How Do You Become Lactose Intolerant
Lactose intolerance occurs when the small intestine does not produce enough of an enzyme called lactase. Your body needs lactase to break down, or digest, lactose (the sugar found in dairy products). Lactose intolerance generally develops in individuals as they age. Lactose intolerance occurs when the small intestine does not produce enough of an enzyme called lactase. Your body needs lactase to break down, or digest, lactose (the sugar found in dairy products). Causes. Lactose intolerance occurs when the small intestine does not produce enough of an enzyme called lactase. Your body needs lactase to break down, or digest, lactose (the sugar found in dairy products). Lactose intolerance generally develops in individuals as they age. A big challenge for people who are lactose-intolerant is learning how to eat to avoid discomfort and to get enough calcium for healthy bones. Lactose intolerance occurs when the small intestine does not make enough of an enzyme called lactase. Your body needs lactase to break down, or digest, lactose. Symptoms of lactose intolerance can be mild to severe, depending on how much lactase your body makes. Symptoms usually begin 30 minutes to 2 hours after you eat or drink milk products. If you have lactose intolerance, your symptoms may include: 1  Bloating. Generally, lactose intolerance most commonly runs in families and is related to one’s family’s genes. Lactose intolerance can also be brought on by infections, chemotherapy, penicillin reactions, surgery, pregnancy, or from the avoidance of dairy products for a prolonged period of time. Overview. Your sensitivity to lactose in dairy doesn´t have to put a crimp in your lifestyle if you know how to manage it. That´s what we´re here to help you do. LACTAID ® Dairy Products allow people to enjoy their favorite dairy foods because the lactose is already broken down in the products. This is not the same thing as a food allergy to milk. When lactose moves through the large intestine (colon) without being properly digested, it can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as gas, belly pain, and bloating. Some people who have lactose intolerance cannot digest any milk products. Lactose intolerance means you have symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, and gas after you have milk or milk products. If your small intestine does not produce much lactase, you cannot break down much lactose. Lactose that does not break down goes to your colon. Most people with this type of lactose intolerance can eat some milk or dairy products without problems. Sometimes the small intestine stops making lactase after a short-term illness such as the stomach flu or as part of a lifelong disease such as cystic fibrosis.
Lactose intolerance occurs when the small intestine does not produce enough of an enzyme called lactase.