Lactose intolerance is caused by a person's body having problems digesting lactose, a sugar found in milk. People suffering from this condition experience various digestive complaints, such as abdominal discomfort, after consuming dairy products such as milk, ice cream, yogurt or cheese. Lactose intolerance is a common condition and can be controlled with a simple dietary plan change. “What does lactose intolerance mean?” and “What happens if lactose intolerance is not treated?” You can follow the rest of the article for answers to your questions such as.
What is Lactose?
Lactose is a type of sugar found especially in milk and dairy products. In order for lactose sugar to be broken down into the small sugars (monosaccharides) that make it up, it must be processed in the small intestine by an enzyme called lactase. In the absence of the lactase enzyme, the digestion of lactose in milk and dairy products cannot be performed. As a result of this situation, complaints such as excessive gas, bloating, cramps and diarrhea occur.
What is Lactose Intolerance?
Lactose intolerance is the occurrence of various characteristic signs and symptoms following consumption of foods containing this sugar. It is a clinical syndrome. Normally, lactose is decomposed into building blocks called glucose and galactose by the lactase enzyme secreted in this region with its passage into the small intestine. In the presence of any problem with the lactase enzyme, the person cannot tolerate lactose and therefore lactose sensitivity occurs. The severity of lactose intolerance varies from person to person. Lactose, the sugar of milk and dairy products, is also a substance in breast milk.
What are the Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance?
Symptoms of lactose allergy, consumption of milk and dairy products containing this sugar refers to the following complaints. The severity of the complaints can range from mild discomfort to a serious reaction. The degree of complaints is also related to the lactase enzyme level in the person's body and the amount of lactose consumed. Most people with lactose intolerance can tolerate small amounts of lactose without experiencing any symptoms. However, the level of this tolerance varies from person to person.
Many signs and symptoms may occur in people with lactose intolerance. Some of these symptoms are as follows:
- Bloating,
- Abdominal pain and cramps,
- Gas,
- Nausea and vomiting,
- Diarrhea.
What Causes Lactose Intolerance?
Behind the scenes, there are various mechanisms. The first condition, called primary lactose intolerance, occurs as a natural consequence of the aging process. This is the most common form of lactose intolerance. Many people have normal lactase enzyme levels from birth. The reason for this is that babies need this enzyme in order to digest breast milk, which is the main food source. However, the level of this enzyme may not remain at a sufficient level all the time. In most people, some decrease in the level of lactase enzyme occurs with aging. The underlying reason for this situation is the diversification of foods in the diet after infancy. The decrease in lactase enzyme usually occurs gradually.
Secondary lactose intolerance, which is another cause of lactose intolerance, basically occurs after various traumas and diseases. Lactose intolerance may also develop as a result of various digestive system diseases, especially celiac and inflammatory bowel diseases, or operations in which the small intestine is affected. Appropriate intervention to the underlying health problem in these individuals may also regress lactose intolerance.
Although rare, lactose intolerance is a familial condition. The genetic defect found in some families associated with lactose intolerance can be passed down through generations, causing lactase deficiency in affected family members from childhood. In this condition, which is defined as congenital lactose intolerance, the baby also becomes sensitive to breast milk and formulas containing lactose. Early diagnosis and no intervention� In case of congenital lactose intolerance, causing rapid fluid and electrolyte loss in the baby; can reach life-threatening levels. However, it should not be forgotten that congenital lactose intolerance can be controlled with a simple change such as using lactose-free formula. Normally, the secretion of lactase enzyme in the baby in the mother's womb is a condition that occurs in the last stages of pregnancy. Therefore, lactase enzyme levels in babies born before 34 weeks of age may not yet be at a level to ensure full functioning of the digestive system.
How is the Diagnosis of Lactose Intolerance?
People with lactose intolerance complaints, health institutions Before applying, it may be advisable to make a list of which products the symptoms occur after consumption. This list also makes it easy to determine the diet created during treatment planning. In many cases, the diagnosis of lactose intolerance can only be made based on the patient's anamnesis, without any tests. In such cases, it is observed that the foods that cause the person's complaints are removed from the nutrition plan and whether there is a regression in the complaints. However, in general, there are 3 basic tests that can be applied to reveal the presence of lactose intolerance. In the hydrogen breath test, which is one of these tests, a few hours after feeding, the person is told to breathe into a balloon or a bag-like substance. The air accumulated in this bag-shaped apparatus is stored for use in the next stage of the test. After exhalation, the patient is given a liquid containing 50 grams of lactose. Measurements are repeated for up to 6 hours after consumption of the liquid. Hydrogen is not a substance found in the breath of healthy individuals. However, if a person with lactose intolerance consumes this substance, the lactose sugar remains undigested in the intestines and is fermented by the bacteria in this region. During fermentation, hydrogen gas is released into the environment. Therefore, people with lactose intolerance drink this sugar. There is the presence of hydrogen gas in the breath after the consumption of melted foods. When the samples taken before and after consumption are compared, revealing the presence of hydrogen gas is also a finding that allows the diagnosis of lactose intolerance. The stool acidity test is a lactose intolerance test that can be preferred in infants and young children. In this test, which does not involve any interventional procedure, the patient's stool (stool) sample can be examined to investigate the presence of various molecules, such as lactic acid, glucose and short-chain fatty acids, which are formed as a result of the inability to digest lactose in the body.
How Is Lactose Intolerance Test Performed?
Another test used in the diagnosis of lactose intolerance is the lactose intolerance test. The lactose intolerance test can be performed in both adults and children. At the beginning of this test, patients are asked not to consume any food for a few hours, and their blood samples are taken to determine their current sugar levels. After the blood sample is taken, a liquid containing 50 grams of lactose is given to the person. After the liquid is consumed, blood samples are taken from the patient for 2 hours to investigate the effect of lactose consumption on blood sugar level. If lactase enzyme is present in the body of the individual, lactose consumed at the beginning of the test can be broken down into glucose and galactose, resulting in an increase in blood sugar. However, since the detection of no increase in blood sugar in repeated measurements indicates that this sugar cannot be digested, the person can be diagnosed with lactose intolerance. In cases where it occurs due to the lactose problem, treating this condition can help control lactose sensitivity. However, it should be noted that this treatment process may cover a period of several months. In lactose intolerance caused by other reasons, the person should follow a lactose-free diet plan in order to relieve the complaints. removing foods containing If you consume milk and dairy products If there is a situation that requires inspiration, capsules containing the enzyme lactase, which relaxes the person before feeding, can also be applied, provided that the physician is informed and recommended.
What Should Those With Lactose Intolerance Eat?
People with lactose intolerance can consume many different foods such as fruits, vegetables, red meat, poultry, seafood, eggs and legumes, apart from milk and dairy products. It is a sugar that can also be found in sauces and other prepared foods. In some people, lactose intolerance may occur due to the deficiency of the enzyme lactase, which is involved in the digestion of this sugar. If you observe signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance in yourself or in your environment, it is recommended to apply to health institutions.
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