Do you experience gas, cramping, or indigestion after drinking milk or cheese? You may have lactose intolerance. Unlike an allergy, this reaction is caused by difficulty digesting lactose, a sugar found naturally in milk and low- or non-fermented dairy products.
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What is lactose intolerance?
Lactose intolerance is characterized by an inability to efficiently digest lactose, the sugar found naturally in milk and milk products. This happens when your intestines don't produce enough lactase, the enzyme needed to break down this sugar.
Without lactase, lactose cannot be absorbed properly. It ends up in the large intestine, where it ferments and causes uncomfortable symptoms such as gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloating. The intensity of these symptoms varies from person to person, but they are often a source of daily discomfort.
Did you know that infants are rarely lactose intolerant? This is because they naturally produce large amounts of lactase to digest their mother's milk. However, after weaning, this production gradually decreases in some people. Others, however, maintain high levels of lactase activity well into adulthood, allowing them to continue to consume dairy products without any problems.
Wondering if this is you, or how you can adjust your diet? Discover our practical advice and solutions for living better with this intolerance!
Types of lactose intolerance
Lactose intolerance can be divided into two types:
- Primary lactose intolerance: In this case, the body does not produce lactase due to a genetic defect. Symptoms of intolerance are therefore visible from early childhood.
- Secondary lactose intolerance: This type of intolerance occurs when enzyme production is temporarily reduced, even though the lactase deficiency is not permanent. In this case, the phenomenon is transient. Lactase synthesis occurs in response to dietary stimulation, i.e., when milk and dairy products are included in the diet. If the dietary intake of lactose is insufficient, a temporary loss of the enzyme may occur.
Symptoms of lactose intolerance
Symptoms of lactose intolerance usually appear half an hour to two hours after eating a meal containing lactose (milk sugar). The most common symptoms of lactose intolerance are:
- Meteorism (swelling of the abdominal cavity due to the buildup of gas in the intestines) Episodic diarrhea.
- Flatulence.
- Headaches.
- Intense fatigue.
- Joint and muscle pain.
- Abdominal cramps.
The severity of symptoms depends on the amount of lactose consumed. Most people with lactose intolerance can tolerate a certain amount of lactose without adverse effects. The amount that can be tolerated may increase if lactose is consumed during a meal or throughout the day.
What causes lactose intolerance?
Lactose intolerance can occur for several reasons. The main causes include:
- Genetic predisposition: Some people are born with a genetic mutation that reduces their ability to produce lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose.
- Digestive diseases: Diseases such as celiac disease, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis can damage the intestinal wall and reduce lactase production.
- Certain digestive cancers: Cancer of the small intestine or colon can also affect the body's ability to digest lactose.
- Natural aging: Most adults experience a decline in lactose tolerance with age, as lactase production gradually slows down.
Diagnosing your condition
Suspecting lactose intolerance? An accurate diagnosis is essential to determine the cause of your digestive problems and to rule out other health issues. Turquie Santé will accompany you every step of the way in Turkey, putting you in touch with the best gastroenterologists and specialized clinics.
Our experts will assess your health to rule out other pathologies such as liver cysts, benign liver tumors, or irritable bowel syndrome. Our tests include :
- Hydrogen breath test: This simple, non-invasive test measures the amount of hydrogen in your breath after drinking a beverage containing lactose. An increase in hydrogen indicates poor lactose digestion.
- Blood test: This test analyzes your blood glucose level after ingesting lactose. A blood glucose level that doesn't rise sufficiently indicates lactose intolerance.
Schedule an appointment with our specialists in Turkey today for a reliable, personalized diagnosis!
Treatment of lactose intolerance in Turkey
Do you suffer from lactose intolerance and think you have to give up all your gourmet pleasures? Think again! Although there's no definitive cure for lactose intolerance, there are simple, effective solutions that can help you live without discomfort. Here's how to adjust your daily routine without frustration.
Understand and adjust your diet
Lactose intolerance does not mean the end of dairy products. If you have a secondary (temporary) intolerance, reintroduce small amounts of lactose gradually to stimulate your lactase production. For the rest of us, don't panic: there are plenty of delicious lactose-free alternatives. Think plant-based milks (soy, rice, oat) or specially formulated lactose-free dairy products.
Don't neglect calcium
Calcium is essential, especially for children, teens, pregnant women and menopausal women. You don't need milk to get enough! Choose calcium-rich foods such as green vegetables (broccoli, spinach),oilseeds (almonds, walnuts),oily fish (sardines, salmon) and mature cheeses, which are naturally low in lactose.
Lactase supplements: Your daily ally
Do you crave a guilty pleasure or eat out without knowing if the dish contains lactose? Lactase supplements can save the day! Taken before a meal, they help you digest lactose and avoid any discomfort. But be sure to follow the recommended doses and read the instructions carefully for optimal use.
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