Lactose Intolerance diet, Lactose Intolerance information
USE
• Lactose-reduced milk, lactase enzyme drops or lactase enzyme tablets if you are unable to digest milk.
• Hard cheese and yogurt, which contain little lactose.
AVOID
• Foods that cause any discomfort.
• Medications containing lactose filler if you are lactose intolerant, provided substitutes are available.
METABOLIC INTOLERANCE
Lactose is found in dairy products, including milk, yogurt, and cheese. It can also be found as an ingredient or component of various food products such as cookies, breads, processed meats, hot dogs, some artificial sweeteners, and even some medications. Read labels carefully and look for milk, milk solids, cream, whey, cheese flavors, curds, and nonfat milk powder. Eat small amounts of dairy products. Most lactose-intolerant people can consume some milk without much discomfort. They can also safely eat cultured dairy products such as yogurt because the bacteria used in fermentation use up most of the lactose for fuel. For people with more severe intolerance who still want dairy products, grocery stores sell lactose-reduced dairy products, and pharmacies carry enzyme drops that can be added to milk and enzyme tablets that can be taken before eating dishes containing dairy products. Warning: Don’t confuse lactose intolerance with milk allergy, which is hypersensitivity to the proteins in dairy products. If you are allergic to milk, consuming a lactose-reduced product will not prevent a reaction.
