Lactose: def: lac: milk and -ose sugar. So lactose is the basic sugars found in milk and milk products such as processed foods, cream and foods with cream in them, including Yogurt.
The reason people become lactose intolerant, which is the condition of being unable to break down or process or digest fully lactose the sugar found in milk and milk products, is due to a problem in the small intestine.
Basically, if you find yourself in this condition, your body could have skin problems such as a red rash, and swelling of the lips, and or face and around the eyes. One could have digestive problems such as stomach ache, vomiting, colic or diarrhoea or constipation or hay fever-like symptoms such as a runny nose or blocked nose.
So what exactly causes the problem?
Lactose intolerance is caused by a deficiency in the hormone/chemical called lactase.
And Lactase breaks down lactose in the small intestine so that the body can absorb it and use it for energy. If the small intestine has too little lactase then not all the lactose passing through the small intestine gets processed and it continues to the large intestine, the colon. In the colon, the bacteria attack the lactose and this action brings about irritation and sometimes a lot of pain in this area of the body and some or many of the above symptoms.
If you do find yourself in this situation you should avoid Dairy products, including milk, butter, processed meats, and in some cases beef and processed foods that may contain lactose. One should also stop eating cheese and yoghurt.
The following are some things to do to help.
- As it’s a medical condition, you should consult your doctor and nutritionist .
- Choose foods with no lactose in them.
- Substitute soy or other non-dairy products.
- Keep your internal organs in great shape by getting regular adjustments for your spine and nervous system.
Remember this condition can be building up for years in your body and you may have only the occasional symptom. But you should act as soon as possible and get a food intolerance test. Then you know for sure and once you know, act on it please.
By coming to Get Back Health Chiropractic and Wellness Clinic and getting regular adjustments of your spine you are optimizing your body’s ability to stay healthy.
JOHN KEANE. SPINOLOGIST