Have you ever found yourself experiencing stomach cramps, bloating, or gas after consuming dairy products in your adult years when you didn’t face any problem in your childhood days? If yes, you might be suffering from lactose intolerance.

Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. In this article, we will discuss if you can develop lactose intolerance later in life.

What is Lactose Intolerance?

Lactose intolerance occurs when your body is unable to produce enough lactase enzymes required to break down lactose. Lactose is the primary sugar found in milk and dairy products.

When lactose remains undigested in the small intestine, it can cause various digestive problems like bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and flatulence.

The Development of Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance can develop at any age; it usually starts in adolescence or in the early adulthood years. Most people develop lactose intolerance due to a decrease in the lactase enzyme.

The decline in lactase production commonly occurs in adults due to changes in ethnicity, genetics, or environmental factors such as malnutrition, poor health or infections, such as a gastrointestinal infection.

Understanding the Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance

The symptoms of lactose intolerance can vary based on the degree of lactase deficiency. The most common symptoms include bloating, diarrhea, gas, nausea, and abdominal pain.

The symptoms of lactose intolerance develop slowly and may take several hours or even days to appear after consuming dairy products.

Diagnosing Lactose Intolerance

The most common test used to diagnose lactose intolerance is the lactose tolerance test. During this test, you will be asked to drink a lactose solution, and your blood sugar levels will be monitored afterward over the next two hours.

If your blood sugar levels don’t rise, it’s an indication that lactose is not digesting correctly. Another method that can be used to diagnose lactose intolerance is the hydrogen breath test.

Management and Treatment

There is no permanent cure for lactose intolerance, but you can manage it by making dietary changes.

You can limit or avoid eating dairy products, replace milk with lactose-free alternatives such as soy milk and almond milk, or take lactase supplements before eating dairy products. Some people can tolerate small amounts of lactose, and it’s essential to experiment to find out what works well for you.

Prevention of Lactose Intolerance

You cannot prevent lactose intolerance entirely because it can develop due to various factors like genetics, ethnicity, and environmental factors. However, you can take steps to delay its onset.

It’s crucial to maintain a healthy diet rich in vitamin D and calcium. Bone health supplements can also be taken to prevent the onset of lactose intolerance.

Complications of Lactose Intolerance

Untreated lactose intolerance can lead to several serious complications such as malnutrition, osteoporosis – a condition where bones become weak and brittle, and various digestive problems can negatively impact your quality of life.

However, these complications can be avoided by making dietary changes and managing lactose intolerance effectively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, lactose intolerance is common, and you can develop it at any age. Genetic, ethnic factors, or environmental factors can cause lactose intolerance.

The symptoms of lactose intolerance may vary from person to person, and managing lactose intolerance is all about making the right dietary choices and leading a healthy lifestyle. Speak to a healthcare professional if you suspect you may have lactose intolerance and start managing your symptoms effectively.