Being allergic to milk differs completely from being intolerant to milk, specifically the lactose found in it.
While a milk allergy causes swelling, watery eyes, digestive disorders and wheezing, being lactose intolerant doesn’t involve the immune system and causes a completely different set of symptoms. It also requires a completely different approach to treatment.
When one is lactose intolerant, it means their bodies cannot easily digest lactose, a type of natural sugar found in milk and dairy products. If lactose moves through the colon without being properly digested, it can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as gas, belly aches, and bloating.
The severity of these symptoms depends on the amount of lactose consumed. Some people can consume a small glass of milk without any resulting symptoms, while others cannot tolerate even a drop or two in their coffee or tea.
This happens when one’s body is unable to produce lactase, the enzyme that helps digest the lactose present in milk. In some cases, the intestines stop producing lactase after a severe bout of diarrhoea. This is also known to happen after one has undergone intestinal surgery or if one suffers from chronic diseases like cystic fibrosis.
Some premature babies are unable to produce lactase but the condition typically diminishes as the baby grows.
The severity of the symptoms for lactose intolerance varies according to one’s lactase-producing ability. Symptoms like bloating, pain or cramps, gurgling or rumbling sounds in the tummy, gas, loose stools or diarrhoea as well as vomiting usually manifests within 30 minutes to two hours after consuming dairy products.
If you have these symptoms every time you consume milk products, you probably have some degree of lactose intolerance. It is best to consult a doctor to confirm the condition. One also has to be prepared to lay off any kind of dairy products including chocolate, cake and ice cream, or change to substitute products, to see if symptoms persist or lessen.
If you are lactose intolerant, it is important to obtain calcium from alternative sources.
Calcium, which is crucial for bone growth and healthy teeth, can also be obtained from non-dairy alternatives like calcium-fortified cereals, juices, soy bean, tofu and almonds.
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