Lactose Intolerance
What is lactose intolerance?
Lactose is a naturally occurring sugar composed of two simple sugars: glucose and galactose. To digest lactose, our bodies produce an enzyme called lactase, which converts lactose into glucose and galactose. However, individuals with lactose intolerance produce lower or trace amounts of lactase. Undigested lactose can be fermented by our gut microbiome, leading to the release of gases and causing symptoms such as bloating, distention, abdominal pain, and watery stools. These symptoms can be effectively managed through dietary interventions and the use of medications.
Why working with a dietitian?
Dietitians are medically-trained nutrition professionals, and the only professional that is qualified to provide individual dietary consultation at the moment (Click here to read about dietitian and nutritionist). Dietitians are trained to provide medical nutrition therapy and one-to-one personalised dietary advice. We take in consideration of one’s lifestyle, dietary habits, preference and goals to tailor our nutrition strategies.
The topics dietitians might talk to you about:
How lactose intolerance cause your symptoms
Lactose containing foods
Label reading
Choosing dairy alternatives and to ensure calcium adequacy
Understanding your lactose tolerance
Challenge your lactose tolerance (if you wish)
Use of lactase products
General healthy diets to ensure diet quality and diversity