Lactose intolerance

Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest significant amounts of lactose, the major sugar found in milk. It's not usually dangerous, but symptoms of lactose intolerance can be uncomfortable enough to steer you clear of the dairy aisles. With lactose intolerance, the result of consuming too much lactose is excess gas production and often diarrhea. The problem underlying lactose intolerance is a lack of lactase an enzyme produced by the lining of your small intestine Many people with lactose intolerance do not even know they have the condition; while some may be misdiagnosed as having a serious bowel disease. Even older women and children who must avoid milk and foods made with milk can meet most of their special dietary needs by eating greens, fish, and other calcium-rich foods that are free of lactose. So don't believe you have a serious bowel disorder until you are sure milk is not at fault. In the excitement of an afternoon hanging out at the mall, Jessie had forgotten to watch her dairy intake. Jessie has lactose intolerance and her symptoms flare up when she eats more dairy than her body can handle. As many as 75 percent of all African-American, Jewish, Native American, and Mexican-American adults, and 90 percent of Asian-American adults are lactose intolerant. The condition is least common among people of northern European descent.

Even though lactose intolerance is a widespread problem, it need not pose a serious threat to good health. Lactose intolerance is caused by a shortage of the enzyme lactase, which is produced by the cells that line the small intestine. About an hour after chowing down on pizza and ice cream with a group of friends, her stomach suddenly started rumbling, and she started farting. Some people who think they are lactose intolerant actually don't have impaired lactose digestion. And not everyone with low levels of lactase is lactose intolerant. Only people with low lactase levels and symptoms are considered to have lactose intolerance. This means that if you eat dairy foods, the lactose from these foods will stay in your intestines, where it can cause gas, cramps, a bloated feeling, and diarrhea (say: dye -uh-ree-uh), which is loose, watery poop. If you have lactose intolerance, you can learn to watch what you eat and your doctor may suggest medicine that can help.

Causes of Lactose intolerance

The comman Causes of Lactose intolerance :

• This deficiency results from an unusual mechanism that involves a developmentally regulated change of the lactase gene product, resulting in a reduced synthesis of the precursor protein.
• Primary lactose intolerance is due to low levels of lactase, which develop after childhood.
• This is caused by a low or absent activity of the enzyme lactase
• Differences in the rate of gene transcription account for much of the differences in lactose intolerance observed among racial groups.

Symptoms of Lactose intolerance

Some comman Lactose intolerance :

• Abdominal cramps.
• Diarrhoea.
• Flatulence.
• Weight loss.
• Nausea.
• Abdominal distention.
• Stomach rumbling, abdominal distension and increased wind.
• Foul-smelling stools.

Treatment of Lactose intolerance

• Certain antibiotics can trigger temporary lactose intolerance by interfering with the intestine's ability to produce the lactase enzyme.
• People who have had major bowel or stomach surgery, or suffer from coeliac disease are often lactose intolerant until the underlying condition is treated.
• Prehydrolyzed milk (LACTAID) is available and is effective.
• Yogurt and fermented products, such as cheeses, are better tolerated than regular milk.
• The lactose tolerance test - your doctor measures your blood sugar levels before and after you drink a liquid containing lactose. If the blood sugar goes up with this test, then you are not lactose intolerant.
• In secondary lactase deficiency, treatment is directed at the underlying cause.

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