Lactose intolerance occurs when the level of lactase (a stomach enzyme) are to low or non-existent at birth (Congenital Lactose Deficiency). It is this enzyme that helps us digest dairy products like milk which contain lactose. If left undigested lactose becomes fermented in the large intestine. Hydrogen one of the gases produced during this process can be carried to the lungs where it is exhaled. It is for this reason that one of the first indicators used for measuring lactose intolerance is the hydrogen breath test. This test will measure the levels of hydrogen in the breath.

Wait A Minute

Dairy products may not be your only worry when it comes to lactose, because

some medicines use it as a base. It is also found in cakes, breads, candy and meats which contain milk or other dairy products as an ingredient.

Symptoms

• Bad breath(sometimes called milk breath)
• Bloating
• Gas
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Cramping

What Can You Do

You can remove dairy products entirely from your diet. Milk can be replaced with plant based lactose free alternatives like almond milk, rice milk and soy milk.

There are milk lactase replacement products like (Lactaid) available at many supermarkets in the dairy section.

You can also buy lactase in pill or tablet form at health food stores.

Testing

• Stool Acidity Test
• Hydrogen breath test
• Intestinal biopsy (small bowel biopsy)

Breastfeeding A Lactose Intolerant Baby

The ingredients in mothers milk has a great deal to do with the foods she eats. If the mother’s diet includes lactose based dairy products like cow’s milk then traces of these substances will be present in her milk. This can affect a lactose intolerant baby.

Links of interests

• Dr. Greene Lactose free milk 
• Lactose intolerance in infants 
• Unable to digest breast milk
• Health Bytes

Although symptoms of Lactase deficiency can be uncomfortable and at times embarrassing, they’re are things that you can do to get relief.

• Reduce or eliminate dairy products from your diet
• Get tested for food allergies or milk intolerance
• Monitor your reaction to dairy products
• Read food labels

If you are unsure about a food’s ingredients speak with your doctor, pharmacist or a nutritionist.