Many people suffer from
lactose intolerance that is the inability or difficulty digesting milk sugar.
Generally this is due to the lack of production or to the insufficient production
of the enzyme lactase, found in the intestinal juices of mammals, and able to hydrolyze
lactose into glucose and galactose.
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There are several grades of
intolerance, since the quantity of lactase produced by the body varies from
person to person. The most common symptoms are abdominal cramping, diarrhea, flatulence,
nausea, etc. following the consumption of dairy products.
Specific diagnostic
tests can indicate the lactose intolerance. Although there is no cure for such
dysfunction, it is possible to minimize or prevent its symptoms by avoiding the
ingestion of milk and its byproducts. Today there are many low-lactose products
in the market that can satisfactorily replace the common ones.
Another
possibility is to make use of lactase pills, a nutritional supplement, that
must be ingested whenever products with lactose are ingested, and which can be
taken on a daily basis without restrictions.
It is important
to observe that the abolition of the use of dairy products may lead to a severe
lack of calcium, considering that approximately 70% of the calcium obtained
through nourishment comes from milk and its byproducts.
If you are
experiencing these symptoms, look for medical assistance, to certify that it is
actually a problem of lactose intolerance and to get a professional orientation
adequate to your case.
The fact to present
this digestive disorder, however, must not be a hindrance to taste the
delicious dishes made of milk, like rice pudding, green corn gruel, cakes, puddings,
stroganoff, souffles, etc.
A very efficient
alternative is to replace the common milk, the condensed milk, the milk cream
by the low-lactose milk, the soy milk, the soy condensed milk and the soy milk
cream. The common chocolate powders enriched with milk by the organic milk free
cocoa powders. These products are available in the majority of supermarkets,
maybe a little more expensive it is true, but to get rid of the undesirable
symptoms unleashed by the ingestion of lactose, it is certainly worthwhile!
It is not
difficult to make the substitution of the ingredients, since the quantities are
the same as those of the common products. Some difference in the consistency of
the condensed milk and milk cream maybe noticed, but with the customary use
good results can be attained.
If you wish to
get some lactose free recipes of sweet and savory dishes, leave a comment and I
will be glad to answer.
Research: www.iffgd.org
