How to Deal with Lactose Intolerance: Simple Steps to Relief | Howcast

Summary

This video explains how to manage lactose intolerance effectively. It covers identifying which dairy products trigger symptoms like gas or nausea, and encourages seeing a doctor for diagnosis. The video suggests using lactase enzyme tablets to aid digestion and exploring dairy alternatives like soy, rice, or goat's milk. It emphasizes replacing dairy with other calcium-rich foods to maintain a balanced diet. Consistency is key, as adjusting to substitutes might take time, but the video offers practical tips for coping with lactose intolerance and making informed choices.

Takeaways

• 🧐 **Awareness**: Pay attention to how different dairy products affect you to identify lactose intolerance.
• 🏥 **Consultation**: See a doctor for a test if you suspect lactose intolerance.
• 💊 **Lactase Pills**: Take chewable lactase enzyme tablets before consuming dairy to help digest lactose.
• 🥛 **Dairy Substitutes**: Try alternatives like soy, rice milk, and cheese, or consider goat/sheep milk with less lactose.
• 🥦 **Calcium-Rich Foods**: Replace dairy with other calcium-rich foods to maintain nutritional balance.
• 🔄 **Adaptation**: Give time to adjust to dairy alternatives; your taste preferences may change.
• 🍽️ **Restaurant Preparedness**: Carry lactase tablets when eating out to manage unexpected dairy consumption.
• 🌟 **Tolerance Variability**: Understand that reactions to different types of milk can vary.
• 📈 **Prevalence**: Recognize that lactose intolerance is common, affecting approximately 1 in 16 Americans.
• 🔎 **Product Note**: Keep a record of dairy products that cause discomfort to help manage your diet.

Q & A

What is lactose intolerance?

Lactose intolerance is a condition where individuals have difficulty digesting lactose, or milk sugar, due to a deficiency of the enzyme lactase.

How can you tell if certain dairy products affect you negatively?

Pay attention to how your body reacts to different dairy products. Note down any products that cause symptoms like gas, nausea, or diarrhea.

What is the role of a doctor in dealing with lactose intolerance?

A doctor can confirm your self-diagnosis by performing a simple test to determine if you are lactose intolerant.

What is the function of lactase enzyme tablets?

Lactase enzyme tablets help digest lactose by providing the enzyme that lactose intolerant individuals lack. They can lessen symptoms but are not a cure.

What dairy substitutes are available for those with lactose intolerance?

Soy and rice milk, as well as cheese, are dairy substitutes that do not contain lactose. Goats and sheep's milk contain slightly less lactose than cow's milk.

Why is it important to maintain calcium intake even when avoiding dairy?

Milk is a primary source of calcium, so it's crucial to replace it with other calcium-rich foods to ensure adequate calcium intake.

What is the advice for adjusting to dairy alternatives?

You might initially miss the taste of dairy, but it is advised to continue with the alternatives and eventually, you will likely grow to like them just as much.

Why is it recommended to carry lactase tablets when eating out?

Carrying lactase tablets when eating out is a precaution in case you cannot avoid dairy in your meal, as it can help manage symptoms if consumed before eating.

How prevalent is lactose intolerance in the United States?

Lactose intolerance affects as many as 50 million Americans, which is approximately 1 in 6 people.

What should you do if you suspect lactose intolerance but have not been diagnosed?

If you suspect lactose intolerance, it's important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis before making significant dietary changes.

Are there any other symptoms besides gas, nausea, and diarrhea that indicate lactose intolerance?

While gas, nausea, and diarrhea are common symptoms, others may include bloating, abdominal pain, and fatigue after consuming dairy products.