Lactose intolerance is a common digestive problem where the body is unable to digest lactose, a type of sugar found mainly in milk and dairy products.

Symptoms of lactose intolerance usually develop within a few hours of consuming food or drink that contains lactose. They include, passing gas, diarrhea, bloated stomach, stomach cramps and pains, stomach rumbling, and nausea. The severity of your symptoms and when they appear will depend on the amount of lactose you have consumed.

Symptoms of lactose intolerance can be similar to other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), so it is important to speak to your doctor for a diagnosis before removing any milk products from your diet.

The body digests lactose using a substance called lactase. This breaks lactose down into two sugars, glucose and galactose, which can then be absorbed into the blood stream. People with lactose intolerance do not produce enough lactase, so lactose stays in the digestive system, where it is fermented by bacteria. This leads to the production of various gases, which cause the symptoms associated with lactose intolerance.

There is no cure for lactose intolerance but cutting food and beverages from your diet that contain lactose usually helps to control the symptoms. There are many products available today, speak to a nutritionist to ensure you are eating a balanced diet.