Although a majority of people assume that being lactose intolerant is similar to having a milk allergy (or casein allergy), the two conditions affect your body differently. When you are intolerant to lactose, your body is unable to produce the enzyme necessary for digesting lactose, which is the sugar in milk. By contrast, when you’re allergic to dairy, your immune system perceives dairy products as dangerous intruders. Here are five common signs of lactose intolerance:
1. Diarrhea or loose stools
Diarrhea is noticed more often among babies and young children than in adults. When lactose goes undigested due to lactose intolerance, it is fermented by microflora in the colon into short-chain fatty acids and gasses. This increases the overall amount of acid produced in the colon, meaning there is more leftover acid in the colon. This causes more water to be drawn from the plasma and get released into your colon, which, in turn, increases the liquid content of your stool, leading to diarrhea
2. Gas and bloating
The fermentation process that occurs in the colon due to lactose intolerance also increases the production of gasses such as methane, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen in the colon, which can cause bloating. A bloated stomach can cause discomfort and embarrassment. Fortunately, you can alleviate this condition by only consuming 100% real milk or lactose-free milk.
3. Constipation
At the opposite end of the spectrum from diarrhea, some people’s gut motility is disrupted by lactose intolerance. This generally occurs when the previously discussed fermentation process produces methane gas, which slows down food as it travels through the gut, leading to constipation.
4. Mouth ulcers
For some lactose-intolerant individuals, dairy products such as yogurt, milk, and or cheese can lead to canker sores. Some studies attribute this to a protein commonly found in cow’s milk—though scientists aren’t sure exactly which one it is—and recommend simply cutting out dairy products entirely if the mouth ulcers are recurrent.
5. Stomach pain and cramps
This is one of the most common symptoms among adults and children who are intolerant to lactose. The fermentation process, and its various symptoms, caused by lactose intolerance can often lead to stomach pain and cramps. The intensity of the pain unfortunately depends not on the amount of product ingested, but on your sensitivity levels.
6. Other symptoms of lactose intolerance
Other common symptoms among intolerant individuals are greasy or fatty stool, sinus congestion, indigestion, nausea, and eczema. Remember, almost all of the above-mentioned symptoms can be symptoms of other illnesses or conditions. Although it is wise to reduce your intake of milk and other dairy products if you suspect you are lactose intolerant, you should also get an expert opinion to ensure that you don’t have a different underlying issue. It is also a good idea to seek an official diagnosis so you can access further treatment.
Luckily, you can alleviate the symptoms of lactose intolerance by removing foods containing lactose from your diet. You can replace dairy products with lactose-free or plant-based products such as soya, coconut, rice, almond, oat, or hazelnut milks. Talk to your doctor immediately if you suspect you may have a milk or casein allergy, especially if you experience more serious symptoms such as hives, swelling of the airways, or anaphylactic shock.
