Lactose is the major sugar in milk and other dairy products. In order to digest or break down lactose your body needs the enzyme lactase.
People who do not have enough lactase may have the follow symptoms when they drink milk or eat dairy foods:
- Nausea
- Bloating
- Cramps
- Gas
- Diarrhea
What can you do?
Everyone is different. Some people with lactose intolerance can have a glass of milk or a bowl of ice cream and be symptom free. Others might not feel well after a very small amount of milk.
Here are a few things to try:
- Find out what amount of milk works for you
- Try lactose free dairy products
- Try foods that have added calcium – soy milk, tofu, orange juice and cereals
- Add foods high in calcium to your diet - dark green vegetables such as kale, collards and spinach
- Try canned salmon – an inexpensive and great source of calcium
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