Lactose intolerance, what it depends on

One of the most widespread intolerances in the world is intolerance to lactose and is caused by partial or complete lack of the enzyme lactase, which digests lactose into its two simple sugars, glucose and galactose.

Those who take lactose, therefore, cannot digest it and experience symptoms such as:

• Abdominal pain and bloating
• diarrhea
• constipation
• nausea
• fatigue
• weight loss
• headaches
• rashes
• flatulence
• meteorism

There are three forms of lactose intolerance:

1. the primary genetic form, DNA-determined and caused by a genetic variation that results in the partial or complete absence of the enzyme lactase. It lingers throughout life, so the sufferer will need to follow a proper diet;
2. the transient form, there is malabsorption of lactose in the intestines. If you detox from lactose for a period, you will be able to slowly and gradually reintegrate products that contain it over time;
3. the congenital form, which is the rarest and occurs from birth, such as when the infant does not even digest breast milk.

Many people unfortunately do not know that they are lactose intolerant and quietly continue to consume it because unfortunately many of the symptoms of intolerance are similar to those of other diseases or intolerances.

But how is it that you experience?

Lactose intolerance can also result from disease, injury and inflammation in the gut or antibiotic therapies that inhibit the activity of the lactase enzyme.

However, there are different degrees of lactose intolerance: many individuals can tolerate small amounts while others cannot consume any amount without experiencing undesirable effects.

This is indeed a wake-up call that should prompt more targeted checks (e.g., a genetic test) to see if one is indeed intolerant or not and, at this point, opt for alternatives that are more easily digested and do not lead to the occurrence of any unpleasant symptoms.