Lactose intolerance
Posted on August 15, 2009
Filed Under Lactose |
What is lactose intolerance?
Lactose intolerance is the inability to absorb lactose, the most abundant sugar of milk in the digestive tract. If lactose is not absorbed properly, ferments and gives rise to pain and bloating, and diarrhea.
Cup full of milk
Lactose intolerance is the inability to absorb lactose in the digestive tract.
© Net Doctor / Justas
what is the cause of lactose intolerance?
Lactose is a disaccharide, i.e., a substance resulting from the union of two molecules of simple sugars (monosaccharide); in the case of lactose are glucose and galaxies. To be absorbed, it is necessary to break the lactose into its two basic components. This rupture is provided by an enzyme called lactase, which is present in the inner lining (the epithelium of the mucosa) of the small intestine. If there is absence or deficiency of this enzyme, do not break the molecules of lactose, which is full of the large bowel where it is fermented by bacteria in the gut, which releases excess gas, increased bowel sounds and diarrhea.
Lactase activity is high in young children and decreases as does the amount of milk ingested with food. Some people may have very low rates of lactase, but for unknown reasons, have no symptoms.
Who is at risk of suffering from lactose intolerance?
Most adults in northern Europe and Northern America adequately absorb lactose. However, most of the world population suffers from lactose intolerance to varying degrees.
People who have undergone a major surgery on the stomach or intestine, or who suffer from celiac disease, are often lactose intolerant, if not corrected the underlying disorder.
Interest
Please see our section ‘endocrinology’ related articles:
# Food allergy and cross reactions
# Food allergies and intolerances in children
# Celiac Disease
# Eating Disorders
Many people suffer temporarily lactose intolerant when they had diarrhea. The reason is that the disease responsible for diarrhea slightly damaged the lining of the small intestine, which is decreased production of lactase.
What are the symptoms of lactose intolerance?
* Sounds intestinal bloating and increased vetoes
* Diarrhea
* Crimpy abdominal pain
* Nausea
what can be done at home?
* If you have diarrhea or have endured recently, reduce the consumption of dairy products.
* Please note the above.
How is diagnosed lactose intolerance?
The “home” is to remove the food products that contain lactose for a couple of days, and then eat 2 or 3 glasses of milk. If after half an hour before, has a stomachache or diarrhea have lactose intolerance. If you want to confirm this suspicion, one must undergo the following tests:
Evidence of tolerance to lactose
the test consists of determining the concentration of sugar (glucose) in blood before and after ingesting liquid containing lactose. If the glucose concentration rises above a certain level, does not suffer from lactose intolerance.
Do you eat well?
Find out with our tests:
# does a balanced diet?
# what foods fattening?
Breath Test
Is to ingest a liquid with lactose, and then investigate the presence of hydrogen in the breath (which you exhale), which is only present if the lactose is fermented.
Biopsiade the mucosa of the small bowel
Although you can try to reach the initial portion of the intestine (duodenum) using a conventional gastro copy, it is common to use a special capsule, attached to a thin cable to be able to remove it after it is ingested, and “fired” when it has penetrated adequately in the intestine to a small sample of tissue to be analyzed.
How is lactose intolerance?
Depends on the intensity of symptoms. People with mild symptoms may be good, just reducing the amount of dairy products in their diet.
Those with intense symptoms should strictly follow a diet free of lactose. It is best to consult a dietitian. Your doctor will put you in touch with him.
The symptoms of lactose intolerance are very variable in intensity. Some patients can tolerate the amount of milk is often added to coffee, while others have diarrhea after ingesting minimal amounts of lactose. Some tolerate yogurt but not other dairy products.
Lactose intolerance is a virtually harmless. If you suffer, and for any reason can not follow a diet free of lactose, no risk, nor will suffer any consequences. However, it is likely that the symptoms reappear.
What foods contain lactose?
* Milk, butter, margarine, fermented milk products, curd, yogurt and cheese
* Milk powder
* Bread and other bakery or pastry (see the composition on the label).
* Food prepared (read the label).
* Chocolate
* Many types of tablets as lactose recipient is a very common (see composition in the prospectus).
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