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.

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

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