Health: Lactose Intolerance
Posted: Tuesday, April 08, 2008
by Karen Goeller CSCS
Gymnastics Stuff
Health: What is Lactose Intolerance?
Lactose intolerance is the inability to metabolize lactose because the required enzyme lactase is absent or low. Lactose intolerance is caused by a shortage of the enzyme lactase, which is produced by the cells that line the small intestine. The reduction in lactase production and the amount of lactose that can be tolerated varies from person to person. Lactose intolerance is not lethal and morbidity is low, but with lower calcium intake osteopenia can result. Lactose intolerance is very common in adults and is not dangerous. Seventy percent of the world's population suffers from lactose intolerance.
Symptoms of lactose intolerance begin about 30 minutes to 2 hours after eating or drinking foods containing lactose. People with lactose intolerance usually cannot tolerate milk and other dairy products, all of which contain lactose. The symptoms of lactose intolerance can be mild to severe, depending on how much lactase your body makes. The symptoms include gas, cramping, abdominal pain, nausea, bloating, and diarrhea. Lactose left undigested in the intestines can result in diarrhea, because of the excessive amount of water that is drawn into the intestines by lactose. A carefully chosen diet, with calcium supplements if the doctor or dietitian recommends them, is the key to reducing symptoms.
For those who suffer lactose intolerance, lactose-reduced milk and over the counter medications are available. Products, like Lactaid, provide the person with the missing enzyme, lactase. Lactose-free milk is a great way to get calcium without the problems that can come with lactose. Lactose intolerance is not the same as an allergy to milk. Symptoms of a milk allergy include a runny nose, puffy eyes, skin rash, vomiting, tightness in the throat, and difficulty breathing. Lactose-free or lactose-reduced products do not protect a person who is allergic to dairy products from experiencing an allergic reaction.
People with lactose intolerance must make sure that they take in enough calcium, even if dairy products are not included. Many foods can provide the calcium and other nutrients the body needs, even when intake of milk and dairy products is limited. Calcium is needed for the growth and repair of bones throughout life, and in the middle and later years, a shortage of calcium may lead to thin, fragile bones that break easily. This is called osteoporosis. Many non-dairy foods are high in calcium, including dark green vegetables such as broccoli, salmon, and sardines. Many people with lactose intolerance can tolerate yogurt. This may be a good source of calcium for many people with lactose intolerance. Lactose-free milk is a great way to get calcium without the discomfort that can come with lactose.
Lactose intolerance is a frequently misunderstood condition. It is more than just an inconvenience and is considered to be a deficiency. Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest foods that contain lactose because the body does not produce sufficient amounts of the enzyme lactase. It is usually a lifelong condition, but can be also be the result of an infection. Lactose intolerance is not a life-threatening disorder, but it can be a problem, disrupting the flow of daily life. If you think you may be lactose intolerant you must see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
By Karen M. Goeller
Karen Goeller has 30 years of experience training athletes and an education that includes training in emergency medicine, physical therapy, and nutrition. She has held certifications that include Fitness Trainer, EMT-D, Nutritional Analysis, and many Gymnastics Certifications among others. Goeller has tremendous experience with training in a variety of settings. Karen Goeller is the author of the Swing Set Fitness books, the Gymnastics Drills and Conditioning books, and many additional products. She has written more gymnastics books than anyone in the USA. Her books are used by fitness experts, sports coaches, teachers, and athletes worldwide. Karen Goeller has worked for world's most famous gymnastics coach Bela Karolyi, owned a gymnastics club for ten years, and has been featured in several newspapers and on television many times. Karen Goeller offers sports performance training in NJ and through the web. For information on her products and services visit www.KarenGoeller.com, www.SwingSetFitness.com, and http://www.GymnasticsStuff.com.
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Top-level comments on this article: (4 total)Many of us suffer from these types of symptoms. I suspect over eating and diet as you say are too main causes or perhaps a reaction to certain foods. I''ook for somemore hints from you. Anyway good advice for the suffering crowd. Best wishes.Please log in to respond to this comment.Thanks so much for the compliment! I hope you're not suffering too much! Have a great spring season...Please log in to respond to this comment.
This is very interesting and well written!Please log in to respond to this comment.Thanks so much for the compliment!Have a great spring season...Please log in to respond to this comment.
I have two family members who are lactose intolerant. Lactaid has become a staple at our house.Please log in to respond to this comment.
Thanks for all the great advice. It was laid out well and easy to follow. My husband has this problem. Unfortunately, I can't get him to eat those types of veggies. Blessings to you. TeresaPlease log in to respond to this comment.
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