Our bodies change as we age, and losing the ability to tolerate lactose is common for reasons experts don’t completely understand. Luckily, lactose intolerance isn’t a serious health concern. But that doesn’t mean living with its symptoms is pleasant. Gaining a better understanding of the condition can go a long way toward helping you manage it.
All About Lactase and Lactose
Lactase is an enzyme made in our bodies — and it’s especially important for babies at a time when milk is their primary, or only, source of nutrition. Everyone produces a different amount, but it’s common for production to slow as we age.
Your small intestine needs enough lactase to break down lactose so it can be absorbed into your bloodstream. When you don’t have enough lactase to break it down, it ends up in your large intestine, or colon. And while in your colon, the sugar ferments, changing chemically into lactic acid.
Lactic acid in your colon triggers lactose intolerance symptoms like:
- Abdominal cramping
- Bloated, gurgling stomach
- Diarrhea
- Gas pain
- Nausea
Types of Lactose Intolerance
There are four different types of lactose intolerance:
- Primary lactose intolerance is the most common type, and it develops when your body gradually stops producing lactase. There’s no cure for primary lactose intolerance.
- Secondary lactose intolerance can sometimes develop when you have certain chronic conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or after a major infection, radiation therapy, or an injury or surgery on your small intestine. Secondary lactose intolerance may be reversed, depending on treatment of the underlying cause and the severity of the issue.
- Developmental lactose intolerance, can happen in premature babies whose small intestine is underdeveloped at birth.
- Congenital lactose intolerance is very rare, developing when a genetic condition is passed down in families.
Living with Lactose Intolerance
Given that we produce lower levels of lactase — and that our guts typically become more sensitive as we age — it isn’t at all surprising that we may need to eat differently: Our digestive systems simply can’t handle the same types or amounts of food we ate when we were younger. If you notice symptoms, look for patterns that can help you pinpoint your triggers. Pay attention to how your body reacts to different foods, and to the amount you ate.
Thankfully, simple adjustments can usually help us avoid bothersome symptoms altogether. One common solution, for example, is switching to lactose-free dairy products, such as Lactaid milk, or other healthy milk alternatives. Just remember that if you eliminate dairy from your diet, you’ll need to ensure you get enough calcium and vitamin D from other sources.
There are also many familiar foods you can continue to eat, such as hard cheeses like asiago, brie, cheddar, parmesan and provolone since they have very low amounts of lactose. Just be sure to check the ingredient labels on packaged foods — and even the medications you’re taking.
When To See a Health Care Provider
If you believe you’ve become lactose intolerant later in life, discuss it with your doctor. There are simple tests that confirm or rule out the condition, including a lactose intolerance test to measure your blood sugar levels after ingesting lactose and a hydrogen breath test to see if your colon is fermenting lactose.
Then, if your diagnosis is confirmed, your doctor will likely:
Seeing a doctor is also important because you need to know if there’s another cause for your stomach pain, such as a food allergy or ulcers.
Caring for Your Whole Health
When you need answers, our digestive care experts are ready to help. We understand how much these symptoms can disrupt your life and will help you take control of them.
To learn more about lactose intolerance and understand ways to improve your digestive health, schedule an appointment today.
