual to the other. Other signs of lactose intolerance are rumbling, gaseousness, nausea and in some cases you can even see vomiting sensation. Vomiting and nausea are caused as a result of the escaped gas. Intestinal pain is caused by the dairy products that cause continuous loose bowel movements. Diarrhea begins to develop within one to two hours after having dairy products in the people being intolerant to lactose. Watery bowel movements will also lead to loss of appetite. Diarrhea caused may result in risky condition because of the extreme loss of fluid from the body.

Symptoms of lactose intolerance become severe or mild based on the amount of sugar consumed and the intensity of lactose deficiency.

Final Words

Being intolerant to lactose is a digestive problem affecting many people in the world. You can ease your current lactose intolerance condition by just cutting all foods that contains lactose, for example the dairy products. Consume yogurt as it contains rich source of calcium. Consuming yogurt in every meal will definitely eliminate the lactose intolerance signs and symptoms.