How do I know if I am lactose intolerant?
Lactose intolerance is a very common condition that occurs when the body cannot fully digest lactose, a natural sugar found in dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt and cream. This occurs due to a deficiency or absence of lactase, an enzyme in the small intestine that breaks down lactose into simple sugars, such as glucose and galactose, which are easily absorbed by the body.
But how to recognize if your symptoms are related to lactose intolerance? Identifying this condition can be complex because its symptoms often overlap with those of other gastrointestinal issues. In this guide you will discover the most common signs to watch for and what diagnostic tests to perform to confirm intolerance, allowing you to adapt your lifestyle and diet to your specific needs.
What are the symptoms of lactose intolerance?
Symptoms of lactose intolerance can manifest in a very personal way, usually appearing between 30 minutes and 2 hours after consuming milk or milk products. The intensity of complaints can vary from mild discomfort to more significant discomfort, depending on the amount of lactose ingested and individual sensitivity. Some of the most common complaints include
- Abdominal bloating
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Flatulence
- Nausea(sometimes accompanied by vomiting)
These symptoms may be similar to those of other gastrointestinal conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, making accurate self-diagnosis difficult. For proper diagnosis and treatment, it is essential to consult your physician. Only a specialist can rule out other conditions and confirm lactose intolerance through specific tests.
How to confirm lactose intolerance?
Do you suspect you have lactose intolerance? Don't worry, there are solutions! The first step is to talk to your medical professional. Through a thorough examination and specific diagnostic tests, you will be able to confirm or rule out this condition. Here are the most commonly used tests:
- Hydrogen breath test: The breath test is considered the gold standard for diagnosing lactose intolerance. This noninvasive and reliable test measures the hydrogen produced by intestinal bacteria after lactose ingestion. If lactose is not digested properly, the amount of exhaled hydrogen increases significantly. With this test, an accurate diagnosis can be obtained and other possible causes of gastrointestinal disorders can be ruled out.
- Lactose tolerance test: The blood glucose test is a key test for diagnosing lactose intolerance. By measuring blood glucose absorption after lactose ingestion, this test provides an accurate indication of lactase enzyme function. A negative result, a negligible increase in blood glucose, confirms the presence of lactase deficiency and explains the digestive disturbances that often accompany this condition.
- Genetic testing: Genetic testing for lactose intolerance analyzes DNA for specific genetic mutations related to lactase enzyme production. This test is critical in determining whether the intolerance is congenital in nature, that is, present from birth due to a genetic predisposition, or whether it was acquired as a result of intestinal disease or other conditions.
- Elimination diet: Your doctor may suggest a dairy elimination diet. This means completely eliminating milk and dairy products for a set period of time, usually several weeks. Thereafter, you may be asked to gradually reintroduce these foods into your diet, keeping a food diary to monitor any reactions. This process allows you to more accurately identify whether your symptoms are indeed related to lactose intolerance.
In brief
Figuring out if you are lactose intolerant requires an informed observation of your symptoms, especially after dairy consumption, and a thorough medical diagnosis to avoid confusion with other gastrointestinal issues. Seeing a physician or nutritionist can help you accurately identify the condition through specific tests.
Once intolerance is confirmed, managing it becomes easier with targeted dietary changes, such as introducing plant-based alternatives or lactose-free products, and taking practical steps to maintain a balanced diet.
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