Effective Lactose Intolerance Treatment: How to Manage Symptoms and Enjoy Dairy Again
As we all know lactose intolerance is a digestive disorder, that impacts the body’s ability to digest lactose, however, it is not considered a life-threatening disease.
Moreover, with the right lactose intolerance treatment and management techniques, you can effectively and efficiently control your symptoms, and possibly reintroduce dairy products into your diet.
In this article, we will talk about the latest lactose intolerance treatment choices and the lifestyle changes you need to make in order to live with your lactose intolerance with a comfortable and quality lifestyle.
Lactose Intolerance Diagnosis and Tests:
The diagnosing process of lactose intolerance includes a group of medical history assessment, physical examination, and specific tests.
However, the process goes in a specific order, and it starts with a detailed discussion about the patient’s symptoms and dietary habits, where the healthcare provider asks about the frequency and severity of symptoms experienced after consuming dairy products.
Moreover, he/she may ask about any family history of lactose intolerance or other related conditions.
One of the basic lactose intolerance diagnosing tests is the lactose tolerance test, which involves fasting overnight and then drinking a liquid containing a high concentration of lactose, then blood samples are taken at regular intervals to measure blood glucose levels.
The test result, for people with normal lactase activity, will show a rise in blood glucose within one to two hours after consuming lactose, however, for people with lactose intolerance, blood glucose levels will stay the same or only increase a touch.
How Is Lactose Intolerance Treated?
As we all know lactose intolerance symptoms happen due to a deficiency of lactase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose.
These lactose intolerance symptoms are typically shown within a few hours of consuming lactose-containing foods.
However, lactose intolerance treatment is not some medicine that you take for some time, rather than a lifestyle-changing act, learn more about the most effective lactose intolerance treatments at home:
· Adjusting the Diet:
The most effective lactose intolerance treatment is to remove or lessen lactose consumption in your diet.
While complete lactose avoidance is not necessary for all, but it is crucial to identify and limit foods high in lactose, which are called dairy products like milk, yogurt, cheese, and ice cream.
However, these products must be replaced with lactose-free replacements or plant-based substitutes like almond, soy, or oat milk, moreover, reading food labels helps you identify hidden sources of lactose in processed foods.
· Lactase Supplements:
Lactase supplements are available over-the-counter in pharmacies and can help individuals with lactose intolerance digest lactose more effectively.
These supplements cover the lactase enzyme shortage and are often taken in pill or tablet form just before consuming lactose-containing foods.
Yet, lactase supplementing does not mean that a person can eat what he/she wants, rather than the ability to eat and tolerate a certain amount of lactose without experiencing symptoms, furthermore, the ideal dosage varies from one person to another.
· Gradual Reintroduction of Dairy:
For some people, careful management and gradual reintroduction of dairy products will result in a level of lactose tolerance to small amounts over time.
This could be done by starting with small portions of lactose-containing foods and gradually increasing the amount while closely monitoring symptoms, however, please note that this process must be done with your healthcare professional monitoring, who can provide effective personalized guidance.
· Probiotics:
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help restore gut health and aid in lactose digestion.
Thus, consuming probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, and kefir, or even taking probiotic supplements can and will help individuals with lactose intolerance.
Moreover, probiotics are important because they may improve lactose digestion, reduce gas production, and ease some other symptoms associated with lactose intolerance.
· Other Considerations:
Your lactose intolerance treatment should not only focus on dietary adjustments and supplementation but also focus on keeping a healthy digestive system as well.
You can do so through regular exercise, stress management, and adequate hydration, additionally, looking for support from local support groups or online communities can deliver valuable insights, tips, and encouragement for dealing with lactose intolerance.
4 Most Common Questions on Lactose Intolerance Treatment:
Sure, you have questions about lactose intolerance treatment, therefore, we are going to share with you the most popular FAQs about lactose intolerance treatment:
1. What Is the Best Treatment for Lactose Intolerance?
If you are wondering, how to change your diet if you have lactose intolerance? Then you are on the right track to follow the most effective way to manage lactose intolerance, by limiting or avoiding lactose-containing foods.
2. What Is the Best Probiotic to Take for Lactose Intolerance?
The best probiotic for lactose intolerance is Lactobacillus acidophilus, which is a type of bacteria that usually exists in fermented foods such as yogurt and kefir.
Many international studies have proven Lactobacillus acidophilus’s ability to improve lactose tolerance and reduce symptoms of lactose intolerance, such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
However, it is important to note that while Lactobacillus acidophilus may help improve lactose tolerance, it is not a magical lactose intolerance treatment and you still have to limit your intake of lactose-containing foods and follow a balanced diet.
3. How Do You Settle Your Stomach from Lactose?
If you are living with a lactose intolerance condition, then you probably face days where you are craving a slice of pizza or a glass of milk, yet you cannot stand the pain that will follow.
So, what can you do in such a situation? Cutting out dairy is a great way to avoid this pain, but with the availability of OTC medications and natural remedies, you can enjoy these foods without feeling bloated or gassy.
More than that, there are some simple moves that you can follow to lower your suffering from lactose intolerance symptoms and relieve any pain you may be feeling:
- Take lactase pills before you eat dairy to eliminate symptoms.
- Use antacids if eating dairy gives you gas or stomach cramps.
- Buy an antiemetic if lactose intolerance makes you feel nauseous.
- Take probiotic supplements or eat probiotic foods to aid digestion
4. How Can I Stop Lactose Pain Naturally?
Here are some of the most useful natural remedies and self-care steps you can follow in your lactose intolerance treatment process:
- Adjust your posture to remove pressure from your stomach if you feel gassy.
- Make peppermint tea to help soothe an upset stomach.
- Have fresh ginger or make ginger tea for an upset stomach.
- Keep a heating pad on your stomach if you have cramps or feel bloated.
- Practice light exercises to help alleviate pain caused by gas.
- Massage your abdomen to relieve discomfort from bloating and gas.
Last but not least,
While lactose intolerance treatment could be challenging, yet it does not mean to stop eating dairy products completely.
However, you must be careful and take care of your diet, add proper supplementation, and gradually reintroduce lactose to be able to manage your symptoms while enjoying some dairy products.
By implementing these treatment strategies and making necessary lifestyle adjustments, you can lead a comfortable and inclusive life even with lactose intolerance.
Contact us today to have our full support and advice on lactose intolerance testing and treatment.