Lactose is milk sugar, a nutrient contained in dairy products. People who suffer from lactose intolerance can only digest it poorly or not at all. They are not able to tolerate a certain amount of lactose without having gastrointestinal problems.
The reason for this is a deficit of the lactose-cleaving enzyme lactase. The body’s own lactase production decreases with age. However, a lactase deficiency can also arise as a result of a disease of the intestinal mucosa and can then generally not be cured.
What are the symptoms of lactose intolerance?
Lactose intolerance can cause some symptoms – from gastrointestinal symptoms such as inflammation of the intestines to psychological problems. Symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, constant urination, irritable bowel syndrome, feeling of fullness, nausea, belching, bad breath, abdominal pain and cramps, cardiovascular problems, drop in blood pressure, disturbed vitamin and mineral balance, sexual dysfunction, insomnia, psychological impairments.
How is lactose intolerance diagnosed?
There are several methods to diagnose lactose intolerance. On the one hand, one should consider a food diary. You can also do an elimination diet and a provocation test. An H-breath test, which measures the hydrogen content of the breath after taking a certain amount of lactose-containing foods, can also provide clarity. Furthermore, a blood test, a small intestine biopsy and a genetic test can be carried out.
What helps against lactose intolerance?
In order to promote the digestive performance in case of lactose intolerance, one should carry out a targeted and timely enzyme replacement therapy with a lactase-containing preparation. The preparation increases the capacity for enzymatic cleavage of lactic acid and thus reduces the symptoms. Vitamin C and zinc, which are closely linked to the healing and immune processes, are the main ingredients. In addition, they promote the restoration of a healthy intestinal mucosa.
Green tea extract also has an antioxidant effect and is very effective in combating inflammation. Camomile extract has anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties and thus also supports the healing of the digestive tract. L-Glutamine as well plays an important role in the development and maintenance of cell systems. Probiotic microorganisms are also important in the prevention of food allergies.
Vitamin deficiency in case of lactose intolerance
Lactose intolerance can lead to a disturbed vitamin and mineral balance. Vitamins and minerals that are ingested with food are also present in the liquid that is extracted in the large intestine from the still thin-liquid food mush. From there they enter the blood via the intestinal wall and are transported to the cells of the body.
If one suffers from lactose intolerance, the food mush is not thickened by the large intestine due to the water-binding property of the still present milk sugar, and the liquid cannot be passed on into the blood together with the nutrients. The remaining nutrients remain in the stool and are excreted with the diarrhea. The symptoms can be aggravated by the loss of important nutrients. Also impure skin and brittle nails and hair can be deficiency symptoms.
