Understanding lactose intolerance: Symptoms and treatment options

Lactose intolerance affects millions of people worldwide and can have a significant impact on quality of life. This intolerance to lactose often leads to unpleasant physical symptoms that can limit many sufferers in their everyday lives. Understanding the causes and symptoms is crucial to finding the right treatment.

Primary and secondary lactose intolerance are the two main forms, which are explained in more detail below. While primary lactose intolerance is genetic, secondary lactose intolerance can be caused by other diseases or injuries to the intestinal tract. intestines can occur. Together with the most common symptoms, the overview of diagnostic procedures helps to provide clarity.

This article presents the various treatment options and tips for lifestyle changes. Our aim is to provide you with sound information to help you cope better with lactose intolerance and thus improve your quality of life.

Causes of lactose intolerance

Lactose intolerance occurs due to a deficiency of the enzyme lactase. This enzyme is crucial for the digestion of milk sugar or lactose. A lactase deficiency can either be congenital or acquired in the course of life. Possible causes include genetic factors and certain diseases of the digestive system.

Primary lactose intolerance

Primary lactose intolerance is the most common form of the disorder. This is a genetically determined sugar utilization disorder. It occurs because the enzyme lactase is not sufficiently active. Lactose passes undigested into the large intestineundigested, which can lead to symptoms. The symptoms include Flatulence, abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhea. Certain genetic polymorphisms in the lactase gene play a role here. Nevertheless, many people can tolerate small amounts of lactose.

Secondary lactose intolerance

Secondary lactose intolerance is caused by damage to the intestinal mucosa. This form is not genetic. It can be caused by chronic intestinal diseases such as celiac disease, colitis ulcerosa, Crohn's disease and gastrointestinal-infections. If the underlying disease is treated, lactose intolerance can often disappear. Symptoms are Abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhea after consuming products containing lactose. Factors such as malnutrition or parasites can also contribute to the development of this intolerance.

Symptoms of lactose intolerance

Common symptoms

Lactose intolerance usually manifests itself quickly after consuming foods containing lactose. The most common symptoms include

• Flatulence and bloatingThese symptoms occur because undigested lactose in the stomach large intestine ferments.
• Flatulence: Strong Flatulence is a typical consequence of gas production during the breakdown of lactose.
• Abdominal pain and crampsThese occur when pressure builds up in the digestive tract.
• DiarrheaThis occurs because the fermented lactose causes degradation products that attract water.
• Nausea and vomitingThese symptoms are less common, but can occur occasionally.

In some cases, the processes in the intestine paradoxically lead to constipation. This happens when more methane than other gases is produced during lactose decomposition.

Influence of individual factors

The symptoms of lactose intolerance are highly individual. This is influenced by the following factors:

• Degree of lactase deficiencySome people have an almost complete deficiency of the enzyme lactase and therefore react more sensitively.
• Lactose content of foodLarger amounts of lactose can cause more severe symptoms.
• Residence time in the large intestine: The longer the lactose remains in the intestine the greater the risk of discomfort.
• Intestinal activity: Faster bowel activity can help to alleviate the symptoms.
• Intestinal flora compositionDifferent types of bacteria react differently to the breakdown of lactose.

Common symptoms

Common symptoms of lactose intolerance

Lactose intolerance manifests itself through various symptoms that can occur after consuming products containing lactose. The typical symptoms include

• Flatulence: This is caused by the fermentation of indigestible lactose in the stomach. large intestine.
• Abdominal pain and crampsCommon complaints that indicate poor digestion of lactose.
• Feeling of fullness and stomach pressureMany sufferers experience an unpleasant feeling in the stomach. stomach.
• Nausea and vomitingIn rare cases, nausea may be accompanied by vomiting.
• DiarrheaThis is caused by dehydrating waste products.
• Dizziness and headachesThese accompanying symptoms can also occur.

A better understanding of these symptoms can help you to take the right measures to alleviate them. If you frequently suffer from these symptoms, an individual consultation with a specialist may be useful. An accurate diagnosis and knowledge of your own lactase enzyme deficiency are crucial to the effective management of your lactose intolerance.

Diagnosis of lactose intolerance

The diagnosis of lactose intolerance is complex and requires more than just recognizing typical symptoms. These symptoms are often similar to other food intolerances. A closer look is therefore crucial.

Medical history and physical examination

A detailed medical history interview is the first step in the diagnosis. The doctor gathers detailed information about the patient's complaints. A nutritional- and symptom diary can be very helpful here. This makes it possible to track which symptoms follow which foods and at what times. Even with a proven lactase deficiency, some people can be symptom-free, which makes the diagnosis tricky. The hydrogen breath test is often used to determine whether lactose is present in the small intestine is properly broken down in the small intestine.

Special tests for diagnosis

Various tests are available to confirm lactose intolerance:

1. Hydrogen breath testThis measures the hydrogen gas in the exhaled air after ingesting lactose. An increase is considered an indication of intolerance.
2. Blood sugar test: This measures the increase in the glucose level in the blood after lactose intake. A lack of increase indicates insufficient lactase activity.
3. Genetic test for the LCT genotypeA simple blood test is used to determine genetic predisposition to lactose intolerance.
4. Diet or omission test: Before lactose intake, the patient abstains from lactose in order to observe the symptoms.

Monitoring symptoms after consuming dairy products is crucial, especially if symptoms occur with a lactose-free diet. diet and return after renewed consumption.

However, one in five lactose intolerant people do not show a positive result in a breath test. This may be due to particular bacterial activity in the intestine in the intestine. There are clear differences in the way patients react, which is why individual advice is essential.

Treatment options

Lactose intolerance cannot be cured, but with the right diet sufferers can live symptom-free. Treatment consists primarily of a low-lactose or lactose-free diet. Unfermented dairy products in particular contain a lot of lactose and should be avoided. One option for alleviating symptoms is lactase preparations. These help the intestineto break down lactose. However, there are no conclusive studies confirming the effectiveness of these preparations. The dose of lactase required depends on the lactose content of the food consumed.

Low lactose diet

A low lactose diet requires knowledge about the lactose content of foods. Well-tolerated options are matured cheeses such as Parmesan or Gouda, as they contain hardly any lactose. Lactose-free products, often with less than 0.1 g lactose per 100 ml, are produced by adding lactase. They are useful for a low-lactose diet. Sour milk products with lots of lactic acid bacteria support the microbiome and are useful if they have a high lactose cleavage activity. Lactose-free dairy products such as milk and cream can also help. It is important to identify foods that are tolerated and avoid those with a high lactose content.

Avoidance and use of lactose-free products

Lactose-free products are ideal for people with lactose intolerance. They contain less than 0.1 grams of lactose per 100 grams and are usually well tolerated. When choosing these products, it is important to ensure that they contain lactase to reduce the amount of lactose. In addition, special sour milk products with high lactose cleavage activity can be beneficial for the microbiome and intestinal health. Lactose-free dairy products also offer the advantage of preventing calcium deficiency. Before consuming such products, you should read the package leaflet and consult a doctor or pharmacist if necessary.

List of benefits of lactose-free products:

• Low lactose content
• Support of the microbiome
• Prevention of calcium deficiency
• Improved tolerance for lactose intolerant people

Careful shopping and consumption are crucial for well-being with lactose intolerance.

Quality of life and lactose intolerance

Lactose intolerance can have a major impact on daily life. Common symptoms are Abdominal pain, bloating and diarrhea. These symptoms can significantly reduce the quality of life of those affected. An adapted dietthat is tailored to individual tolerances aims to reduce symptoms. But that's not all: a balanced diet also ensures an adequate supply of calcium and vitamin D. If these nutrients are lacking, the risk of osteoporosis increases. It is therefore important to include small amounts of dairy products or alternative sources of calcium in your diet.

Tips for lifestyle changes

A low-lactose diet is often the key to a symptom-free life. Especially in severe cases, such as a congenital deficiency of the enzyme lactase, a lactose-free diet may be necessary. Calcium can also be obtained by eating green leafy vegetables, coconut flakes or sesame seeds. It is also important to treat potential underlying conditions that lead to secondary lactose intolerance. Adjusting the diet is individualized and necessary to effectively control symptoms.

Support from specialists

Specialists play a central role in the treatment of lactose intolerance. They help to understand the advantages and disadvantages of the treatment options. By talking to medical experts, it is possible to clarify which measures make the most sense in each individual case. Individual advice is essential and is supported by Gesundheitsinformation.de, which is based on high-quality studies. This platform offers information that has been checked by experts to ensure quality and topicality.

Overall, it is important to strike the right balance between a low-complaint diet and an adequate intake of nutrients. Specialists can provide indispensable support here.

Conclusion: Dealing with lactose intolerance

Lactose intolerance is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme lactase, which is necessary to digest ingested lactose. This deficiency often leads to symptoms such as Flatulence, abdominal pain and diarrhea.

There are two main forms of lactose intolerance:

• Primary intolerance: This is genetically determined. People with this form should only consume lactose-containing products in small quantities and should limit their lactose intake. diet adjust their diet.
• Secondary intolerance: This develops due to other diseases, such as Crohn's disease. In these cases, the symptoms may improve if the underlying disease is treated.

Lactase preparations can be used for support. However, despite their popularity, there is insufficient evidence that they significantly alleviate symptoms. An individual consultation can help to find the most effective strategies to ensure cost-effectiveness in healthcare.

Here are some tips for dealing with lactose intolerance:

• Consume milk in small amounts (for example, half a glass of milk).
• Choose foods with a low lactose content.
• Try lactose-free products.

Lactose intolerance can be managed effectively with these measures.