Am I Lactose Intolerant?
If consuming products made from cows’ milk causes you symptoms such as nausea, cramps, bloating, gas or diarrhoea, this could mean that you are lactose intolerant. Lactose intolerance is caused by the body’s inability to digest lactose, the natural sugar found in milk.
You can be born with lactose intolerance or it more commonly develops at a later age, but the good news is that it’s easy to diagnose and control using our lactose Elimination Diet – which actually works to help rather than hinder your appetite! Before you start the diet it’s important to be aware that another cause of digestive discomfort is cows’ milk allergy, which can produce severe symptoms.
Consult the detailed explanations and videos below to find out more about lactose intolerance.
Symptoms Explained
Lactose Intolerance
Symptoms
- Bloating
- Flatulence
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach cramps
- Vomiting
Lactose is the sugar found in milk, which can commonly cause digestive problems. These problems occur when the body is unable to produce enough of the lactase enzyme in the digestive tract and without this enzyme the lactose cannot be digested properly.
Lactose is present in many things you wouldn’t expect including crisps, biscuits, crackers, fruit bars, pasta mixes, iced tea and also some coatings on oral medicines.
Symptoms experienced by people with lactose intolerance, which usually occur between 30 minutes and two hours after consuming dairy.
If you think you may be lactose intolerant you can take our Elimination Diet to help you diagnose and control your intolerance.
Dr Trisha MacNair from the Lactofree Advisory Board comments: "With much confusion around the difference between food allergies and intolerances, we are keen for people to learn more so that they are clear about their particular diagnosis and don’t cut out important food groups unnecessarily."
Cows' Milk Allergy
Symptoms
- Diarrhoea
- Bloody stools
- Vomiting
- Eczema
- Nasal congestion
- Urticaria (hives)
- Angioedema (skin rashes)
- Wheezing
- Swelling of the lips, mouth and tongue
- Growth faltering/weight loss (particularly in children)
An allergy to cows' milk is often confused with lactose intolerance and it's important to distinguish between the two. Cows' milk allergy, which is likely to occur from birth, is a reaction to one or more proteins found in milk triggered by the immune system that in some cases can cause a serious reactions known as anaphylaxis (the whole body is affected, often within minutes of exposure to the allergen).
Lactose intolerance does not involve the immune system, so while it can cause a great deal of discomfort, it won't produce a dangerous reaction.
If you think you may have a cows' milk allergy, you should seek advice from your GP or a registered dietitian.
Please note that Lactofree is not suitable for milk allergy sufferers or those with Galactosaemia.