Lactose intolerance is a common GI disorder that occurs when the body is unable to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. This happens when the small intestine doesn’t produce enough lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose. As a result, lactose remains undigested and passes into the colon, where it can cause discomfort and digestive symptoms such as bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
Anybody who is lactose intolerant may face some challenges, with limitations on food choices, social challenges, and an inability to get adequate calcium. The good news is, lactose intolerance is now highly manageable. Below, we have the ultimate guide to treating lactose intolerance.
Get A Proper Diagnosis
Lactose intolerance shares symptoms with milk allergy. As such, you should get a diagnosis for lactose intolerance through a hydrogen breath test, which involves drinking a liquid that contains lactose. High levels of hydrogen measured in your breath indicate lactose intolerance, since undigested lactose ferments and produces hydrogen and other gasses. Once you have a definitive diagnosis, you can proceed to discuss treatment options with your doctor.
Understand Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is when the body cannot digest lactose. A combination of genetics, ethnicity, and age makes some people more susceptible to this than others. However, some GI conditions, such as celiac disease and Crohn’s disease, and certain medications can also cause lactose intolerance. A gastrointestinal specialist can review your medical history, perform testing to get you a diagnosis and educate you about the condition and treatment.
Identify Lactose-Containing Foods
The most effective way to treat lactose intolerance is to eliminate lactose-containing foods from your diet. It is easy enough to identify foods that contain lactose, including milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt, and other dairy products. However, if you are eating out, it may be more difficult since many sauces and soups are prepared with dairy products. Researching the restaurant’s menu beforehand, choosing simple dishes, and letting the staff know about your intolerance can help you prevent accidental lactose consumption.
Choose Lactose-Free Alternatives
To ensure you are getting enough calcium and other nutrients, replace lactose-containing foods with lactose-free or low-lactose alternatives. For example, you can try lactose-free milk, soy milk, almond milk, or other non-dairy milk alternatives. If you are having trouble getting enough calcium and other nutrients, your GI doctor may recommend a registered dietitian to help you develop a balanced and nutritious meal plan that contains no lactose-containing products.
Take Lactase Supplements
To manage lactose intolerance, lactase supplements can help. Lactase supplements are available over the counter in the form of tablets or drops, which contain lactase to help break down lactose. Other options include probiotics, which can help improve the symptoms of lactose intolerance.
Lactose Intolerance Treatment in Austin, TX
The board-certified and fellowship-trained gastrointestinal doctors at Austin Gastro diagnose and treat lactose intolerance regularly. Our treatment programs are individualized to each patient, which helps them manage their condition effectively and ensures they get the nutrients their body needs to be healthy. Don’t let lactose intolerance hold you back any longer. Our GI experts can help you find relief.
We look forward to welcoming you to our world-class GI facilities and treating you with the respect and compassion you deserve. To schedule an appointment with an Austin Gastro GI doctor, call our GI clinic nearest you or use our convenient online request form.
