Foods that Harm
Foods that Heal
Foods to Limit
Who is Affected?
Lactose intolerance, the inability to digest milk sugar, is very common. Lactose is the natural sugar found in milk and milk products. If you don't have enough enzymes to break down the lactose in the food you eat, you will experience a variety of unpleasant symptoms such as gas, bloating, diarrhea, and cramps.
Lactose intolerance should not be confused with milk allergy, which is hypersensitivity to the proteins in dairy products. If you are allergic to milk, consuming lactose-reduced products will not prevent a reaction.
Nutrition Connection:
You can control symptoms of lactose intolerance by choosing a diet that limits dairy products. Here are general guidelines:
70% of people of African and Asian descent are partly or entirely lactose intolerant after 4 years of age.
Beyond the Diet:
Although there is no cure for lactose intolerance, there are ways you can still enjoy dairy products without suffering the symptoms. Here are some recommendations: