Not to be confused with milk allergy, lactose intolerance refers to a condition where one is unable to fully digest lactose- the sugar component in milk. Lactase, the enzyme that digests lactose is developed in the small intestines. As one grown into adulthood, their diet continuously becomes less reliant on milk hence the production of lactase gradually decreases naturally.
When this happens, after consuming dairy products containing lactose, the digested food passes from the stomach to the small intestines. Here, the lactase enzyme should breakdown the lactose into simple sugars; glucose and galactose for absorption the bloodstream. However, in the event that one does not produce enough lactase, the lactose based food products then move to the large intestines without proper digestion. In the large intestines, bacteria breakdown the lactose to produce short-chain fatty acids and carbon dioxide methane and hydrogen gases.
Production of these gases results in bloating, one of the most common symptoms of lactose intolerance. Other symptoms include abdominal cramps, gas and diarrhea. In extreme cases, some people will experience, nausea, vomiting and occasional constipation. The severity of the symptoms depend on the amount of lactose consumed and the individual level of intolerance.
The symptoms present about two hours after the consumption of milk or dairy products. Given that the condition presents with the decrease of lactase in the body, most people develop it later in life. Though harmless, this condition can be quite uncomfortable not to mention embarrassing to deal with, but is manageable.
