#MilkWahala: Understanding Lactose Intolerance
#EssenshowByJESA
Have you ever enjoyed a glass of milk, only to experience bloating, stomach cramps or discomfort afterwards? You may have wondered whether you are lactose intolerant or if something else is causing the problem.
In this episode, we unpack what lactose intolerance really means, the common signs to look out for and how to establish whether milk is actually the cause of your discomfort.
Lactose intolerance occurs when the body has difficulty digesting lactose, the natural sugar found in milk and other dairy products. This happens when the small intestine does not produce enough of an enzyme called lactase, which helps break down lactose.
For some people, consuming dairy products may lead to symptoms such as bloating, gas, stomach cramps, diarrhoea or nausea. These symptoms can occur within a few hours of consuming milk or other foods containing lactose.
However, experiencing discomfort after drinking milk does not automatically mean that you are lactose intolerant. Other conditions, food sensitivities or reactions to different components of dairy products can cause similar symptoms.
So, how can you tell whether milk is really the problem? Understanding your symptoms, when they occur and which foods trigger them can provide useful clues. A healthcare professional can also help determine the cause and, where necessary, recommend appropriate tests.
The good news is that lactose intolerance does not necessarily mean giving up all dairy products. Many people can tolerate small amounts of lactose, while others may choose lactose-free alternatives or products such as some yoghurts and hard cheeses that are naturally lower in lactose.
Watch the episode as we break down lactose intolerance, the signs to look out for and what you can do if milk appears to be causing your discomfort.