Friday, May 18, 2007

Being Lactose Intolerant

How prevalent is Lactose Intolerance? About 70% of the world's population just can't drink milk or eat dairy products without getting an upset stomach. Lactose Intolerance is genetic and happens most often in people of African, Asian and Mediterranean descent. It is caused by a deficiency of lactase, an enzyme needed to absorb and digest lactose (milk sugar). Undigested lactose lingers in the intestine. They are being fermented - creating intestinal discomfort (abdominal pain, bloating, gas and diarrhea). Many people with lactose intolerance do not even know they have the condition; while some may be misdiagnosed as having a serious bowel disease. So don't believe you have a serious bowel disorder until you are sure milk is not at fault.
How much upset milk can cause depends on the severity of your lactase deficiency. Many people with lactose intolerance can still drink a single glass of milk without distress, says researcher Dr. Dennis Savaiano of the University of Minnesota. source- healthcastle.com

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