Lactose intolerance is disturbance digestion consequence the body cannot digest lactose. This condition is often characterized by diarrhea, flatulence and frequent flatulence after consuming foods or drinks that contain lactose, such as milk or processed products..
The body uses a natural enzyme called lactase to convert lactose into glucose and galactose, which can then be absorbed and used as an energy source.
In people with lactose intolerance, the body does not produce the enzyme lactase in sufficient quantities. As a result, undigested lactose enters the large intestine and is fermented by bacteria. This condition gives rise to complaints of lactose intolerance.
Lactose intolerance is often confused with a milk allergy, but the two conditions are very different. A milk allergy occurs due to the immune system's reaction to the proteins found in milk.
Not only digestive tract disorders, milk allergy can also cause other reactions or symptoms, such as a red rash that feels itchy and short of breath.
PCauses of Lactose Intolerance
The causes of this condition can vary. The following are the various causes of lactose intolerance by type:
Primary lactose intolerance
Primary lactose intolerance is caused by genetic factors that are inherited from parents. This condition occurs when lactase production decreases with age. Usually, primary lactose intolerance begins to occur at the age of 2 years, but new complaints appear when entering adolescence or adulthood.
Secondary lactose intolerance
Secondary lactose intolerance occurs due to decreased lactase production caused by several conditions, such as disease celiac, Crohn's disease, intestinal infections, or colitis, and can also be the effects of chemotherapy or long-term use of antibiotics.
Lactose intolerance in development
This type of lactose intolerance occurs due to the incomplete development of the baby's intestines at birth. Usually, this condition occurs in babies with premature birth. However, this type of lactose intolerance is only temporary and improves as the baby gets older.
Congenital lactose intolerance
Congenital lactose intolerance is caused by a genetic disorder that is passed down from both parents. Babies with this condition are born with little or no lactase enzyme.
GSymptoms of Lactose Intolerance
Symptoms of lactose intolerance usually appear 30 minutes to 2 hours after consuming foods or drinks that contain lactose. These symptoms include:
- Frequent urination
- Bloated
- stomach cramps
- Nauseous
- Diarrhea
Each person with lactose intolerance can experience different symptoms, and the severity of the above symptoms depends on how much lactose is consumed.
When to go to the doctor
Check with your doctor if you or your child experience the above symptoms after consuming milk or foods made from milk. This aims to determine the condition, because the symptoms of lactose intolerance are similar to the symptoms of cow's milk protein allergy, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), colitis, and disease celiac.
If you or your child is diagnosed with lactose intolerance, talk to a nutritionist about the right diet.
DLactose Intolerance Diagnosis
Doctors can suspect a patient has lactose intolerance by knowing the symptoms experienced by the patient. However, to further confirm the diagnosis, the doctor will perform further examinations, such as:
Lactose tolerance test
In this test, the patient will be asked to consume a drink high in lactose (sugar). Then, 2 hours later, the doctor will perform a blood test to measure the level of glucose in the patient's blood. If the glucose level in the blood does not increase, it means that the patient's body is not absorbing lactose properly.
Milk tolerance test
Milk tolerance test aims to measure the patient's blood sugar level. Prior to this test, the patient will be asked to drink a glass (500 ml) of milk. If the patient's blood sugar level does not increase after consuming milk, it can be suspected that the patient is suffering from lactose intolerance.
Hydrogen level test
The doctor will ask the patient to fast for a few hours before the test, then the patient will be asked to consume a drink with a high lactose content. Then, the doctor will measure the hydrogen level in the patient's breath every 15 minutes for several hours.
If the hydrogen level in the patient's breath is high, there is a possibility that the patient is lactose intolerant. This occurs because undigested lactose undergoes fermentation in the large intestine and produces hydrogen in excess of the normal amount.
Stool acidity test
This test is usually used to diagnose lactose intolerance in infants or children, as other tests will be more difficult to administer to them.
Stool acidity test is performed by measuring the levels of lactic acid in the patient's stool sample. Lactic acid can be formed as a result of the fermentation process of undigested lactose. So, if there is lactic acid in the stool, it can be suspected that the patient is lactose intolerant.
PLactose Intolerance Treatment
To date, there is no cure for lactose intolerance and a way to increase lactase production. However, sufferers can avoid the appearance of complaints by limiting the consumption of foods containing lactose or only consuming foods that are lactose free.
Therefore, if you suffer from lactose intolerance, pay attention to the composition of foods and beverages before consuming them. The following are food sources of lactose that need to be limited or avoided:
- Milk, such as cow's or goat's milk
- Dairy products, such as cheese, ice cream, yogurt, or butter
- Other foods, such as cakes, biscuits, chocolate, candy, mayonnaise, French fries, packaged instant soups, processed meats, and bread or cereals
To replace cow's milk and goat's milk, you can choose milk made from soy, wheat, or Almondsd. Camel milk is known to have less lactose and is acceptable for most people with lactose intolerance.
On the other hand, yOgurt made from soy or coconut, some types of cheese, and other foods marked lactose free, are also safe for consumption.
You can also add lactase supplements to the food or drink you want to consume. Consuming foods containing lactose gradually can also be tried to help the body adapt to digesting lactose.
Additional treatment with probiotic intake can also be done. In addition to being often used to treat digestive disorders, such as diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome, probiotics can also help the body in digesting lactose. However, these efforts should be consulted with a doctor first.
KComplications of Lactose Intolerance
Milk and dairy products contain calcium, protein, and a number of important vitamins, such as vitamins A, B12, and vitamin D. While lactose helps the body absorb minerals, such as magnesium and zinc.
Lactose intolerance prevents the body from getting these important nutrients. As a result, patients can experience complications such as:
- Malnutrition or lack of nutrition
- Osteopenia or low bone density
- Osteoporosis or bone loss
To get calcium intake apart from milk and its derivatives, you can eat fish, such as sardines and mackerel, or green vegetables, such as spinach and broccoli. It would be better if you consult a nutritionist about the right diet for you.
Lactose Intolerance Prevention
Lactose intolerance cannot be prevented, but if you suffer from this condition, limit the consumption of foods or drinks that contain lactose or avoid it completely so that symptoms do not appear.