Do You React to Milk & Dairy Products?

Saturday, January 1st 2005

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Over 70% of the world's population have difficulty digesting lactose.

Lactose is commonly known as "milk sugar". Dairy products contain varying amounts of lactose with milk, ice-cream and yoghurt containing significant amounts. Cheese does not contain much lactose.

Normally all these dairy products are easily digested by the enzyme lactase in the small intestine. Lactase is found on the surface of the villi lining the small intestine. However, absence of lactase in these cells or damage from Crohn's disease, ulcerativecolitis, irritable bowel syndrome, gastric surgery or the use of antibiotics and other drugs can result in an inability to digest lactose.

If lactose reaches the large intestine (colon) then fermentation by bacteria occurs causing colic, flatulence and frothy diarrhea. Symptoms commonly occur about 30 minutes after food by with children it may only result in recurrent abdominal pain.

Unfortunately many people suffer needlessly and may eliminate all dairy products from their diets. Nature's Way Lactase capsules contain the enzyme to supplement the lactase produced by the body. Nature's Way Lactase may be used before or during a meal which includes dairy products. Once the Lactase is ingested, it begins breaking down the lactose into easily digestible forms.

Reproduced unabridged from the January - March 2005 issue of Health and Herbal News, with the kind permission of Health and Herbs International Ltd.

The following products are all useful for lactose intolerance :

Broad Spectrum Enzyme
Natural Digestion
Primadophilus
Primadophilus Bifidus
Primadophilus Child
Primadophilus Junior
Super Papaya Enzyme

Related health information can be found here:

Allergies
Dairy Allergy
Diarrhoea
Digestion
Ensure healthy gut function with probiotic supplementation
FOS - Prebiotic Food
Gas
Indigestion

Related articles can be found here:

Benefits of Friendly Bacteria

Enzymes: The weakest link in your digestive system

Indigestion: Could be too little stomach acid

Probiotic update - Reuteri

Why take Primadophilus?

If you need help or advice, you are welcome to email our naturopathic team with your health question.

Disclaimer: The health information presented here has been written for the New Zealand health consumer. It is of a general nature and is only intended to provide a summary of the subjects covered. The information is not intended to be comprehensive or to provide medical advice to you. While all care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, no responsibility or liability is accepted, and no person should act in reliance on any statement contained in the information provided. All health ailments should be treated by a qualified health professional.

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