Lactose is a sugar found in a wide variety of milk products, including milk itself. When lactose is digested, it can be broken down into simpler sugars, such as glucose and galactose. However, some individuals react negatively after ingesting dairy or lactose. If this happens, it means that they have a dairy/lactose intolerance or dairy/lactose sensitivity.
Symptoms of Dairy/Lactose Intolerance & Sensitivity
Although dairy products are an important part of a balanced diet, individuals who have a dairy/lactose intolerance or dairy/lactose sensitivity can experience the following symptoms:
- Nausea
- Flatulence
- Diarrhea
- Borborygmi (gurgling or rumbling sounds in the stomach)
- Bloating
- Stomach pain or cramps
- Migraines
- Acne
Foods to Avoid If You Have Dairy/Lactose Intolerance & Sensitivity
A great array of processed foods includes milk products and it is important to read food labels carefully. Below is a quick look at the most common high-lactose foods:
- Cream sauces and soups
- Custards
- Puddings
- Processed and soft cheeses
- Ice cream
- Milk and milk-based beverages
Below are more foods that contain lactose, but in smaller quantities:
- Candy
- Lunchmeats
- Instant mashed potatoes
- Salad dressings
- Milk chocolate
Common Food Replacements for Dairy/Lactose
If you have a lactose or dairy intolerance, it means that your body has trouble breaking it down. Below are some alternatives you can try out:
- Soy beverages
- Rice beverages
- Lactose-free milk
- Almond beverages
- Coconut beverages
- Fermented cheeses
Testing for Dairy/Lactose Intolerance
Pinnertest utilizes advanced IgG (FC Fragment Specific), Antigen, Antiserum, Control tests to determine a client’s food sensitivities. The testing procedure is extremely easy and it can be carried out at home. Simply use the painless finger stick to draw two drops of your blood and you’re done. Your blood sample can be sent to our lab via the prepaid UPS mailer. The fastest time you can expect to receive your test results is within seven days.
Treatment and Management of Dairy/Lactose Intolerance & Sensitivity
Dietary adjustment is a key step to managing dairy or lactose intolerance. You should also consider consulting with a gastroenterologist as well as a nutritionist to know what best to do if you have dairy/lactose intolerance. In some cases, individuals who are sensitive to lactose and dairy products may take digestive enzymes that contain lactase. These digestive enzyme supplements can aid in the breakdown proteins, carbs and fats, as well as assist in efficient digestive function.
It is important to add foods that are rich in vitamin K into your daily diet. Many individuals who are lactose intolerant are actually vitamin K deficient. If you insist on consuming dairy products, try drinking fat-free milk or low-fat milk in servings of one cup or less. This ensures that you do not exacerbate the symptoms caused by dairy/lactose intolerance or sensitivity.
Use the PinnerTest to Test for Dairy/Lactose Intolerance Today!
Try out the convenient PinnerTest in your own home today. Using the PinnerTest to test for dairy/lactose intolerance is extremely easy so order your own test kit now!
