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Am I Lactose Intolerant?: |
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The
Important Stuff
Advertising agencies have really done well with
their 'got milk' campaigns. Whether it's the white mustaches, or
the panic of being out of milk when stuffing Oreos, or cupcakes
into mouths, for someone who is lactose intolerant, these commercials
only serve as a reminder of what you are missing. 80% of the world's
population has some level of Lactose Intolerance. Feel better? Didn't
think so. Well, hold on to your cookies...things are going to change
for you!
Am I Lactose Intolerant?
First determine you are Lactose Intolerant. The
formal, technical explanation is: "To be Lactose Intolerant is to
lack the enzyme necessary to properly digest the lactose, or milk
sugar, in a simple glass of milk. This enzyme is called the lactase
enzyme and it exists in the cells on the surface of the small intestine.
Sufficient amounts of this enzyme change the lactose into two sugars:
galactose and glucose, fueling the body with energy." But, if you
are Lactose Intolerant, you lack enough of this enzyme to break
down the milk sugar, so it remains in your small intestine, eventually
being carried to your colon where it ferments with bacteria. This
is where the pain, diarrhea, cramping, bloating, etc. comes in.
The degree of severity of these symptoms depends on the level of
lactase enzyme you possess. Everyone's level is different. But one
thing is the same...Lactose Intolerance changes your life. If you
believe you are lactose Intolerant, check it out. There are tests
your physician can perform and you can help by watching what you
are eating and your symptoms.
Life Changes
Yes, life changes. But who says you have
to starve or sit on the sidelines? Surviving Lactose intolerance
means reading labels- search for the keywords: Lactose, Whey, Milk,
Butter, Cream, Curds, Milk Solids, Dry Milk, Simplesse. Remember,
dairy-free does not always mean lactose-free! Lactic Acid is Lactose-Free
because it is the end result of what the bacteria does to Lactose
in cultured milks. Check pharmacy drugs for Lactose, it's a great
filler used in medicines. Lactose is even used as a filler in MSG,
so no MSG.
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