Lactose intolerance
a common problem
What ist lactose intolerance?
Scientists talk about lactose intolerance when consuming milk and milk products triggers symptoms. The cause is a deficiency of the enzyme lactase. In this case, lactase, which is responsible for breaking down milk sugar, is not produced at all or only produced in insufficient quantities in the body. As a result, the lactose cannot be digested or can only be partially digested: The lactose reaches the large intestine undigested, where it is fermented by the bacteria which live there into lactic acid, methane and hydrogen. These substances can cause discomfort such as abdominal pain, flatulence, diarrhoea and nausea. One interesting point to note is that lactose intolerance should not be confused with a milk protein allergy. An allergy is when antibodies are formed in the body, i.e. an immune reaction is triggered.
What ist lactose?
Lactose is a natural component of milk. Chemically, it is a carbohydrate which is only found in the milk of mammals. Unfortunately, however, lactose is not only found in drinking milk, but is hidden in dairy products such as cheese or cream. It is also added to spice mixes, meat products and baked products and preserved vegetables. For people with lactose intolerance, food they haven’t eaten before poses a daily risk of experiencing discomfort. In the long term, it helps to eat a lactose-free diet because there is no treatment for the condition. However, in order to not have to give up dairy products, which are rich in calcium, vitamin D and protein, it can be useful to take a supplement of the enzyme lactase, for example in tablet form, to enable you to consume milk again.
What ist lactase?
The enzyme lactase is produced in the small intestine and breaks down milk sugar, i.e. lactose, into its usable components: galactose and dextrose. These sugars can be absorbed by the small intestine, unlike the dual sugar lactose. However, about 75% of all people lose the ability to produce lactase in sufficient quantities as soon as they are no longer children.
Lactose intolerant – what now?
The absence or reduction of the lactase enzyme has far-reaching consequences for those affected. On the one hand, regular diarrhea puts a strain on the natural intestinal flora. On the other hand, completely avoiding milk and dairy products means losing important sources of calcium: calcium contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and teeth as well as normal muscle function. It also supports energy metabolism. People with lactose intolerance should therefore provide their bodies with other sources of calcium to meet their needs. Some vegetables, such as kale and broccoli, also contain calcium, but this is less easily absorbed by the body due to the oxalic acid they contain. Dietary supplements or calcium-enriched foods are another option. Since lactose intolerance cannot be cured, the only solution is to switch to lactose-free foods or, if you do not want to completely avoid foods containing milk sugar, to take the enzyme lactase externally.
Would you like to know more about our lactase tablets? Then take a look here:
Lactose intolerance tips for everyday life and nutrition
To make sure you don’t have to miss out on anything
Lactose intolerance affects patients’ quality of life. This is not only due to giving up foods containing lactose but above all because of the associated gastrointestinal complaints, which are often difficult to prevent entirely. The following tips should make it easier for you to deal with lactose intolerance in your everyday life.
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