LACTOSE INTOLERANCEBy Tia Mackinnon

Definition An inability to digest lactose, the natural

sugar found in dairy products. Is a gastro intestinal that is upset due to

the inability to digest lactose.

Causes If the enzyme is absent then the

unabsorbed lactose ferments in the large intestine.

The lactase breaks down the sugar that can be more easily absorbed.

When its not fully broken down that is when you start to get the symptoms of lactose intolerance.

Primary lactoseintolerance

Cause The production of intestinal lactose

declines steadily from early child hood. Treatment Reduce or eliminate food with lactose . Try small amounts of dairy.

Secondary lactose intolerance

Causes Caused by illness, side affects of

medication. Environmental changes . Is usually temporary Treatment Adults can abstain from dairy

products Can be given soy formulas

Congenital lactose intolerance

Causes Is present at birth Caused by a faulty gene for lactase

production

Symptoms

Abdominal cramps Bloating Frothy diarrhea Vomiting Flatulence Rumbling sounds Loose stools It all depends on the

person

Transmission

It is not contagious The only way you can get it from a

another person is if your mom or dad has it and it got passed down through the family.

Diagnosis The doctor can sometimes tell by your

symptoms. Or tell you to keep off the dairy for a

bit. Have a specialized test. Compare your heath history with the

symptoms. A breath test

Treatments

Removing dietary lactose When you remove dairy products from

your body you lose the calcium that is needed

Outcome

The only way that you will have a good outcome is if you get rid of dairy products and or have a special pill called an enzyme

People at risk It can be passed down by family Having certain illnesses or conditions

that can damage the intestinal tract. Such asGastroenteritis (or infection in the intestine tract)Celiac diseaseCystic fibrosisCohn's diseaseChemotherapy

At home remedies Try slowly increasing the amount of lactose

you eat Soy protein formulas are effective milk

substitutes-Dark green leafy vegetables -Beans-Canned fish -Apricots-Tofu -Sesame seeds Are all good to get calcium if you give up

dairy