05 June 2024 , 14:46
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Lactose intolerance is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide.
However, there are some subtle signs you could be missing if you have the condition without realising. Lactose intolerance can cause uncomfortable symptoms after consuming dairy products. Many individuals struggle to digest lactose, but not everyone experiences noticeable symptoms from it.
If you notice a pattern of common symptoms after eating dairy products, you might suspect you're lactose intolerant - eliminating all dairy foods can be life-changing for some. However, many people with the deficiency can tolerate some lactose, which might make identifying it as a problem difficult.
Signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance
The NHS website confirmed that symptoms of lactose intolerance can start a few minutes, or a few hours, after consuming food or drink containing lactose. The common symptoms include:
Beyond the more obvious signs, you may also experience longer-lasting symptoms, including:
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- a rash (eczema)
- headaches
- joint pain
- feeling tired
- finding it hard to concentrate
These can all point towards something not being quite right and potentially lead to discovering an intolerance. Studies also suggest that for certain individuals, dairy products can exacerbate or cause acne issues - however, it's important to remember that everyone's skin reacts differently.
Acne isn't always going to have a connection to dairy. But, it's worth experimenting with your diet to find out how dairy affects your skin, reports Gloucestershire Live.
What causes lactose intolerance?
The primary cause of lactose intolerance is a deficiency in an enzyme called lactase, which aids in the digestion of lactose. This condition can develop at any age, even later in life.
It's common for symptoms to first appear in individuals between the ages of 20 and 40, but infants and young children can also be affected. While there's no cure for lactose intolerance, symptoms can usually be managed by limiting the consumption of lactose-containing foods and beverages.
What triggers lactose intolerance symptoms?
Lactose is present in dairy products such as cow's, goat's, and sheep's milk, butter, cheese, cream, yoghurt, and ice cream. It can also be found in many processed foods like cereals, baked goods, sauces, and salad dressings.
Is it an allergy?
Lactose intolerance is not the same as a milk or dairy allergy. Food allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a specific food, causing symptoms like a rash, wheezing, and itching.
When to consult a doctor
You should make an appointment with your GP if you notice symptoms of lactose intolerance and:
- your symptoms keep coming back and often happen after eating
- you've noticed changes in your poo that are not usual for you, such as looser poo, pooing more often, or constipation for 3 weeks
- you've have blood in your poo for 3 weeks
- you've had tummy bloating and discomfort for 3 weeks
- you've been losing weight
If your GP suspects you're lactose intolerant, they might suggest a lactose elimination diet this involves cutting out all lactose-containing foods to see if your symptoms get better. They may also carry out blood tests or a hydrogen breath test this measures the amount of hydrogen gas in your breath to determine how well you're digesting lactose.