Lactose Intolerance Symptoms

Like me, you may find yourself find themselves having various lactose intolerance symptoms after drinking milk. These symptoms include diarrhea, bloating and stomach pain.

Not knowing any better, I have often use the term milk allergy to mean lactose intolerance. I have since found that this is a common mistake and that it is important to make the distinction between the two. A milk allergy can cause far more severe reactions but not a case of lactose intolerance. When consulting with your doctor, you should use the correct term to describe your condition to minimise confusion.

Lactose is a sugar found naturally in milk. It is caused by a shortage of the enzyme lactase, which is needed to break down lactose for absorption into the bloodstream. What happens if you lack this enzyme? Lactose cannot be absorbed properly from the gut, causing you symptoms such as bloating and diarrhea.

Experiencing lactose intolerance symptoms is more common in Asian communities where milk is not part of a typical adult diet. It has been found that up to 75% of the black African community and more than 90% of the Asian community are intolerant to lactose. Being a Chinese, I have found this to be largely true; at least where my parents are concerned - most of us do not drink milk (except for soya milk) on a regular basis out of habit and also, intolerance.

Other causes of lactose intolerance include digestive diseases, or injuries to the small intestine. A lactose intolerance can also be inherited but hereditary reasons are said to be rare.

If you suffer from lactose intolerance symptoms, you may be wondering if drinking cow’s milk or goat’s milk make a difference. Some people have found goat’s milk to be tolerable than cow’s milk. However, for those with a true milk allergy or lactose intolerance and an extremely sensitive gut, goat’s milk is not a suitable alternative to cow’s milk either.

Symptoms of lactose intolerance can be reduced by avoiding having lactose in your diet. However, small amounts can be taken if you are an adult, without any adverse reactions.