Posted on April 16, 2010.
What are the symptoms of lactose intolerance? Lactose intolerance is a digestive disorder very often making it difficult for people to digest a complex sugar called lactose that is present in dairy products made from cow's milk. This disorder affects people who do not have a special enzyme called lactase, which enables the digestive system to digest lactose in the small intestine to simple sugars for absorption into the bloodstream.
The trouble breaking down lactose into simple sugars causes sufferers of lactose intolerance of many troublesome symptoms. These symptoms include feeling full longer in the stomach, bloating, stomach pain and excessive gas that is sitting up very uncomfortable. These symptoms often occur immediately after eating foods that contain cow's milk and can cause more severe symptoms if they are not treated quickly.
These more severe symptoms are also common for people who suffer from more extreme forms of intolerance to lactose. These symptoms often include problems with diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. These symptoms often vary in severity from person to person and can be triggered by eating sweets, breads and other foods that use cow's milk as an ingredient.
People who believe they suffer from lactose intolerance should ask their doctors to perform a test for the disease. These breath tests or the use of stool samples to find higher than normal levels of hydrogen in the blood. Although it may be embarrassing to do so, it may be a good idea because there are several treatments available to reduce severity of symptoms. Avoid dairy products entirely, however, is by far the best treatment for lactose intolerance.
Many of the symptoms of lactose intolerance is often easy to confuse with other diseases. For example, some people have an upset stomach and excessive gas could believe they are suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, instead of lactose intolerance. Consequently, people who think they might be suffering from lactose intolerance should talk to their doctor today to get tested for this disease.
For more information go to: http://www.DairySensitivityInfo.com
