Hey, @Steemians today I m here with a new Blog in which I will share some basic knowledge about Lactose Intolerance (A disease associated with the indigestion of Dairy Products).

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What is Lactose Intolerance?

Lactose intolerance is a digestive system disorder that is associated with the indigestion of Lactose. Lactose is a principal Carbohydrates present in milk and milk products. Chemically, Lactose is a disaccharide that consists of two monosaccharides (Glucose and Galactose).

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The digestion of all food items involves a mechanism in which complex food constituent breakdown into the simpler compound with the help of any suitable enzyme. So, we can say that the process of food digestion depends upon the availability and activity of enzymes.
When we consume any dairy product having Lactose. The Lactase enzyme is required to break down that Lactose into its simpler units (Glucose and Galactose). Then this glucose enters into our bloodstream and provides us with the energy required for proper growth.
Unfortunately, some people do not have a sufficient amount of Lactase enzyme in their digestive tract. That’s why they can’t digest Lactose and face severe digestive problems. According to some researchers, about 70-75% world’s population is facing this disorder.

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Major Causes of Lactose Intolerance

There are 2 major causes of Lactose intolerance;

1. This is a very common cause of lactose intolerance. This is due to the lack of Lactase production. This cause is mainly associated with the age of the patient and genetic sequence.
2. The second cause is associated with some diseases like stomach bugs, stomach problems etc.
   As compared to the first cause this one is very rare.

Some Common Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance

People with Lactose Intolerance face some serious stomach problems like;

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1. Bloated Stomach
2. Farting
3. Feeling Sick
4. Diarrhoea
5. Severe Stomach Pain
6. Nausea
7. Vomiting
8. Constipation

How to Diagnose Lactose Intolerance?

Along with the above health problems, we can identify this disorder by using a Laboratory test. This test is based on the production of glucose into the blood associated with the breakdown of Lactose into Glucose and Galactose. During this, you have to take a drink having a high amount of Lactose. After 1-2 hours of drinking the liquid, the lab technician takes your blood sample and measure the amount of glucose from the blood.

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If the glucose level does not rise it's mean your body is not breaking down the lactose into glucose and galactose properly. And you are a patient of Lactose Intolerance

Foods Rich in Lactose

Here are some foods having an appreciable amount of Lactose;

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1. Milk
2. Cheese
3. Cream
4. Milk Chocolate
5. Ice cream
6. Milk Coffee
7. Some Bakery Items

How to Overcome This Problem?

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People having this disorder may avoid the problems faced by lactose intolerance by following some tips;
1. Reduce the intake of milk and milk products.
2. Add a small serving of milk and milk products to your daily routine.
3. Try to use Lactose-Reduced products.
4. Add lactase powder or liquid into milk prior to drinking.