There are different medical and health conditions associated with the digestive system. A dairy intolerance is one of the most common health conditions and means that your body can not digest lactose (a type of sugar found in dairy products).
A dairy intolerance can present itself in many forms, but most patients who are victims to this condition experience the same symptoms. You can acquire a dairy intolerance test to properly diagnose the condition.
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Why Does A Person Suffer From Dairy Intolerance?
Sometimes, the body deviates from its normal functioning and enters the phase of the disease. The same situation is in the case of dairy intolerance. A protein that disintegrates lactose into its essential components, known as lactase, is absent in some people. This condition leads to dairy intolerance.
Most cases of dairy intolerance are reported at an early age, but it doesn’t mean that adults don’t suffer from this condition.There are chances of gene deletion or turning off those genes which encode for lactase enzyme. It may be due to any mutation in the genome of that person.
The second possible reason is that there must be an auto-immune disease like coeliac disease that has damaged the intestine lining. It is because the cells which produce and secrete lactase are present in the lining of the intestines. If the cells are destroyed due to an infection by viruses, bacteria, endoparasites, or auto-immune disease, it also disturbs the availability of lactase enzymes in the gut.
Indications Of A Dairy Intolerance:
As mentioned, the symptoms of a dairy intolerance can vary from person to person, and will depend on the severity of the intolerance. However, most people experience the same sort of symptoms which can act as clear indicators that there is a digestive issue.
Here are some of the most common symptoms:
Diarrhoea:
Due to lack of absorption, the unprocessed food contents pass from the intestine. This can cause painful abdominal pain and lead to diarrhoea for most patients, which can recur every time dairy is consumed.
Intestinal Gas:
Bacteria use lactose as a carbon source for energy synthesis; the reaction leads to the production of several gases in the intestine. The gas production feels like rupturing bubbles inside the belly. Again, this can be quite uncomfortable and unpleasant.
Cramps:
Due to the loss of electrolytes, nutrients, and salts from the body due to diarrhoea, you may suffer from cramps and fatigue. Stomach and lower abdominal cramps can vary from mild to severe depending on the patient and how much dairy has been consumed.
Diet Plan For Lactose Intolerant Person:
The best diet plan for a lactose intolerant person is to avoid milk, cream, yoghurt, milky bread, ice cream, and cheese. A lactose-free diet is the only treatment available to set yourself free from the chains of this disease. Instead, you can eat fresh green vegetables, meat, and pulses to fulfil the need for nutrients.
After changing your diet plan, you should check for any changes regarding your intolerance, it is best to acquire another dairy intolerance test to examine any changes.
Conclusion
Despite dairy intolerances being incredibly common, and causing unpleasant symptoms, changing to a dairy-free (lactose-free) diet can significantly improve your symptoms and overall health if you suffer with this condition. You should undergo a dairy intolerance test to receive an official diagnosis.
