What Causes Lactose Intolerance? You Need To Know Symptoms

There are many people who have stomach problems when they drink milk, that is, they do not digest milk well. That is milk digestion problems besides This problem is called 'lactose intolerance'. The sugar in milk is called lactose, and the inability to digest this lactose is called lactose intolerance.

An enzyme called lactase released from the small intestine of our stomach helps in the digestion of milk sugars. People who are deficient in this lactase enzyme usually cannot digest milk.

But we know that milk is a balanced diet that is highly nutritious. Milk contains carbs, fats, sugars, and almost all types of vitamins and minerals. So it is essential to drink milk every day to live a healthy and vigorous life. Especially with age, the role of calcium in milk in preventing bone loss in our body is immense.

Lactose what? Why are so many people less tolerant?

Lactose is the main sugar in milk or dairy foods. People with lactose intolerance cannot digest this sugar because their small intestine cannot produce enough lactase enzymes. It is an enzyme that helps digest lactose.

Who is affected this?

About 60 percent of adults suffer from lactose intolerance or become lactose intolerant after childhood. Interestingly, however, lactose tolerance or intolerance depends exclusively on geographical differences. This tolerance can be seen more or less in one communal group than in any other communal group.

According to data released by the National Health Service, lactose intolerance is most prevalent in Britain among Asian or African-Caribbean communities. Only 1 in 50 people in northern Europe have lactose intolerance, compared to 90 percent in China.

Scientists believe that because historically, people in Africa and Asia did not have access to large quantities of animal milk, so lactose tolerance did not develop in them, as it did them no good.

How is this tolerance grown in humans?

People can digest milk in childhood, the only reason behind this is their genetic adaptation. Studies show that 20,000 years ago the human body did not have a gene to break down milk lactose, and it was very rare even in the Bronze Age.

An in-depth look at how lactose intolerance developed in humans over a very short period of time suggests that direct milk may have had a significant effect on human survival, which could have been achieved by turning milk into cheese, yogurt, or lachhi. No.

Although a large number of people around the world are still suffering from lactose intolerance, many people now have access to alternative foods, including lactose-free milk, and the purchase of lactose pills, which make it easier to digest plain milk or dairy foods.

Symptoms to lactose intolerance

Within 30 minutes to 2 hours of consuming a lactose-rich food or drink, lactose-intolerant people may suffer from abdominal pain, flatulence, bloating, diarrhea, acidity, etc. In some cases, these symptoms can be severe.

If these symptoms are seen in someone, then there is a possibility that he is lactose intolerant. However, to be sure, he can avoid milk or dairy products for several days in a row. In that case, if he no longer has these symptoms, it means that he is really intolerant of lactose. But if these symptoms persist even after avoiding milk or dairy foods, then the advice of a doctor should be taken immediately.

What is dairy allergy?

No, such intolerance is different from food allergies. These are not due to a weakened immune system, nor are they fatal.

Milk allergy is the second most common food allergy after peanut allergy. The human immune system mistakenly considers cow's milk to be harmful and releases a variety of chemicals that can cause allergic reactions. This can lead to shortness of breath or nausea, and fatal reactions such as anaphylaxis. Milk allergies are more common in children. On the other hand, lactose intolerance affects teenagers and adults.

Is there is treatment?

No, lactose intolerance can never be completely eradicated. However, it is possible to avoid the symptoms by limiting or eliminating lactose-rich foods. In addition, many people nowadays are taking various lactase substitutes, such as drops or tablets, which improve the digestion of lactose in their bodies.

Most lactose intolerant people can consume small amounts of milk or dairy foods without any problems. So there is no special need to completely cut milk or dairy foods from the diet. Moreover, milk or dairy foods can be eaten together with any other food that can be beneficial. This is because it slows down the digestion process, making it easier for the body to absorb lactose.

We know that milk contains vitamin D and calcium, which are very important for the body. If one completely skips milk or dairy foods, one should eat other foods that are complementary to vitamin D and calcium. For example, fatty fish, beef liver, and eggs are rich in vitamin D. And green leafy vegetables, soybeans, nuts, etc. have high levels of calcium.

However, most nutritionists think that eliminating a particular food group without special needs is not the answer. However, if a person gives up milk or dairy foods altogether, then some changes in his body are inevitable. Some of those changes may be positive, some may be negative.

What more what can you can do?

• Goat's raw milk can be drunk. Because raw goat's milk is relatively easy to digest.

• Old cheese made with cow's or goat's milk can be eaten. Because the amount of lactose in it is almost zero. The older the cheese, the lower the lactose level.

• Minimal lactose-rich yogurt can be made at home.

• When buying a dairy product, you need to check the label of the packaging or the place of the ingredient to see if there is any mention of lactose in it. If lactose is mentioned, that food should be avoided.

Especially with age, the role of calcium in milk in preventing bone loss in our body is immense. lactose intolerance is caused by different types of rich dairy foods.