The Connection Between IBS and Lactose Intolerance
The Connection Between IBS and Lactose Intolerance
There seems to be a correlation between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and lactose intolerance. However, there are discrete differences in why they occur and the methods used in treating them.
If you are lactose intolerant, your body cannot digest particular sugars contained in milk and other dairy products. Several complications might be responsible for symptoms. The two conditions might occur concurrently, but they are actually two different conditions.
Symptoms of IBS
Lactose intolerance and IBS can result in:
• Pain
• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Swelling or bloating
Constipation can also be caused by IBS. Your stools might contain mucus, or you might feel that your colon can’t be fully emptied. These signs can vary with time and can fade away completely.
Coupled with related symptoms, lactose intolerance might lead to nausea as well, usually 30 minutes to 2 hours after having milk or other dairy products.
Differences between IBS and Lactose IntoleranceFindings are not clear on what causes IBS. Many physicians believe that this is brought about by the muscle’s failure to properly eradicate waste in the colon.
A communication problem involving the brain and stomach might also be the threat. This occurs when people are hyper-responsive to certain food and stress triggers.
The cause might be a mystery, but your physician is well-versed in the complications that can cause IBS.
As much as the origins remain a mystery, physicians are aware of the things that raise your IBS threat. They are:
• Infections in your intestines
• Genes
• Prolonged stress or emotional trauma
This is a way of understanding lactose intolerance more thoroughly. The body is not able to digest the sugar contained in milk, otherwise known as lactose. This is caused by the inability of the body to produce enough lactase, which is the enzyme used by the small intestine to split down lactose. While it's not an extremely risky condition, it can prevent you from receiving proper quantities of nutrients like calcium, which are primarily found in dairy products.
This complication can be hereditary. In case you have any of the digestive diseases listed below, there is a higher probability of lactose intolerance:
• Celiac disease
Treating IBS
A physician is the only person who can rule out if the symptoms you possess are IBS or lactose intolerance related. IBS can only be diagnosed using the symptoms provided. When diagnosing lactose intolerance, more details must be provided, including;
• History of your family
• Examination of the body
• A hydrogen breath test. Lactose that has not been digested produces hydrogen. To do this, have a drink that contains lactose and exhale into a designated bag. Laboratory tests are then done to test hydrogen levels.
The symptoms of IBS are intermittant, and is a life-long condition, however you can employ other methods to manage symptoms. Adjusting your diet and utilizing methods to suppress stress can help resolve symptoms. The use of laxatives and diarrhea medication can also help relieve symptoms. It’s important to consult a physician to establish the best options that can be tailored to you.
A cure for lactose intolerance is not available. Avoiding milk, cheese, and other dairy products is imperative.
A Physician or dietitian will advise you on a diet and supplement plan.
People suffering from IBS are advised to embrace lactose abstinence to establish the actual effect of eliminating lactose from their diets. Medical findings have pointed out that a good number of IBS patients have reported the improvement of symptoms if they avoid lactose, and it's believed there is a connection between these conditions.
The correlation between them:
The manifestations and symptoms of IBS and Lactose Intolerance may look similar. They may be very similar conditions. However, they are not the same. The fine line that differentiates the two has been discussed above. Let us see what similarities can be conferred between the two. The methods of treating the conditions and managing them can vary to lengths. Most of the time, it is the dairy products that cause alleviated episodes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, even the ones devoid of lactose; whereas lactose intolerance indefinitely flares up with the content that is the culprit, lactose. Lactose intolerance over a span of time causes severe irritation and could lead to irritable bowel syndrome, while irritable bowel syndrome need not lead to lactose intolerance.
Dealing with the two:
While both the symptoms include discomfort in the abdomen, slight pain, gas or flatulence, and bloating, it could also cause cramps, severe pain, and diarrhea in severe cases. They have to be dealt with in the right way. Maintaining healthy food habits and getting rid of irritants and food products or groups, like dairy, that causes discomfort, can go a long way in curbing the flares. In addition to this, seeking medical advice, following the instructions of the physician and maintaining a relatively regular fitness routine like walks, jogs and runs can also help to be at ease. As we have been reading since childhood that moderation is the key, so is it in this case as well. Many people have lactase supplements or see their condition improve with time. This might because of many factors. However, that does not mean they jump to having normal dairy products. Your doctor too will advise you to start having them, at the right time, in relatively small quantities, observe any changes in digestion or discomfort, report it to him, and then increase the quantity gradually. In a few cases, the signs might vanish altogether over time, while in other cases episodes of flares or outburst could happen at intervals. In either of the ailments, remember that it could be a life-long condition. Thus the triggers and irritants have to be hunted down, and proper care has to be taken. Assuming that you have lactose intolerance or irritable bowel syndrome could cause wrong self-diagnosis. Please get it checked and be aware of the symptoms.
