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?

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'm intolerant of lactose intolerant people.

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.

lol +1

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

Lactaid now makes lactose free ice cream and egg nog. I have not tried them. I do not plan on trying them. I'd just stick with the real stuff...and make sure that the head is nearby.:)

Think of it as doing your part to keep this planet from getting too warm.

You miss farting ??? :confused:

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?

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.

It was called Levbid when it was first prescribed, but I was switched to another brand. I think the generic is Hyoscyamine. I've dropped from 2 a day to 1 and will drop it entirely when the current bottle is empty. I have been taking Aciphex also, but that only started a couple months ago and I will drop that when the bottle is empty as well.

I'm a guy. It's something I was good at. I could almost poot at will.

I tried probiotics. No help that I could discern.

not true. it's not uncommon to be affected by both.

The lactaid milk and cottage cheese are very good. The ice cream, on the other hand, is pretty aweful. Bought the chocolate, took one spoonful, and threw the carton away. YMMV.

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.