Lactose intolerance is a condition that develops when the body is unable to produce lactase enzyme in the required amount that processes milk in the body. Lactose is a sugar that is found naturally in the milk of most mammals (i.e., cows, sheep, goats, humans). Children produce enough lactase to digest breast-milk, and as they grow up, the lactase levels reduce. This condition is predominant in over 70% of adults from Asia, Africa, America and India.

The best way to manage lactose intolerance is to avoid foods and drinks that contain lactose, instead opting for lactose-free products. The following are the primary symptoms of lactose intolerance:

1. Loose stools
Lactose intolerance causes an increase in the volume of water in the colon. An increase in the amount of fluid in the body waste increases the frequency of the stool leading to diarrhea. Micro-flora found in the colon ferments the lactose forming gases and a short chain of fatty acids. Not all the acids are absorbed, the remaining acids cause the colon to release increased amounts of water which when it mixes with the carbohydrates causes diarrhea. Patients who suffer from diarrhea can also suffer from dehydration.

2. Stomach cramps and bloating
Lactose intolerance causes pain in the stomach and bloating in children and adults. During digestion, the body does not break down the lactose. The lactose passes until it reaches the colon. Cells in the lining of the colon cannot absorb carbohydrates such as lactose, the lactose is fermented and broken down by microflora. During this process, there’s a production of a short-chain of fatty acids, and gases such as carbon dioxide, hydrogen and methane. The gases and acids cause cramps and stomach pain in the lower tummy and navel. An increase in water and gas in the colon causes bloating that makes the gut wall to stretch a condition known as distention.

3. Increase in gas
Carbon dioxide, methane and hydrogen are produced in the colon as a result of fermentation of lactose. Colon microflora in patients suffering from lactose intolerance is very good at fermenting lactose and turning it to gases and acids. An increase in flatulence is a result of more lactose fermented in the colon. Amount of gas produced differs from one person to another due to the rate of gas reabsorption in the colon, and the micro-flora efficiency, the gas produced is odorless. To reduce this gas one drinks Lactaid milk. Accordingly, the gas causes bloating, diarrhea and even cramping to the lactose intolerant patients.

4. Constipation
When compared to diarrhea, which is a rare symptom of lactose intolerance, constipation is more common. Methane gas in the colon comes from fermented undigested lactose. Methane slows down the time taken to move food through the gut bringing constipation. People with bacterial overgrowth and irritable bowel syndrome usually suffer from constipation as a result of methane. Constipation has the following characteristics: incomplete bowel movements, discomfort in the stomach, straining excessively, bloating and stools that are hard and infrequent.

5. Nausea and vomiting
An increase in gas and water in the colon causes bloating. The gut wall stretches, and this condition is known as distention. Lots of bloating and pain due to ingested lactose brings about the feeling of distention. The bloating, pain and distention in some people result in vomiting and nausea. During the Lactaid milk sale, there is a sale of some products that can reduce bloating.