Lactose Intolerance Treatment Specialist Q&A

Lactose intolerance is a digestive problem that’s caused by the inability to digest lactose, and lactose is the main carbohydrate in dairy products. People with lactose intolerance don’t produce enough of an enzyme called lactase, and lactase is needed to digest lactose. When a person doesn’t have enough lactase, lactose isn’t digested properly or at all, and this leads to certain problems and symptoms.

The most common symptoms of lactose intolerance are bloating, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and gas. There are some less common symptoms too, including urgency to go to the toilet, vomiting, nausea, pain in the lower stomach, and constipation. The severity of the symptoms can vary, depending on how much lactose a person consumed and how much lactose the person can tolerate. If lactose intolerance isn’t managed properly, it can lead to severe digestive problems.

A person with lactose intolerance could stop consuming dairy products like milk and cheeses, and this will likely stop the symptoms. However, dairy products are high in nutrients, so abandoning dairy may not be the best option. There are other options to consider!

One option is enzyme supplements which can help digest lactose. The supplements come in tablets you can swallow or drops you can add to foods and drinks, so they’re very convenient to take. These supplements could be very effective for you and let you eat dairy normally.

Another option is lactose exposure which may help your body adapt to lactose. As a result, you may eventually be able to eat dairy products normally.

There are also probiotics and prebiotics that may help you. Probiotics are microorganisms that may provide health benefits when consumed, and prebiotics are types of fiber that are food for probiotics. Prebiotics feed the beneficial bacteria you already have in your gut, and this helps them thrive. Probiotics and prebiotics have been shown to reduce symptoms of lactose intolerance, so they may help you with your symptoms.

There definitely are ways to address lactose intolerance without abandoning dairy, so you should speak with a professional about your lactose intolerance or any symptoms you’re having.

If you think you may have lactose intolerance, you can see a gastroenterologist! This kind of medical professional helps with health conditions that occur in the gastrointestinal system, including lactose intolerance. You can see a gastroenterologist right here at Digestive Disease Care.

Contact our clinic today to learn more about lactose intolerance or to set up a consultation with one of our gastroenterologists at our clinic. During a consultation, we can determine whether you have lactose intolerance, and if you do, we can tell you more about your options for treatment. We’re very confident we can help you here at Digestive Disease Care, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us today. We look forward to hearing from you! We have convenient locations to serve you in Jamaica NY, Melville NY, New Hyde Park NY, Forest Hills NY, Jericho NY, Mineola NY, Lake Success NY, Babylon NY, East Setauket NY, Massapequa NY and BEYOND.