“Lactose intolerance?”
I just have a general question. What happens when someone who is lactose intolerant, drinks a dairy product or eats some food that has dairy in it? Would that almost be like taking poison?
3 Answers
When someone who is lactose intolerant consumes dairy products or foods containing lactose, they may experience symptoms related to their intolerance. However, it's important to note that lactose intolerance is not the same as an allergic reaction or ingesting poison. Lactose intolerance is a common digestive disorder characterized by the body's inability to fully digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products.
When lactose intolerant individuals consume lactose, the following symptoms may occur:
1. Gastrointestinal discomfort: The undigested lactose can ferment in the colon, leading to symptoms such as bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and cramps.
2. Diarrhea: The presence of undigested lactose can draw water into the colon, resulting in loose stools or diarrhea.
3. Nausea: Some individuals may experience feelings of nausea or an upset stomach after consuming lactose-containing foods.
These symptoms can vary in severity depending on the individual's level of lactose intolerance and the amount of lactose consumed.
It's important to note that lactose intolerance is different from a milk allergy. In a milk allergy, the body's immune system reacts to proteins in milk, which can cause allergic symptoms such as hives, wheezing, or even anaphylaxis, which is a severe allergic reaction. Lactose intolerance is a digestive issue related to the inability to digest lactose.
If someone is lactose intolerant and experiences symptoms after consuming lactose-containing foods, it is generally recommended to avoid or limit their intake of such foods. However, it's worth noting that lactose intolerance is not life-threatening and does not cause long-term harm to the body. Individuals with lactose intolerance can explore lactose-free or lactose-reduced dairy products, as well as non-dairy alternatives, to meet their nutritional needs without experiencing symptoms.
If you suspect that you or someone you know may be lactose intolerant, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian who can provide appropriate guidance, dietary recommendations, and help ensure proper nutrition while managing lactose intolerance.
When lactose intolerant individuals consume lactose, the following symptoms may occur:
1. Gastrointestinal discomfort: The undigested lactose can ferment in the colon, leading to symptoms such as bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and cramps.
2. Diarrhea: The presence of undigested lactose can draw water into the colon, resulting in loose stools or diarrhea.
3. Nausea: Some individuals may experience feelings of nausea or an upset stomach after consuming lactose-containing foods.
These symptoms can vary in severity depending on the individual's level of lactose intolerance and the amount of lactose consumed.
It's important to note that lactose intolerance is different from a milk allergy. In a milk allergy, the body's immune system reacts to proteins in milk, which can cause allergic symptoms such as hives, wheezing, or even anaphylaxis, which is a severe allergic reaction. Lactose intolerance is a digestive issue related to the inability to digest lactose.
If someone is lactose intolerant and experiences symptoms after consuming lactose-containing foods, it is generally recommended to avoid or limit their intake of such foods. However, it's worth noting that lactose intolerance is not life-threatening and does not cause long-term harm to the body. Individuals with lactose intolerance can explore lactose-free or lactose-reduced dairy products, as well as non-dairy alternatives, to meet their nutritional needs without experiencing symptoms.
If you suspect that you or someone you know may be lactose intolerant, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian who can provide appropriate guidance, dietary recommendations, and help ensure proper nutrition while managing lactose intolerance.
Lactose is not dangerous. In some but not all of us with lactose intolerance lactose causes gas, abdominal distress, bloating, flatulence, and diarrhea. Eventually, all of us as we age lose the juvenile capability to digest lactose, but many of us are not terribly bothered by lactose.
No, it's not like poison. Drinking milk when you have lactose intolerance is not life-threatening. It will cause GI symptoms like bloating, pain, diarrhea. It's also helpful to note that even people with lactose intolerance can usually tolerate small amounts of dairy. There is a threshold amount that can be tolerated, but ingesting more than that will cause symptoms. Studies show that 1 cup of milk at a time is usually ok, but the amount can vary from person to person.
