Lactose Intolerance

lactose intolerance is when your body can't break down or digest lactose. Lactose is a sugar found in milk and milk products, symptoms are not dangerous but they are annoying and affect the quality of life.

Being intolerant to lactose is totally different from allergy and the body’s reaction towards them is different so for example, allergic reactions can come in the form of rashes, tightness of breath, skin redness, and itchiness. While, intolerance can come in the form of gastric disturbance, bloating, gases, and abdominal cramps

In very rare cases, babies are born without the ability to make the enzyme lactase at all!
Symptoms of lactose intolerance may appear in the form of abdominal cramps, bloating, gases, diarrhea, and nausea.

Foods to avoid if you have lactose intolerance should be milk, butter, cream, baked goods, salad dressings, mayonnaise, instant soups

Try to shift to plant-based milk options such as coconut milk, oat milk, and almond milk for better and lighter digestion.

Take a lactase enzyme from outside to help you digest lactose-based foods or drinks.

Dr Menna El Saeed

Clinical Nutritionist & Dietitian AUC/AACME