How to Live With Lactose Intolerance

Most of the world's adults have difficulty digesting lactose, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. There is a general decrease in levels of the enzyme lactase, which is responsible for the digestion of lactose, and aside from Northern Europeans and those of Northern European descent, most racial and ethnic groups experience a pronounced decline.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Lactose Reduced Milk
• Lactose Supplement

1. Avoid all milk and milk products. This includes ice cream, cheese, cream and yogurt as well as milk by-products, dry milk solids and milk powder.
2. Avoid products containing whey and curds.
3. Check with the manufacturer if you have concerns about a product. Many products labeled "nondairy" may actually contain milk products. These include creamers and whipped toppings.
4. Read the ingredients in medications, both over-the-counter and prescription. Many contain lactose.
5. Check your vitamins. Many brands contain lactose. Buy only lactose-free vitamins.
6. Learn through trial and error how much lactose you can handle. For example, you may get a reaction from milk but not from aged cheese.
7. Drink lactose reduced milk if you'd like to be able to drink milk. It's available at supermarkets.
8. Use lactose enzymes if you're sensitive to very small amounts of lactose, or if you don't wish to omit milk products completely from your diet. If you're very sensitive, use lactose enzymes every time you eat out, or when you eat processed and packaged foods. They're available without a prescription.

Tips & Warnings

• Lactose intolerance is different from being allergic to milk. Symptoms are generally not life threatening and are usually gastrointestinal - diarrhea, stomach pain and gas.
• If symptoms persist or if you have specific medical conditions or concerns, we recommend that you contact a physician. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.