How can I manage to live with lactose intolerance?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:There are several ways to enjoy milk and calcium and their associated health benefits without experiencing unnecessary pain and discomfort.
- If your lactose intolerance is mild, try drinking milk in smaller amounts and with a meal, which will aid absorption.
- Try lactose-free cow’s milk or soy milk.
- Look for enzyme pills or droplets to take to help digest lactase.
- For more serious cases, you can eat lactose-free foods. If you decide to go milk-free, make sure you take a calcium supplement to get the amount you need to prevent osteoporosis.
There are several ways to enjoy milk and calcium and their associated health benefits without experiencing unnecessary pain and discomfort. - If your lactose intolerance is mild, try drinking milk in smaller amounts and with a meal, which will... More -
Although the body's ability to produce lactase cannot be changed, the symptoms of lactose intolerance can be managed with dietary changes. Most people with lactose intolerance can tolerate some amount of lactose in their diet. Gradually introducing small amounts of milk or milk products may help some people to adapt to the symptoms.
The amount of change needed in the diet depends on how much lactose a person can consume without symptoms. For example, one person may have severe symptoms after drinking a small glass of milk, while another may drink a large glass without any symptoms.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005 recommend that people with lactose intolerance choose milk products with lower levels of lactose than regular milk, such as yogurt and hard cheese.
Lactose-free and lactose-reduced milk and milk products, available at most supermarkets, are identical to regular milk except that the enzyme lactase has been added to them. Lactose-free milk remains fresh for about the same length of time or longer than regular milk if it is ultra-pasteurized. Lactose-free milk may have a slightly sweeter taste than regular milk.
People who still experience symptoms after dietary changes can take over-the-counter lactase enzyme drops or tablets. The enzyme tablets or a few drops of the liquid enzyme, when consumed with milk or milk products may make them more tolerant to lactose.
Parents and caregivers of a child with lactose intolerance should follow the nutrition plan recommended by the child's doctor or dietitian.
The answer is based on source information from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
Although the body's ability to produce lactase cannot be changed, the symptoms of lactose intolerance can be managed with dietary changes. Most people with lactose intolerance can tolerate some amount of lactose in their diet. Gradually introducing... More -
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics answered:Lactose intolerance is easy to manage. In fact, most people with difficulty digesting lactose can eat some dairy and other lactose-containing foods in their meals and snacks.
If you have trouble digesting lactose, contact a registered dietitian for help in developing an eating plan that's right for you. Also try these tips:
- Experiment with small amounts of foods containing lactose. Gradually increase portions to determine your tolerance level.
- Eat lactose-containing foods as part of a meal or snack, rather than by themselves. A mix of foods slows the release of lactose into your digestive system, making lactose easier to digest.
- Consume smaller portions of lactose-rich foods, but more frequently during the day. For example, drink 1/2- or 3/4-cup of milk throughout the day rather than 1 cup once or twice daily.
- Eat yogurt or buttermilk with active cultures, which help your body digest the lactose. Be sure the label on the container says "live and active cultures."
Lactose intolerance is easy to manage. In fact, most people with difficulty digesting lactose can eat some dairy and other lactose-containing foods in their meals and snacks. If you have trouble digesting lactose, contact a registered... More -
Laura Motosko answered:Lactose intolerance means that you lack enough enzymes in your body to digest lactose. You can take lactaid tablets to process lactose when eating dairy products. A second option is to reduce foods high in lactose found in dairy products and consider other high protein foods with fortified nutrients for nutrition. Finally, eat products with less lactose as tolerated in farmer’s cheese and yogurt or labeled lactose free. A registered dietitian can help you plan a meal and consider options and supplements to ensure that you receive adequate nutrition.
Lactose intolerance means that you lack enough enzymes in your body to digest lactose. You can take lactaid tablets to process lactose when eating dairy products. A second option is to reduce foods high in lactose found in... More
