Lactose Intolerance is the inability to digest lactose found in mammals’ milk (i.e., cow, goat, sheep’s milk). This inability is due to a missing enzyme called lactase, which summarizes and breaks down the natural sugar in milk known as galactose. Because of this deficiency, undigested galactose can enter the colon, causing unpleasant symptoms:
1. Stomach pain and cramps
The symptoms of lactose intolerance are not just uncomfortable rumblings in the stomach. The pain felt from this discomfort usually makes people realize that they are experiencing a medical condition. Rumblings in the belly, the sensation of butterflies behind the eyes, and an upset stomach can all be signs of lactose intolerance. The discomfort usually starts anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours after ingesting lactose and can lead to other symptoms.
2. Diarrhea or loose stools
The colon is the last place the body attempts to eliminate toxins from the body. When the body tries to eradicate undigested galactose, it breaks down both of these molecules into their most common forms – glucose and lactic acid -a waste byproduct produced in high enough levels that can cause painful cramping in the intestines. The absence of this enzyme can lead to increased lactic acid levels causing diarrhea or loose stools.
3. Gas and bloating
An extremely uncomfortable feeling comes from undigested galactose entering the bloodstream and forcing itself through the digestive system. This is an uneasy feeling that can occur after consuming a meal that contains lactose. Additionally, it is common to experience this bloating after consuming dairy foods such as cheese or yogurt.
4. Constipation
There are times that constipation may occur despite other symptoms. The discomfort, pain, or other signs leading up to this point may be what causes it. This discomfort and the slow passage of stool through the colon can cause extreme irritation, leading to unbearable pain in the abdomen, rectum, or lower back region.
5. Mouth ulcers
A person with a mouth ulcer will experience the pain associated with a sore in the mouth. The slightly reddened, irritated area, often covered in white or yellow mucus and surrounded by a ring of white, will eventually scab over and heal, but the pain it causes might last for days. This discomfort is usually caused by eating foods or beverages that are too hot, acidic, or spicy. The severity of the pain can be amplified when dairy products are consumed, as they are acidic and can be challenging to digest.
To prevent lactose intolerance, it is best to take lactose-free milk, lactase tablets, or calcium citrate supplement. If you are lactose intolerant, eat dairy foods in moderation or avoid consuming these altogether. Lactose intolerance can be treated with lactase enzymes to break down lactose in the intestine before it enters the colon.
