Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance is the inability of a person to digest sugar in milk called lactose. There might be a limit up to what each person can digest lactose in milk. This happens due to shortage in an enzyme that helps digestion of lactose called lactase. Function of lactase is to break down lactose into sugar (glucose) and galactose, which goes directly into the blood stream.

Each person has different lactose intolerance symptoms.

People might start reacting to lactose in milk after 30 minutes to 2 hours. Symptoms might include cramps, bloating, diarrhea, vomiting, gas, etc. Symptoms are not the same in each person; some might feel only a mild upset whereas someone might get severe cramps. Lactose tolerance also depends on the age, sex and ethnicity of a person. Lactose intolerance is also dependant on the digestive system.

For the purpose of lactose intolerance diagnosis, there are three types of tests taken. The first one is the Lactose Tolerance Test; this test involves drinking liquid containing lactose. For this the person has to fast before taking the test. Doctors then keep on taking blood samples over the period of next two hours. If the enzyme lactase has been able to break down all lactose and convert it into glucose, the glucose then will be transferred to liver which will then go in to the blood stream, thus there will be an increase in glucose level in blood. If there is no increase, it means the person has lactose intolerance.

Another method is the Hydrogen Breath Test, this test involves measuring hydrogen in a person’s breath. The person is made to drink a lactose drink, then there is undigested lactose in stomach, the bacteria ferment it and it starts giving out gases, one of the gases is the hydrogen. Hydrogen then travels through the blood stream into lungs and then comes out of breath, thus measuring hydrogen tells whether or not the person is lactose intolerant.

The third test is the stool acidity test, this test useful for infants. This measures the amount of acid in their stool. Undigested lactose when fermented by bacteria increase the level of acid in stomach, this increases the acid levels in stools. Undigested glucose also might be present in the stools. This can show the level of lactose indigestion.

Lactose intolerance can be treated, though there is no way to increase lactose in stomach, people can consume lactose in some other ways. For some people, a single glass of milk might not do any harm whereas two glasses of milk would, in such a case the person can limit his milk intake to a single glass, people can also have milk in several different ways like the yogurt or cheese, where the lactose is less likely to harm. Infants should not be fed with lactose rich food if they have allergy, there are chances that lactose intolerance would diminish as they grow.

How To Ease Lactose Intolerance Symptoms?

The term lactose intolerance refers to an inability to digest lactose, a vital portion of milk, due to a deficiency of the enzyme lactase in the digestive tract. Lactose intolerance symptoms such as bloating, nausea, cramps and diarrhea usually set in approximately half an hour or so after the consumption of milk or certain milk products. To avoid the symptoms of lactose intolerance, one must be very careful regarding diet as foods such as bread; instant soups and salad dressing may also contain lactose. The best lactose intolerance remedy is the consumption of plenty of water. This helps in flushing out the lactose from the system. Lactose intolerance symptoms relief may also come through medication prescribed by a doctor.

Can Glucose Intolerance Gain Weight?

The term glucose intolerance refers to the inability of the human body to metabolize glucose, thus resulting in elevated blood sugar levels. This happens when the hormone insulin is not efficient in regulating blood sugars levels leading to the increased risk of diabetes. People with increased blood sugar levels are known to feel hungry more often and hence glucose intolerance and increased weight are linked. Glucose intolerance affects weight mainly because fat accumulates around various organs as glucose does not get metabolized properly. Glucose intolerance can lead to cardiovascular disorders. Individuals are also known to become glucose intolerant due to obesity. Glucose intolerance and increased weight therefore go hand in hand.

Is Wheat Allergy Dangerous ?

A wheat allergy could be caused either by consumption of wheat or due to constant exposure to the same. The proteins found in the seed are a primary wheat allergy cause and side effects include nausea, vomiting, bloating, drowsiness, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Atopy and hives are skin conditions that may be triggered by a wheat allergy. Some people are also known to experience an asthmatic attack or hay fever as a result of a wheat allergy. The primary wheat allergy risk factors are family history as well as age. Children with a weak immune system and developing digestive tract are more prone to such allergies.

Submitted on January 16, 2014