WebMD Video: Complications of Lactose Intolerance

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Healthy Living with Lactose Intolerance

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Complications of Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance doesn’t have to be complicated; here’s a few simple steps to help manage it.

Complications of Lactose Intolerance

Reviewed By: Brunilda Nazario,

SOURCES: http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Bone/Osteoporosis/Conditions_Behaviors/lactose_intolerance.asp
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001321/

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Complications of Lactose Intolerance

Michael Smith, Chief Medical Director, WebMD :

When you have lactose intolerance, your body doesn’t produce enough of the enzyme lactase, which you need to digest lactose, which is the sugar found naturally in milk.

Michael Smith, Chief Medical Director, WebMD:

When you eat dairy foods, this can lead to symptoms such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea. So, people with lactose intolerance often avoid dairy.

Michael Smith, Chief Medical Director, WebMD:

One big problem with that is dairy is one of the best sources of calcium. So if you avoid it, it makes it tougher to get the calcium you need to keep your bones strong.

Michael Smith, Chief Medical Director, WebMD:

Down the road, that sets you up for osteoporosis, which causes thinning of your bones and increases the chance of a bone fracture.

Michael Smith, Chief Medical Director, WebMD:

The good news is even if you have lactose intolerance, you don’t have to avoid dairy. You can test the waters a bit.

Michael Smith, Chief Medical Director, WebMD:

Many people with lactose intolerance can eat a small amount of dairy without having symptoms. Also, if you eat dairy foods at the same time as non-dairy foods, you can often tolerate more dairy.

Michael Smith, Chief Medical Director, WebMD:

Certain forms of dairy are naturally low in lactose. Hard, aged cheeses like Swiss, parmesan, and cheddar are good options.

Michael Smith, Chief Medical Director, WebMD:

Cottage cheese and feta are also low in lactose. Generally, harder cheeses are good, but softer, creamier cheeses tend to be higher in lactose.

Michael Smith, Chief Medical Director, WebMD:

Yogurt is one of my favorite dairy foods if you have lactose intolerance because not only is it high in calcium, the bacterial cultures that are found naturally in yogurt help break down the lactose.

Michael Smith, Chief Medical Director, WebMD:

That means you can likely eat yogurt without any problems.

Michael Smith, Chief Medical Director, WebMD:

There are also good non-dairy ways to get your calcium and vitamin D. One of my favorites is non-dairy beverages, like soy and almond milk.

Michael Smith, Chief Medical Director, WebMD:

They’re usually fortified with both calcium and vitamin D and have similar amounts to dairy milk. So check the label and choose varieties that have about 300 mg of calcium and about 100 IUs (international units) of vitamin D in a cup.

Michael Smith, Chief Medical Director, WebMD:

Another way to enjoy the nutritional benefits of dairy is to take lactase enzyme supplements when you eat dairy.

Michael Smith, Chief Medical Director, WebMD:

If you’re just not sure you’re getting enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet, talk to a nutritionist (your doctor can recommend one). And ask your doctor if you should be screened for osteoporosis.

Michael Smith, Chief Medical Director, WebMD:

A simple bone density test can tell you what kind of shape your bones are in and help you decide if you need to step up your efforts a bit to keep your bones strong and healthy.

Michael Smith, Chief Medical Director, WebMD:

Lactose intolerance doesn't have to be complicated, you just need to take a few simple steps to manage it.

Eating for Lactose Intolerance

Groceries for Lactose Intolerance

Complications of Lactose Intolerance

Lactose Intolerance

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Healthy Living With Lactose Intolerance

This video is from the WebMD
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Complications of Lactose Intolerance

Complications of Lactose Intolerance

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Complications of Lactose Intolerance

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Complications of Lactose Intolerance

Michael Smith,<br />Chief Medical Director, WebMD :

Michael Smith,<br />Chief Medical Director, WebMD:

Michael Smith,<br />Chief Medical Director, WebMD:

Michael Smith,<br />Chief Medical Director, WebMD:

Michael Smith,<br />Chief Medical Director, WebMD:

Michael Smith,<br />Chief Medical Director, WebMD:

Michael Smith,<br />Chief Medical Director, WebMD:

Michael Smith,<br />Chief Medical Director, WebMD:

Michael Smith,<br />Chief Medical Director, WebMD:

Michael Smith,<br />Chief Medical Director, WebMD:

Michael Smith,<br />Chief Medical Director, WebMD:

Michael Smith,<br />Chief Medical Director, WebMD:

Michael Smith,<br />Chief Medical Director, WebMD:

Michael Smith,<br />Chief Medical Director, WebMD:

Michael Smith,<br />Chief Medical Director, WebMD:

Michael Smith,<br />Chief Medical Director, WebMD:

Living Life Lactose Free Has Never Been so Delicious!

From Our Sponsor

Find us on:

Healthy Living With Lactose Intolerance

This video is from the WebMDVideo Archive

Complications of Lactose Intolerance

Complications of Lactose Intolerance

For a better viewing experience you may wish to adjust the size and quality of your video stream:

Complications of Lactose Intolerance

Fill out the form below to send this link to your friends. An email will be sent on your behalf.

Complications of Lactose Intolerance

Michael Smith,<br />Chief Medical Director, WebMD :

Michael Smith,<br />Chief Medical Director, WebMD:

Michael Smith,<br />Chief Medical Director, WebMD:

Michael Smith,<br />Chief Medical Director, WebMD:

Michael Smith,<br />Chief Medical Director, WebMD:

Michael Smith,<br />Chief Medical Director, WebMD:

Michael Smith,<br />Chief Medical Director, WebMD:

Michael Smith,<br />Chief Medical Director, WebMD:

Michael Smith,<br />Chief Medical Director, WebMD:

Michael Smith,<br />Chief Medical Director, WebMD:

Michael Smith,<br />Chief Medical Director, WebMD:

Michael Smith,<br />Chief Medical Director, WebMD:

Michael Smith,<br />Chief Medical Director, WebMD:

Michael Smith,<br />Chief Medical Director, WebMD:

Michael Smith,<br />Chief Medical Director, WebMD:

Michael Smith,<br />Chief Medical Director, WebMD:

Living Life Lactose Free Has Never Been so Delicious!

From Our Sponsor

Find us on:

This video is from the WebMD
Video Archive