Lactose Intolerance
Apr 17, 2010, 5:01 am
#1
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Lactose Intolerance
I have a new gastro-doctor. About 4-5 years ago I was diagnosed with IBS (after suffering my whole adult life) and have controlled it with daily medication since. My new doc says maybe it's not IBS, but lactose intolerance. Easy to discover at home, he says.
I went 2 weeks with no dairy. You really have to scrutinize labels, but it can be done. Then I loaded up on my favorite ice cream and waited for the results. I didn't have to wait long. So now I buy Lactaid milk and cottage cheese and take a lactaid (contains lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose) pill with any other dairy I consume.
The benefits: I've cut a lot of fat out of my diet by eliminating most cheese, sour cream and ice cream, I've cut out a $92/month prescription, I'm more alert to what's in my food since I read every label on prepared foods, look at menus carefully and nutrition info online.
Downside: My fart production is off a good 90%. Mrs BV is a happier camper, but I miss them.
My biggest problem is finding any lactose-free dairy products besides milk and cottage cheese. Any help?
I went 2 weeks with no dairy. You really have to scrutinize labels, but it can be done. Then I loaded up on my favorite ice cream and waited for the results. I didn't have to wait long. So now I buy Lactaid milk and cottage cheese and take a lactaid (contains lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose) pill with any other dairy I consume.
The benefits: I've cut a lot of fat out of my diet by eliminating most cheese, sour cream and ice cream, I've cut out a $92/month prescription, I'm more alert to what's in my food since I read every label on prepared foods, look at menus carefully and nutrition info online.
Downside: My fart production is off a good 90%. Mrs BV is a happier camper, but I miss them.
My biggest problem is finding any lactose-free dairy products besides milk and cottage cheese. Any help?
Apr 17, 2010, 5:31 am
#2
Join Date: Jan 2005
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While not lactose-free, yogurt and aged hard cheese (cheddar, Swiss) should be free or very low in lactose.
I think its still best to use a lactase pill prior to eating to avoid the bloating and gassy after effects. I am sure Mrs BV will appreciate the silence and respite for her sense of smell.
I think its still best to use a lactase pill prior to eating to avoid the bloating and gassy after effects. I am sure Mrs BV will appreciate the silence and respite for her sense of smell.
Apr 18, 2010, 6:47 am
#4
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,638
keep in mind that there are two forms of dairy intolerance. lactose gets the most press, but there is another protein called casein that can be as bad or worse. worse not just in effects, but it's apparently acceptable for products containing casein to list themselves as "dairy free."
either way, looking for lactose-free dairy products is akin to looking for tomato-free ketchup. you are better off looking for soy or rice based alternatives. spend some time at whole foods or similar markets that carry lots of organics - they have the best selection and will give you a good road map for your options.
either way, looking for lactose-free dairy products is akin to looking for tomato-free ketchup. you are better off looking for soy or rice based alternatives. spend some time at whole foods or similar markets that carry lots of organics - they have the best selection and will give you a good road map for your options.
Apr 18, 2010, 9:44 am
#6
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OP, are you taking any medications? It's been proven that certain medications will decrease the amount of lactase your body produces. In particular, aspirin is a culprit.
HTSC
HTSC
Apr 18, 2010, 4:13 pm
#7
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Apr 18, 2010, 5:08 pm
#10
Join Date: Dec 2004
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Are you sure it's the lactose, not a reduction in fat intake (for example?)
Lactose intolerance can be tested for - does normally involve a colonoscopy though (and samples of the intestine taken and tested).
Oh, and depending on the type of IBS you have, you may find Calcium pills beneficial.
What drugs were you on?
Lactose intolerance can be tested for - does normally involve a colonoscopy though (and samples of the intestine taken and tested).
Oh, and depending on the type of IBS you have, you may find Calcium pills beneficial.
What drugs were you on?
Last edited by Aus_Mal; Apr 18, 2010 at 5:27 pm
Apr 18, 2010, 5:27 pm
#11
Join Date: Aug 2006
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Have you been taking probiotics as well? Lactase treats what you eat when you take it, but probiotics colonize your intestine with bacteria that help break down lactose.
...and you'd know if it was lactose vs. casein since lactaid milk and lactaid would provide no benefit to someone with a casein issue.
there is also a hydrogen breath test.
keep in mind that there are two forms of dairy intolerance. lactose gets the most press, but there is another protein called casein that can be as bad or worse. worse not just in effects, but it's apparently acceptable for products containing casein to list themselves as "dairy free."
there is also a hydrogen breath test.
Apr 18, 2010, 7:19 pm
#12
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I'm a guy. It's something I was good at. I could almost poot at will.
Have you been taking probiotics as well? Lactase treats what you eat when you take it, but probiotics colonize your intestine with bacteria that help break down lactose.
...and you'd know if it was lactose vs. casein since lactaid milk and lactaid would provide no benefit to someone with a casein issue.
there is also a hydrogen breath test.
...and you'd know if it was lactose vs. casein since lactaid milk and lactaid would provide no benefit to someone with a casein issue.
there is also a hydrogen breath test.
Apr 19, 2010, 7:57 am
#15
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kefir is great for people with lactose int.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kefir
wife makes about a gallon a day.
indian restaurant cooking can give one a serious lactose attack. some cook with a huge amount of ghee, which is concentrated lactose.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kefir
wife makes about a gallon a day.
indian restaurant cooking can give one a serious lactose attack. some cook with a huge amount of ghee, which is concentrated lactose.