Lactose Intolerance in Baton Rouge, LA
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Find a ProviderWhat is lactose intolerance?
Lactose intolerance is extremely common in the United States. Milk sugar (lactose) is the dominant carb in milk and other dairy products. Your body can be “intolerant” of lactose because it won't yield enough of the enzyme lactase to process lactose.
Lactase is an intestinal enzyme made in the small bowel that helps process lactose. Lactose intolerance is not a serious condition, but it can lead to irritating symptoms based on your body’s level of intolerance. Some individuals refer to lactose intolerance as a dairy allergy.
If you or a member of your family need assistance with lactose intolerance in Baton Rouge, LA, our GI physicians can provide proper care. Request a consultation at Gastroenterology Associates and let our experience and expertise guide you on a positive path toward a better life.
What is the cause of lactose intolerance?
Lactose intolerance occurs because of either your body’s inability to create lactase or a deficiency in lactase. There are two primary reasons the body might not be able to produce enough lactase to assist in breaking down lactose:
Primary Lactose Intolerance
Primary lactose intolerance is the most common form of lactose intolerance and is caused by age. The older you get, the less lactase your body produces. This sort of lactose intolerance could partially get passed through family lines genetically. According to the food intolerance network, milk sugar intolerance occurs in 5 – 17% of Europeans, approximately 44% of Americans, roughly 50% of Latino/Hispanic people, and 60 – 80% of Asians and Africans.
Secondary Lactose Intolerance
Secondary lactose deficiency normally occurs when the duodenum is impaired because of an illness, trauma, surgical procedure, or other issues like Crohn’s disease or celiac disease. This is mainly because the generation of lactase lessens when the duodenum becomes enlarged. Treatment of the condition can reinstate the function of the small intestine and revive lactase levels to the norm.
What are the signs of lactose intolerance?
The symptoms of lactose intolerance can fluctuate for every individual contingent on the amount of lactase they are able to produce. A few of the prevalent symptoms of lactose intolerance include:
- Occasional constipation
- Nausea
- Abdominal spasms
- Diarrhea
- Gas
- Vomiting
- Bloating
In the event you experience any of the described signs mentioned here, our GI doctors in Baton Rouge, LA can help to find the remedy that works the best for your GI health.
How is lactose intolerance treated?
In most instances, the best solution if you are lactose intolerant is to stay away from dairy products completely. There is currently no way to increase lactase generation in the body. Therefore, the objective of treatment is to refrain from consuming lactose. If you treat lactose intolerance as a dairy intolerance allergy, that could help guide you in the choices you make.
Other treatments and answers for managing lactose intolerance that our providers often suggest are:
- Lactase enzyme supplements
- Add small servings of dairy into your meals to establish a tolerance
- Probiotics and prebiotics
- Consume lactose-reduced dairy products
Alleviate your symptoms with professional care
If your lactose intolerance has become overwhelming, let our knowledgeable gastrointestinal specialists at Gastroenterology Associates step in to provide solutions. We can create a treatment program to help you regain your well-being so that you can continue doing the activities you love. To get treatment for lactose intolerance in Baton Rouge, LA, connect with one of our locations today to request an appointment.
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