Lactose intolerance means the body cannot easily digest lactose, a type of sugar mainly found in milk and dairy products. This is not the same thing as a food allergy to milk. It is a common digestive problem which is usually harmless, but its symptoms can be uncomfortable. This condition is also called lactose malabsorption.
Symptoms of lactose intolerance include:
- Flatulence
- Diarrhoea
- Bloated stomach
- Stomach cramps and pains
- Stomach rumbling
- Feeling sick
The severity of symptoms depends on upon the quantity of Lactose consumed.
Cause of Lactose Intolerance:The body digests lactose using a substance called lactase ( an enzyme produce in small intestine). This breaks down lactose into two sugars called glucose and galactose, which can be easily absorbed into the bloodstream. People with lactose intolerance don’t produce enough lactase, so lactose stays in the digestive system where it’s fermented by bacteria. This leads to the production of various gases, which cause the symptoms associated with lactose .
Diagnosis of Lactose Intolerance:
- Hydrogen breath test: This is the most accurate lactose intolerance test. Before the test, you need to avoid certain foods and medicines and cigarettes. On the day of the test, you will drink a liquid that contains lactose and then breathe into a machine several times over a couple of hours. If the hydrogen levels in your breath are high, you may have lactose intolerance. This test is not usually done on babies and very young children, because it can cause severe diarrhea.
- Lactose tolerance test: This test measures your blood sugar after you eat or drink lactose. After midnight on the night before the test, you should not eat or drink anything. On the day of your test, you will drink a liquid that contains lactose, which may cause gas or pain in your belly. Then your blood will be tested every 30 minutes for 2 hours. If your blood sugar levels do not rise, you may be lactose-intolerant. This test is not done on people who have diabetes. And it is usually not done on babies and very young children.
- Stool acidity test: For infants and children who can't undergo other tests, a stool acidity test may be used. The fermentation of undigested lactose creates lactic acid and other acids that can be detected in a stool sample.
Conservative Treatment : -lactase enzyme tablets or drops. Over-the-counter tablets or drops containing the lactase enzyme may help you digest dairy products. You can take tablets just before a meal or snack. Or the drops can be added to a carton of milk.
How Homeopathy can help: The usual medical course of action is to refrain from drinking processed milk and eating processed foods that contain whey, casein or lactose. Substitutes include almond milk, rice milk, and soya milk. According to homeopathy, the alternative course is to find the cause of the milk sensitivity and a medicine to cure it. For every disease, there is an external exciting cause and an internal maintaining cause. Exciting causes include weather changes, emotional stress, allergenic foods and mildly toxic substances, to name a few. In homeopathic treatment, we encourage the patient to avoid the exciting cause until we have found a medicine to cure the inner maintaining cause.
Homeopathy medicines are helpful:
- Aethusa Cynapium
- Magnesium Muriaticum
- Lac Vaccinum Defloratum:
- China Officinalis
- Apis Mellifica
Few Dietary tips for treating lactose intolerance:
- Probiotics: These are specialized bacteria that not only help in improving digestion, but proper nourishment can also be gained.
- Coconut milk: This is now considered as one of the leading substitutes for different dairy products.
- Apple cider vinegar: Lactose intolerance signs can be completely eradicated along with the maintenance of body balance by consuming apple cider vinegar regularly. This is a natural product, and thus you can take the same regularly without taking a doctor's permission.
- Yogurt: This can be taken with meals as it is enriched with beneficial bacteria that can help in digesting different other dairy products. With the consumption of yoghurt, Lactose can be broken down naturally, and on the other hand, digestion can be improved.
Lactose Intolerance leads to Vitamin deficiencies, Bone related diseases, and Malnutrition in the long run. These can be prevented by proper nutritional supplementation.
Disclaimer: This article is written by the Practitioner for informational purposes only. Users must not view the content as medical advice in any way. Users are also required to ’NOT SELF MEDICATE’ and always consult a practicing specialist before taking any medicines or undergoing any treatment. Practo and the Practitioner will not be responsible for any act or omission by the User arising from the User’s interpretation of the content.