Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and lactose intolerance can seem similar. The symptoms they cause are nearly identical. But there are distinct differences in why they happen and how you handle them. If you have lactose intolerance, it's because your body doesn't digest one specific type of food: the sugar in milk.
Symptoms of lactose intolerance are similar to those in some other digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Some people have both lactose intolerance and another disorder like IBS.
Diseases associated with secondary lactose intolerance include intestinal infection, celiac disease, bacterial overgrowth and Crohn's disease. Treatment of the underlying disorder might restore lactase levels and improve signs and symptoms, though it can take time.
Most cow's milk contains two types of casein proteins: A1 and A2. Recently, small studies have suggested that some people who think they're lactose intolerant actually aren't. They're simply unable to digest the A1 protein, and as a result, they experience symptoms that mimic lactose intolerance.
Our bodies use an enzyme called lactase to break down that sugar so we can absorb it into our bodies. But people with lactose intolerance don't have enough lactase. It's produced in the small intestine. Even with low levels of lactase, some people can digest milk products just fine.
It is entirely possible to be allergic to cow's milk but not other types of dairy. Children are most likely to develop a dairy allergy, and between 2 and 3 percent of children under the age of three are allergic to milk.
One of the most frequent questions we hear about lactose intolerance is, can I still drink dairy? Yes! There are ways for people with lactose intolerance to enjoy their favorite dairy foods, while benefiting from the wholesome nutrients found in milk, cheese, and yogurt.
Even fresh cheeses contain only a fraction of the lactose that's present in milk. But cow's milk does have large, difficult-to-digest fat globules that remain in the cheese, which some have suggested are the real source of stomach discomfort.
Drink 250 ml milk in a short time. Then wait about 30-60 minutes and watch for symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, or diarrhea. If you observe these symptoms, you are likely to be lactose intolerant.
If you have experienced gas, cramping, or diarrhea after eating ice cream or other dairy-rich foods, you may be lactose intolerant. Those who are lactose intolerant can't fully digest the sugar in milk. This sugar is called lactose.
Did you know…? Eggs are still a part of a dairy-free diet. Even though they are found in the dairy section of the grocery store, eggs do not contain milk sugar and milk proteins. Eggs are safe to eat in a milk-free diet.
You can develop secondary lactose intolerance suddenly as a result of damage to your small intestine. Injury, surgery, infections or chronic diseases may damage the cells that produce lactase. This can cause sudden lactose malabsorption and intolerance, even if you could previously digest lactose.
Many people with lactose intolerance can consume yogurt, but not milk. However, if you are experiencing a reaction to yogurt, but not milk, it could be caused by other conditions, so it's important to have a conversation with your healthcare provider. Can you be lactose intolerant to just yogurt? It's unlikely.
The most common cause of lactose intolerance is when the body does not make enough of an enzyme called lactase, which helps you digest lactose. Lactose intolerance can start at any age and can also be caused by: conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and Coeliac disease. bowel infections.
You may notice that you are able to tolerate cheese but not ice cream, or yogurt but not milk, for example. 13 It is perfectly fine to consume the foods and drinks that don't cause you any problems, while avoiding the products that do.
In people with lactose intolerance caused by an underlying condition, treating the condition might restore the body's ability to digest lactose, although that process can take months. For other causes, you might avoid the discomfort of lactose intolerance by following a low-lactose diet.
Summary. You can ease your IBS symptoms by eating a balanced diet that is low in FODMAPs and saturated fat. These include lean meats, eggs, fatty fish, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and fruits that are lower in sugar. Fermented foods may also be good for the gut flora in you have IBS.
Increase the amount of fibre in your diet, for example: cereals, e.g. All Bran®, Bran Flakes®, Weetabix®, muesli, fruit and vegetables and brown bread. You must however drink plenty of water: 1-1½ litres a day. Eat your meals slowly and chew food thoroughly.