Lactose Intolerance Definition

Lactose intolerance is defined as the inability to break down lactose - a sugar found in cow's milk and dairy products. To break down lactose - we need an enzyme lactase.

Of course this is because cow's milk is intended for the cow's young, the calf. A minority of people have evolved the ability to digest lactose and they are known as Lactase persistent.

Prevalence of Lactose Intolerance

Lactose Intolerance: NIDDK (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, US) gives 75% of the world’s population as Lactose Intolerant to some extent. That is, three quarters (3 in 4) of all people have difficulty digesting lactose. In certain ethnic groups prevalence is even higher:

• Lactose intolerance affects more than 90% of American Negroes
• Lactose intolerance affects ~ 80 - 90% of Asians

This second statistic is something our Chinese citizens do not generally appreciate. Many people of Chinese descent are eating dairy without realising it could be causing their symptoms and illnesses.

Lactose intolerance is increasing due to highly effective marketing of milk products - and mass production of processed foods containing low-cost milk derivatives. Lactose intolerance is responsible for common symptoms like bloating, flatulence, diarrhea and Irritable Bowel Syndrome in millions of people. This strongly suggests that milk and milk products are not suitable foods for the majority of people.

Heavily subsidised dairy farming now produces millions of tons of milk and milk derivatives - delivering low cost ingredients for manufacturers - like lactose and milk protein for sweetening and bulking up processed foods cheaply - like cookies and confectionery.

Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance

The symptoms of Lactose intolerance include:

• Gastrointestinal symptoms like:
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal bloating (stomach bloating)
  • Flatulence
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome - alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation

• Malabsorption symptoms - nutrient deficiency:Mood swings, depression
  • Low iron levels
  • Anaemia
  • Low calcium and other mineral levels
  • Bone density loss
  • Osteoporosis

Comments: The symptoms of Lactose intolerance can be confused with those of Fructose intolerance and Gluten intolerance, because they all overlap. So just because you have some of these symptoms - it doesn't automatically mean you have Lactose Intolerance.

All food intolerance symptoms - if left untreated - become worse with age. 

Lactose Intolerance Testing Methods

Lactose Intolerance: Some people get clinical tests including the Hydrogen breath test and stool acidity tests. Unfortunately most clinical testing for food intolerance is not reliable. And breath tests are amongst the least reliable methods.

However the Journal Method is always accurate easily identifies and food intolerance. You track changes in your symptoms as you switch a few foods. But it's not wise change your diet without having proof of your intolerance.

Comments For Lactose Intolerance: Generally if gastro-intestinal symptoms are chronic (ie. you have had symptoms for a long time) then Lactose is a suspect, along with Fructose and Gluten.

Causes of Lactose Intolerance

Quite simply - you got it from your parents, grandparents and other ancestors - it’s in your genes! If your ancestry is Northern European (eg. Dutch or Scandinavian) the chance of Lactose Intolerance is only 25%. If not - then generally you have a 75% chance of being Lactose Intolerant*.

Importantly - because Lactose Intolerance is genetic - and if you have children - then you have already passed on those genes to your sons and daughters. So if you do have Lactose Intolerance - then make sure you alert your children too. Knowledge is power!

As you may already know - untreated Lactose Intolerance leads to chronic disease: anaemia, osteoporosis and others. But when you observe your intolerance with the right diet you prevent those diseases appearing.

Treatment for Lactose Intolerance

The simple strategy for Lactose Intolerance is to remove Lactose from your diet. You could easily switch to a Dairy-free diet (which is also Lactose-Free).

Some  people choose to use lactose enzyme products - in which the lactose is already broken down by lactase. However, it stands to reason that if you react badly to one part of the milk - you will very likely have difficulty digesting other parts of cow's milk - like the protein casein. A fully Dairy-free diet is a much safer option.

Something to remember before switching your diet: the symptoms of Lactose intolerance are very similar to those of Fructose intolerance - so the two often get mixed up. The best way to tackle issues is with a low toxin diet.

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Here at foodintol^® we don't regard Lactose Intolerance as a 'disease' - so it does not need to be 'cured'. It is genetic - it can't be cured because we cannot change our genes. It's like having curly hair, blue eyes or freckles.

Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose - the sugar in cow's milk. It also applies to other mammalian milks like goat milk, sheep's milk, buffalo milk etc. Our brilliant human bodies were never equipped to process milk. After all, cow's milk is intended for the cow's offspring, the calf - which does have the processing equipment - but even that changes upon weaning.