The adverts are everywhere, lactose-free alternatives that will change your life. Milk, cheese, butter, & yogurt have all received the lactose-free treatment. They offer those with intolerance the opportunity to enjoy the foods they love and not experience the symptoms that they don’t. But what are the symptoms of lactose intolerance? And what can you do if you’re experiencing them?
So, What Are The Symptoms Of Lactose Intolerance?
Flatulence
When you have lactose intolerance, your body is not producing sufficient quantities of the enzyme lactase. This means that when you eat a product that contains lactose, it causes problems in your digestive tract that results in the release of gases. The only way for these gases to escape your body is via the nearest exit point.
Diarrhea
When confronted with a substance your body is intolerant to, its first instinct is to neutralize or remove the problem via the quickest route. Often, with lactose intolerance, this means diarrhea. Passing three or more loose stools a day or more than is typical for the individual is classed as diarrhea. Diarrhea is an incredibly common side effect of lactose intolerance and can lead to other adverse health outcomes such as dehydration.
Bloated Stomach
In the age of ever-increasing body consciousness, have you ever considered that your quest for ultra toned abs is being undermined by lactose intolerance? The excess gas produced as your body struggles to digest the lactose you consume can become trapped in the stomach and intestines. This causes your torso to expand and make you appear bigger than you are.
Sickness
When you put lactose into your intolerant body, your brain receives a signal to say, “we need to evacuate the contents of the stomach immediately.” In turn, your brain instructs your body to make the necessary preparations to vomit. This is because it understands that it will be unable to properly digest the lactose, which may lead to further issues down the digestive process.
