Lactose Intolerance

Diagnosis

If you suspect that you may be lactose intolerant due to recurring gastrointestinal symptoms after consuming dairy products, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for confirmation. Various tests are available to assess lactose intolerance, including:

• Hydrogen breath test: This test measures the levels of hydrogen and methane gases in your breath, which are produced by bacteria in your colon. Elevated levels of these gases after ingesting lactose indicate that your gut bacteria are fermenting lactose, leading to gas production in your colon.
• Blood sugar test: In cases where a breath test is inconclusive, a healthcare provider may recommend a blood glucose (blood sugar) test. This assesses the sugar content in your blood before and after consuming lactose. If your blood sugar does not rise, it suggests that you are not effectively absorbing the lactose.
• Lactose tolerance test: This involves consuming a liquid with high lactose content, followed by blood tests two hours later to measure glucose levels in your bloodstream. If your glucose level does not increase, it indicates that your body is not adequately digesting and absorbing the lactose-filled drink.
• Stool acidity test: Specifically used for small children and infants, this test involves feeding them lactose and then analyzing a stool sample. The levels of lactic acid and other byproducts in the sample can reveal whether the body is absorbing lactose appropriately.

Treatment

For individuals experiencing lactose intolerance due to an underlying condition, addressing and treating the root cause may eventually restore the body’s ability to digest lactose, although this recovery process can span several months. In cases where other factors contribute to lactose intolerance, one can alleviate discomfort by adopting a low-lactose diet.

To reduce lactose intake:

• Restrict the consumption of milk and other dairy products.
• Consume ice cream and milk that have been reduced in lactose
• Enhance milk with a liquid or powder lactase enzyme to facilitate lactose breakdown.
• Incorporate modest servings of dairy into your regular meals.