Intolerances
Lactose Free
Lactose intolerance is generally caused by a shortage of lactase.Lactase is an enzyme needed to break down lactose so that it can be absorbed in the blood stream.If a person doesn’t have enough lactase then lactose is not absorbed properly in the gut which can then cause a number of symptoms. (See below for symptoms)
Symptoms of Allergy or Intolerance
·Nausea & Vomiting
·Weight loss
·IBS, Stomach Cramps
·Migraines, Rashes
·Depression and Anxiety
·Fatigue
·Ulcers and Hyperactivity (in children)
·Bloating and Wind
Lactose intolerance can be caused by a number of things. Digestive diseases or injuries to the small intestine (See Diagram A) can sometimes cause lactose intolerance as this will generally reduce the amount of lactase produced.In some cases lactose intolerance is inherited in the gene.
Milk from mammals such as cows, goats, sheep and humans contain lactose.This means that milk from none of these places is suitable for people with lactose intolerance.The only way for a person to reduce the symptoms they receive from their lactose intolerance is to reduce and where possible eliminate the lactose in the body.This means the reduction in foods such as milk, cheese, butter, ice cream and even things like cakes and biscuits.Despite this, the market place now offers an array of alternative calcium rich products.Examples of these are as follows: – Soya milk, Lactose free milk (still contains casein), Rice milk, Oat milk and Almond milk to name just a few.Some of these options are also suitable alternatives for babies and young children (Particularly soya and lactose free milk).
