Lactose Intolerance

I enjoy dairy foods – Salad with feta cheese, yogurt with granola, an occasional cappuccino. But years ago my digestive system started saying "no" to dairy. I discovered that I was lactose intolerant.

Lactose intolerance isn't an allergy. It's the inability to digest lactose – the sugar in milk. It happens when the body doesn't produce enough of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose. Instead of getting properly digested, the lactose sticks around in the intestines and causes problems, like bloating, gas, abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Sometimes it just happens as we get older. It can run in families or in ethnic groups.

Does it mean that you can't eat any dairy any more? Not necessarily. Most people who are lactose intolerant can eat dairy products that are low in lactose, like yogurt, hard cheeses and cottage cheese. Some people can drink small amounts of milk, especially with food. Eating yogurt made with active cultures may even help improve lactose digestion.

It's a matter of trial and error.

Are you lactose intolerant? Don't assume so before checking with your physician, who can request a blood or breathe test to find out for sure. Meanwhile, you can try this experiment: Stop eating all dairy products for two weeks. If your symptoms disappear, eat a little dairy. Wait a few days to see how you feel. This way you can figure out just what (and how much) you can comfortably eat.

Next…calcium and dairy alternatives