Cereal with milk has been your go-to breakfast for years, but now you feel bloated and gassy by mid-morning. Could it be lactose intolerance?
At Gastroenterology and Nutrition of Central Florida, our experienced gastroenterologists specialize in finding the underlying cause of abdominal pain, gas, and bloating, which are common symptoms of many digestive conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitis, and lactose intolerance.
Here, we want to talk about lactose intolerance and some signs that may indicate you have this common digestive condition.
Lactose intolerance is a digestive condition due to malabsorption of lactose, the main carbohydrate in dairy products like milk. People with lactose intolerance don’t produce enough (or any) lactase, the enzyme that helps break down lactose into simple sugars in the digestive tract.
Lactose is also the main carbohydrate in breast milk; most infants produce lactase. However, many people stop making lactase after infancy, leading to lactose malabsorption.
It’s estimated that about 68% of people worldwide have lactose malabsorption, but not everyone has lactose intolerance. Lactose malabsorption is a reduced ability to digest lactose, while lactose intolerance is a clinical condition characterized by specific symptoms brought on by the malabsorption.
Anyone can develop lactose intolerance at any time. You’re more likely to develop the condition if it runs in your family. However, gastrointestinal infections can also cause temporary lactose intolerance.
When the digestive tract is unable to break down lactose, it travels intact to the colon. The bacteria in the colon then break down the carbohydrates, producing fluid and gas, leading to uncomfortable symptoms.
Common signs of lactose intolerance include:
The symptoms usually appear within a few hours of consuming foods with lactose, such as cow’s milk, ice cream, or cottage cheese.
The primary treatment for lactose intolerance is to avoid foods containing lactose. However, this also means removing foods rich in essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D.
You can get the nutrition you need without the aftereffects if you take lactase enzymes before eating your cereal or using lactose-free dairy products. Fortified plant-based milk alternatives are also lactose-free and a good substitute for traditional milk products.
We offer nutrition counseling to help our patients eat balanced meals that supply the nutrients they need without triggering digestive problems.
Are you feeling bloated and gassy after eating a bowl of cereal? Do you think you’re lactose intolerant? We can perform a physical exam and diagnostic testing to determine the root cause of your symptoms and develop a plan.
Call us today at 352-315-4111 or book an appointment online at the nearest office. We have offices in The Villages, Leesburg, Wildwood, Summerfield, and Tavares, Florida.
