Lactose intolerance is a digestive issue related to dairy products. Some are born with it, others develop it as they go through life. There are five main symptoms that will indicate you may be lactose intolerant.
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What is lactose intolerance?
Lactose intolerance is a digestive issue where your body is unable to digest lactose. Lactose is the main carbohydrate found in dairy products (milk, cheese…). Those who are lactose intolerant have trouble producing the enzyme lactase, which is needed to digest lactose.
Around two-thirds of the world’s adult population is lactose intolerant.
What are the symptoms of lactose intolerance?
If you are lactose intolerant, the following symptoms can appear as soon as 30 to 60 minutes after eating:
- Bloating
- Abdominal cramps
- Gas
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
However, for those who have a more severe intolerance to lactose, you may experience:
- Vomiting
- Lower belly pain
- Constipation
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Which foods contain lactose?
If you believe you are lactose intolerant, you can try and cut out these foods to see if your digestive issues get better:
- Cow’s milk (all types)
- Goat’s milk
- Cheese (including hard and soft cheeses)
- Ice cream
- Yoghourt
- Cream
- Half-and-half
- Butter
Even if you are lactose intolerant, that doesn’t mean you cannot eat dairy products at all. Most people who are lactose intolerant can tolerate a small amount of lactose. Studies have shown that some people can tolerate up to 12 grams of lactose in one sitting, which is roughly equivalent to 240ml of milk.
