The signs of lactose intolerance in adults and toddlers are similar including abdominal bloating and cramps, diarrhea, nausea, gas, and sometime vomiting. Those the signs are not always appear in a time, it might appear as diarrhea or bloating only. It’s really important for the parent to know about the severity of the intolerance in their children, and which foods should be avoided in order to prevent the symptoms of lactose intolerance.
The intolerance or also know as lactase deficiency occurs when the body can’t digest lactose, the common sugar found in milk and its derivatives such as soft cheeses, and ice cream. Those with lactase deficiency, they body don’t make enough lactase, the enzyme who responsible to breakdown lactose and trigger the signs.
What can cause lactose intolerance?
Normally, once someone consume dairy product with high level of lactose on it, the lactose break it into galactose and glucose. In people with the deficiency most of lactose molecule pass without broken down into the colon and interact with intestinal bacteria creates the symptoms of lactose intolerance including diarrhea, gas, and bloating. This condition is different with milk allergy and classified as non-dangerous condition.
Lactase deficiency during pregnancy
Some pregnancy women believe that they experience signs that similar to lactose intolerance, so they assume that they really have the deficiency. The truth is, when a woman getting pregnant, their digestion process become slower due to hormonal changes. Experts believe that the purpose of this digestive slowdown is to maximize the nutrition extraction and absorption from the food. Unfortunately, this condition creates negative side effects including constipation, bloating, gas, and cramping.
Base on scientific studies, expert agree that pregnancy can’t lead to lactose digestion problems. For those pregnant women who have lactose intolerance, according to Medscape document reports that 44 percent of pregnant women with lactase deficiency, they have ability to digest the milk sugar during pregnancy.
How to prevent lactose deficiency signs?
The easy and effective way to avoid bloating, diarrhea, gas, and vomiting caused by lactose digestion problems, rejecting all those foods that contain lactose is the best solution. Always reads the food label and make sure to consume dairy product without lactose on it. Choose substitutes for milk with other products that totally accepted by your digestive system. Soymilk or plain yoghurt seems to be a good alternative as alternative of the milk. By controlling your food intake, you can manage the signs of lactose intolerance.
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