5 min Read

Bloating, gas, and diarrhea are common side effects for those who have lactose intolerance after consuming dairy products. As a result, many switch to lactose-free milk as a replacement in an effort to avoid these problems. The intricacies of lactose-free milk, like what it is, how it is produced, how it varies from regular milk, and if it may either cause or prevent diarrhea, are not well known, though.

What does lactose intolerance mean?

Lactose intolerance is a digestive condition where an individual cannot produce enough lactase enzymes in the small intestine to digest lactose sugar found in milk and dairy products. This condition usually leads to diarrhea and stomach pain. Lactose intolerance can appear at any age, even well into adulthood. Several types of lactose intolerance exist, and they may be caused by different factors. 1

Lactose intolerance symptoms in adults and infants

The symptoms can be minor to severe, depending on the degree of lactose intolerance, the amount of dairy ingested, and other factors. 2

Lactose intolerance symptoms in adults

Bloating

Stomach pains and cramps

Flatulence

Symptoms of lactose intolerance in babies

Symptoms of lactose intolerance in babies can include diarrhea, bloating, gas, and stomach cramping, but babies cannot express their concerns since they cannot speak. So we know that they are experiencing gastrointestinal problems. You can notice these signs: 4

crying while passing gas

kicking or lifting their legs

arching their backs

clenching their fists

When do symptoms of lactose intolerance appear

For Adults, the signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance often arise 30 to 60 minutes after ingesting or drinking meals or beverages that contain lactose, despite the fact that some people may be able to tolerate it.

For babies, it may appear within 30 to 120 minutes (2 hours) after consuming dairy products. 3 And it’s important to know that within 48 hours all lactose intolerance symptoms should go away, if not sooner. 7

Lactose intolerance treatment

Despite the fact that there is no known cure for lactose intolerance, the majority of people may control their symptoms by changing their diets and using other methods. Here is the answer of how to avoid having diarrhea due to lactose intolerance.

Probiotics supplements

For those who are lactose intolerant, taking liquid drops, tablets, or capsules with lactase substitutes may be beneficial. You can consume lactase substitutes or mix them into the milk before eating a meal that contains lactose. [8] But you should be aware that not everyone may experience success with these products. [9]

Dieting

Typically, lactose-containing foods and beverages should be reduced or avoided in favor of lactose-free options in order to control the symptoms of lactose intolerance. While some individuals may consume meals with only a trace amount of lactose without exhibiting any symptoms, others are intolerant to any level of lactose. Therefore, the particular dietary changes you need to make will depend on your level of lactose sensitivity. 8

Probiotics

In your intestines, probiotics are living organisms that promote a healthy digestive system. Some yogurts contain it as active or “live” cultures, and it is also available as a supplement in tablet form. They are sporadically employed to treat gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea. They might also help your body digest lactose. Probiotics for adults are typically viewed as safe and can be worthwhile to try if other therapies don’t work. 8

Enterogermina® is a probiotic supplement that is excellent for those with lactose intolerance, reduces digestive problems, and raises comfort levels. It is lactose-free, sugar-free, and gluten-free. 10

The lactose-free milk

Regular cow’s milk plus the lactase enzyme, which is the enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose in the body so that it can be digested, is what is referred to as lactose-free milk in the context of commercial milk products. Thus, the final lactose-free milk has a flavor, texture, and vitamin content that are almost identical to those of regular milk. 5

The following characteristics distinguish lactose-free milk from ordinary milk: 5

  • Similar nutrients to milk: It’s a fantastic source of protein and has calcium, phosphorus, vitamin B12, and vitamin D as micronutrients.
  • Tastes sweeter than regular milk: Because lactose is broken down into glucose and galactose by the enzyme lactase. Because your taste receptors view these simple sugars as being sweeter than complex sugars, the final lactose-free product has a sweeter flavor than regular milk.
  • Still a Dairy Product: People with a dairy allergy who consume lactose-free milk may experience allergic symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and digestive pain. Additionally, because it is manufactured using cow’s milk, it is improper for those who follow a vegan diet.

Can lactose-free milk cause diarrhea?

In actuality, lactose-free milk is still a dairy product, as was previously explained. Therefore, lactose-free milk will also cause you to feel sick and cause you to have diarrhea if you have a milk allergy. Hives, swelling, and more serious symptoms including a dip in blood pressure and difficulty breathing can also result from it. 6

How to treat the diarrhea of lactose-free milk?

If you use lactose-free milk but still get diarrhea, you may have a milk allergy, especially if you also have other symptoms. As a result, having a correct diagnosis is essential because everyone requires a distinct diet. Other forms of milk, such as almond, coconut, soy, or rice milk, can be used in this situation. 6 But what diarrhea medicine in UAE is recommended?

Probiotic medicine for diarrhea

You can use probiotics for diarrhea in adults, it works by maintaining and replenishing the beneficial bacteria in the stomach and rectifying the imbalance, probiotic supplements may aid in the treatment and prevention of several types of diarrhea. But you can’t consider it as anti-diarrhea medicine for adults which means it may not stop diarrhea at all.

Probiotics also strengthen the immune system and modify the intestinal environment to make it less conducive to pathogenic activities in order to fight pathogenic microbes. So that it can aid in preventing and treating various forms of diarrhea in both children and adults. 6

ENTEROGERMINA® supplements can be used as probiotics to restore that gut balance, and prevent diarrhea. So, no need to think for long time about choosing probiotics for diarrhea 10

How can we use probiotics for children’s diarrhea?

Probiotics can also be used for children’s diarrhea, since children who have contracted an illness may experience less diarrhea for one day if they take probiotics. In addition to its effect in prevention of antibiotic diarrhea.11 it’s worth mentioning that ENTEROGERMINA® can be safe to use in children. 10

The bottom line

Lactose intolerance, which is brought on by a shortage of the enzyme lactase in the small intestine, is one of the digestive problems that people can experience. As a result, diarrhea and stomach discomfort ensue from the body’s inability to break down the lactose in milk. Many people drink lactose-free milk to cope. However, infrequently, this particular milk could also make you sick. This might be the outcome of milk allergies since some people can’t tolerate cow’s milk at all. Dietary changes or the use of probiotic supplements are suggested treatments.

Share

Browse Our Products

Enterogermina®’s range will scan the gut for intestinal flora imbalance and deliver billions of good bacteria to treat both the condition and associated symptoms. 13