Are You Lactose Intolerant? Here Are the Signs And Symptoms You Should Watch Out For!

Have you experienced something funny, especially after enjoying your favourite ice cream or a bowl of creamy ras malai? Maybe you’ve felt an uncomfortable sensation in your stomach, followed by nausea, bloating, diarrhoea, or gas. Sounds familiar? These might be lactose intolerance symptoms.

Ignoring dairy intolerance symptoms could lead to persistent digestive discomfort and escalate into bigger issues. But what happens if you ignore lactose intolerance? It can disrupt your gut health significantly. This intolerance occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose, a sugar found in milk.

Understanding the causes of intolerance and learning about effective lactose intolerance treatment is the key to managing it. Let’s learn about the signs of lactose intolerance and how to regain control of your gut health!

Table Of Contents 

1. What Is Lactose Intolerance?

2. What Are the Lactose Intolerance Symptoms? 7 Signs of Lactose Intolerance

3. What Are the Causes of Lactose Intolerance?

4. What Happens If You Ignore Lactose Intolerance?

5. Lactose Intolerance And Milk Allergy - Are They Same?

6. The Final Say 

7. FAQs

8. References 

What Is Lactose Intolerance?

Lactose intolerance is a common condition when one’s body cannot process the sugars found in milk and other milk products. Dairy products are among the items that contain lactose, which causes malabsorption as well. This occurs when the body cannot fully process lactose molecules, resulting in undigested foods or a lack of digestion.

As per the studies, 65% of adults worldwide suffer from this allergy or lactose intolerance. When passed from the gastrointestinal tract, this condition of unabsorbed lactose causes bloating, stomachache, itchiness in the skin and other symptoms of food allergies.

What is lactose malabsorption?

Lactose malabsorption is an inability to break down and absorb lactose molecules in your digestive system. This is relatively common; 65% of adults worldwide can't break down and absorb lactose. If the lactose remains unabsorbed, it will move through your gastrointestinal tract undigested and cause symptoms.

Also Read: Swollen Stomach: Learn the Difference Between Bloating And Belly Fat (With Fast-Acting Home Remedies!) 

What Are the Lactose Intolerance Symptoms? 7 Signs of Lactose Intolerance

You may notice the signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance, usually 30 minutes to two hours after eating or drinking foods that contain lactose. Here are some common lactose intolerance symptoms in adults: 

1. Bloating 

Bloating can be such a bother (and let’s not even get started on period bloating!). This happens when gas builds up in the digestive tract, causing a swollen feeling in the abdomen. You will notice this symptom after eating lactose-containing foods, leading to discomfort and pressure.

2. Abdominal Pain

Indeed, many people can experience sharp pain or cramps in their abdomen after having dairy-containing foods. This is because your body struggles to digest lactose, which causes intestinal inflammation and irritation and leads to discomfort. 

3. Flatulence

Embarrassing as it is, flatulence or gas production is actually a hallmark lactose intolerance symptom. When the lactose in your gut is left undigested, the effect of dairy on the gut leads to fermentation and causes the formation of gas. 

4. Diarrhoea

Undigested lactose can pull water into the intestines, resulting in loose stools or diarrhoea. This symptom typically occurs within a few hours after consuming dairy products.

5. Nausea

Yes, more or less, some people can feel nauseous after having lactose foods, which can also lead to vomiting. This reaction happens because your body is attempting to remove the undigested lactose. To alleviate this, you can have ginger tea or ginger water. 

6. Belching

Frequent burping may occur due to the buildup of gas in the stomach and intestines. This can be uncomfortable and socially awkward for those affected.

7. Stomach Growling

Known as borborygmi, this rumbling sound results from gas and fluid moving through the intestines. It often accompanies other symptoms and indicates digestive distress.

To keep your gut health strong, take ToneOp Care’s Digest 360 tablets, which contain 12 powerful digestive enzymes that restore gut harmony. 

Also Read: Can Overhydration Cause Diarrhoea? Let’s Find the Actual Cause and Symptoms! 

What Are the Causes of Lactose Intolerance?

Lactose intolerance occurs due to the small intestine's failure to produce enough lactase, the enzyme required in order to break down lactose. The deficiency causes undigested lactose to reach the colon, where it interacts with bacteria, thus leading to various symptoms. These are the major causes of lactose intolerance:

• Genetic Factors: Many people have a genetic predisposition to lactose intolerance, where lactase production decreases with age, particularly after weaning from breast milk.

• Intestinal Damage: Conditions such as celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and bacterial overgrowth can damage the small intestine, leading to reduced lactase production.

• Infections or Surgery: Gastrointestinal infections or surgical procedures involving the small intestine can temporarily decrease lactase levels.

• Premature Birth: Infants born prematurely may have underdeveloped intestines and insufficient lactase production, though this often resolves as they grow.

• Congenital Deficiency: A rare inherited condition where infants are born with little to no lactase due to genetic mutations.

Types of Lactose Intolerance

Also Read: 5 Best Yoga Poses to Improve Digestion and Say Goodbye to Bloating Forever! 

What Happens If You Ignore Lactose Intolerance?

Well, if you recognise lactose intolerance symptoms, then ignoring them can lead to a range of uncomfortable and potentially serious health issues. You will suffer from bloating, gas, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain upon having dairy products because the body is not able to digest lactose properly. If you keep having lactose, then the symptoms will get worse, and it can lead to chronic digestive distress. The constant discomfort from this can significantly impact a person's quality of life.

Moreover, avoidance of lactose may result in nutritional disorders. Some people rely on milk and other animal products as their most dependable sources of calcium and vitamin D, which are essential to improve bone health. If an individual avoids consuming these nutrients and relies on supplements, they may be vulnerable to developing problems like osteoporosis or nutritional malnutrition. 

Therefore, managing one's condition either through diet adjustment or supplementation with lactase will prevent the individual from both acute symptoms and complications later on in life.

Lactose Intolerance And Milk Allergy - Are They Same?

Milk protein allergy or dairy intolerance should not be confused with lactose intolerance. Allergy from milk protein generally occurs when the immune system reacts to a specific milk protein. This eventually leads to an allergic reaction due to dairy products. 

On the contrary, lactose intolerance does not involve the immune system like that in milk allergies. Lactase enzymes are lacking in people suffering from lactose intolerance. Most people also develop an allergy towards it because they are not able to take down lactic food substances.

Also Read: Casein Allergy: Causes, Symptoms, And Ways To Prevent It 

The Final Say 

Lactose intolerance symptoms may be the reason behind your post-dairy discomfort, but this shouldn’t hold you back or control your life! You can make dietary changes and avoid facing the symptoms altogether. Remember, there’s always a solution. So, listen to what your body says and don’t ignore those dairy intolerance symptoms—your gut will thank you!

FAQs

1. What are the common symptoms associated with dairy intolerance?

Some common lactose intolerance symptoms include: 

• Bloating

• Diarrhoea

• Abdominal cramps

• Gas and flatulence

• Nausea

2. What treatment options are available for managing lactose intolerance effectively?

Dietary adjustments and supplementation help manage lactose intolerance. The lactase enzyme supplement helps break down lactose, making dairy more tolerable. 

You can also change your diet and add lactose-free foods. Plant-based alternatives like oat, soy, coconut and almond milk can provide essential nutrients without side effects. Fermented dairy products like yoghurt are also easier to digest due to lower lactose content. Make sure you talk to a dietitian for tailored dietary advice for effective management.

3. Are there specific symptoms of lactose intolerance that are more prevalent in females compared to males?

Women may experience: 

• Hormonal fluctuations exacerbating symptoms

• Severe bloating

• Frequent abdominal pain

• Increased sensitivity during menstruation

4. How do lactose intolerance symptoms manifest in adults?

Here are the typical symptoms of lactose intolerance experienced by adults: 

• Persistent diarrhoea

• Chronic fatigue due to poor nutrient absorption

• Recurrent nausea

• Discomfort post-meals containing dairy

References 

• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lactose-intolerance/symptoms-causes/syc-20374232 

• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/7317-lactose-intolerance 

• https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/lactose-intolerance 

  
  

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