Lactose Free DietLactose intolerance is a rather common condition to be afflicted by. Because of the fact that it is so prevalent, most of the medical fraternities all over the world do not even regard it as being a medical complication. Understanding the root cause of the complication is a pivotal part of being able to cope with it. Lactose intolerance is primarily an inability of the body to be able to digest a substance called lactose that is primarily present in most dairy products. The complication is triggered by a deficiency of an enzyme know as lactase that helps in the absorption of the lactose in the small intestine. This lactase is then broken down into two simpler sugar forms – glucose and galactose that are then absorbed into the bloodstream and transported all over the body. One of the most significant aspects of lactose intolerance is the fact that it will rarely ever develop during the formative years of an individual’s life. Unlike with the case of an allergy, where the reaction occurs every time the individual interacts with the allergen even when still a child, in the case of an intolerance, the reactions may only start to occur during the teenage or even young adult years. Studies have shown that the human body tends to produce a lower amount of lactase after the age of about 2 and, therefore, most obvious indications of lactose intolerance only occur after this age. Further research has also shown that there appears to be some kind of genetic link between two generations of the same bloodline that could play a role in identifying the individuals that are at a higher risk of developing the condition than others. Before we explore the various intricacies of a lactose free diet, understanding the symptoms that the condition will cause is very important in being able to correctly and effectively deal with and live with the condition. Some of the more common symptoms of the condition include abdominal bloating and pin, diarrhea, nausea and gas.
Because of the fact that it may be rather hard to correctly diagnose lactose intolerance based on the symptoms alone (as they are closely related to symptoms of many gastro intestinal complications), the two most commonly used methods of diagnosis are hydrogen breath tests and stool acidity tests. In the case of a hydrogen breath test, the patient will be asked to consume lactose loaded beverages after which the breath is then analyzed at regular intervals with the focus primarily on the amount of hydrogen content in the breath. One word of caution when being subjected to this test is the fact that smoking or consumption of certain foods are likely to play a big role in most test results. With regards to a stool acidity test, the acid content of an individuals stool is analyzed in order to detect lactose intolerance. This is due to the fact that undigested lactose creates lactic acid and many other fatty acids that are very detectable in the individuals stool.
The best way to live through the complications of lactose intolerance is to consume a lactose free diet. There area number of lactose free recipes and lactose free dairy products that could be combined to ensure that you do not experience anything lacking in your lactose free diet. However, it is of prime importance that one keeps in mind the fact that milk and milk products are also a major source of calcium and most other nutrients that play a significant role in bone building and shaping. A shortage of intake will not only substantially weaken an individuals bones, but also increase the chances of developing osteoporosis later in life.
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