A chocolate milk shake, a hot fudge sundae, even a grilled cheese sandwich will all cause distress in people who suffer from lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance is a condition that many people have lived with and not even realized they suffer from it. It occurs when the body does not produce enough lactase, the enzyme that is responsible for breaking down lactose.
There are many reasons a body does not manufacture enough lactase. Diseases or injuries to the small intestine, where it is created will cause a shortage in the enzyme. Some people are born without the ability to produce it, but in most cases, the body just produces less lactase as it ages.
Symptoms of lactose intolerance are varying. In most cases, a person will suffer from nausea, cramps, bloating, excessive gas and wind diarrhea. These will occur anywhere from one half to two hours after eating foods with lactose Gas is created because the lactose inside the body is not broken down and begins fermenting.
Currently, there is no cure or treatment to improve the body’s ability to produce lactase. Younger kids need to avoid foods with lactose if they are diagnosed as lactose intolerant. Older kids (and adults for that matter) can learn to eat foods in moderation. Excess consumption of lactose in people who are intolerant may eventually lead to weight loss and malnutrition.
Purchasing lactose-free foods is a good way to avoid the symptoms. There are plenty of products in supermarkets that replace lactose with soybean. Kids who suffer from lactose intolerance usually can lead normal, healthy lives. They merely have to reduce or eliminate foods that have lactose, like milk, cheese and ice cream.
Dr. Al-Tawil’s office is located in the Children’s Hospital Medical Office Building at 2100 Clinch Ave. Suite 510 in Knoxville. You can contact him at 546-3998.

… read the rest of the story by Subscribing now.

... read the rest of the story by Subscribing now.