The expert named the causes of lactose intolerance

About 65% of the world's adult population has difficulty digesting lactose, said Adelina Muryasova, the manager and co-founder of GASTRO CLINIC. She told Izvestia on February 22 about what lactose intolerance is and how to deal with it.

Lactose is contained in most dairy products: milk, yogurt, soft cheeses and even in baked goods or sauces where milk powder is added. As the expert explained, the body needs the enzyme lactase to break it down, and when the body produces it in insufficient quantities, the "revolution in the stomach" begins: bloating, gas, diarrhea, unpleasant sensations.

It happens that after illness, stress or changes in hormonal background, the body begins to produce less enzymes. Therefore, even people who used to calmly digest dairy products, one day may encounter unpleasant symptoms.

Among the main symptoms - increased gas formation, abdominal bloating, diarrhea, especially a short time after eating dairy products, nausea, rumbling and a feeling of "overflow" in the intestines.

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To make an accurate diagnosis, a hydrogen breath test is used. The essence is simple: the patient is offered to drink a lactose solution on an empty stomach and at regular intervals measure the level of hydrogen in the exhaled air. If the values rise, it indicates that the carbohydrate is not digested and undergoes fermentation in the intestine.

"On the day of the test, it is better not to plan anything important. After all, if lactose is really not tolerated, syndromes can manifest themselves in all their glory," Muryasova warned.

According to her, if lactose intolerance is confirmed, it is necessary to exclude dairy products. The extreme option is to refuse all dairy and dishes that contain it (for example, even baked goods with added milk). But this deprives the body of a mass of useful substances, so resorting to a complete ban is recommended only in severe forms.

In such cases, it is worth buying lactose-free products. Technology allows you to remove lactose, but retain the flavor and benefits of milk and other products. Most major manufacturers already include such lines in the assortment.

It is also necessary to take enzymes. In the pharmacy you can find preparations containing lactase. They are drunk before eating ordinary cheesecakes or drinking coffee with condensed milk, so that the gastrointestinal tract does not revolt.

According to the expert, most often the "golden mean" is a combination of two or three methods. Someone completely switches to lactose-free products, someone prefers to be backed up with enzymes when traveling or visiting, and at home drinks regular milk and lives peacefully.

At the same time, there can be several food intolerances and allergies at the same time. For example, there are people who cannot have both gluten and lactose. In such situations, a proper nutrition plan and regular follow-up with a specialized doctor is not a luxury, but an urgent necessity.

Earlier, on February 12, doctor-endocrinologist, doctor-dietologist "SM-Clinica", candidate of medical sciences Oksana Mikhaleva told "Izvestia" that porridge should not be eaten by people with intolerance to lactose or cow's milk protein, as well as those who are overweight. In addition, those with gluten intolerance should also refuse this dish.