3 Factors Leading To Lactose Intolerance

3 Factors Leading To Lactose Intolerance

18 Jan 2023 | 2 min Read

Dr Kinisha Patel

Author | 1 Articles

Lactose is a sugar found in milk, dairy products, cheese, yogurts, frozen foods, bread, etc. The inability of the body to break down lactose into simple sugar (glucose and galactose) with the help of lactase enzyme leads to lactose intolerance.  Some of the common symptoms seen when one is lactose intolerant include; loose stools, abdominal pain, gas, nausea, abdominal cramps, etc.

3 common reasons that one develops lactose intolerance include;

Declining Lactase activity

Lactase activity ten to decline in a few after infancy. Almost two-thirds of the individuals tend to suffer from such kind of lactose intolerance where the body’s ability to break down and absorb lactose reduces due to reduced lactase activity.

Lactase deficiency (Primary)

This is a rare disorder where the baby is born with a complete absence of lactase enzyme in the body. In such conditions, that baby may show symptoms like severe diarrhea, or nausea when fed with breastmilk.

Temporary lactose intolerance

This happens due to a disturbed or irritated digestive tract caused after a viral infection. Its commonly seen after an infection caused by rotavirus or giardiasis.

Temporary lactose intolerance could also result after a digestive disorder like celiac disease or an inflammatory bowel disorder (Crohn’s disease).

People who consume dairy products or lactose-containing products after such infections may experience diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea even after a recovery from the viral infection or disorder.

Lactose intolerance could be managed with appropriate doctor advice, treatment, and dietary changes.

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