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What causes lactose intolerance?

Lactose intolerance is caused by too little of the enzyme lactase. If your body does not produce enough lactase, lactose will not be broken down and absorbed into your body. At this point, bacteria in your body will break down lactose using a fermentation process. This causes bloating, gas and diarrhea.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is lactose intolerance?

Lactose is a natural sugar found most commonly in cow's milk. Lactose intolerance occurs when your body cannot properly digest lactose. This happens to people when they do not have enough of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose into its easily digested …

What are the symptoms of lactose intolerance?

The symptoms of lactose intolerance can include bloating, stomach pain, increased wind and diarrhea.

Who gets lactose intolerance?

Lactose intolerance affects anybody that does not produce enough lactase. In some people, lactose intolerance can be a result of ageing, when less lactase enzyme is produced. An illness or intestinal disease can also cause lactose intolerance, such as …

How is lactose intolerance diagnosed?

If you are experiencing signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance, your doctor may recommend an elimination diet test. This involves stopping certain foods to see if your symptoms are reduced. Other more specific diagnostic tests include a lactose …

How is lactose intolerance treated?

There is no specific cure or treatment for lactose intolerance. Your doctor may recommend that you identify the foods and drinks that are causing your symptoms and reduce your intake of them.

Can lactose intolerance be cured?

There is no cure for lactose intolerance. Symptoms can be alleviated by lowering your intake of lactose.

Will lactose intolerance clear on its own?

Signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance will cease if you reduce your intake of foods and drinks that are causing them.

Is lactose intolerance an ongoing condition?

Unfortunately, signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance will probably return each time you have the food or drink that caused a reaction in the past.

What can be done at home to treat lactose intolerance?

To help reduce your symptoms at home, you can switch from cow's milk to soy or rice milk.

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About this article

Author: Karen McCloskey BHSc
First answered: 23 Sep 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.7 out of 5
Votes: 1033 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Coeliac disease

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