Lactose intolerance is a condition that causes gas, cramping and bloating in an individual on the consumption of dairy products. Milk and other dairy products are a major source of nutrition and being unable to tolerate this food group may cause deficiency of essential nutrients in children and even in adults. The condition of Lactose Intolerance is caused by the deficiency of lactase, the enzyme that is responsible for the digestion of the milk sugar Lactose.
The degree of Lactose Intolerance varies depending on the level of the enzyme deficiency in the body. The symptoms of the condition also vary depending on the varying degree of enzyme deficiency and anything from nausea, diarrhea, cramps, bloating, or gas. There is no remedy for this condition in Allopathic medicine. This condition can be only treated with the help of Natural Cures.
Various Ways To Cure Lactose Intolerance
Probiotics
There are certain bacteria that reside in the intestine and are responsible to maintain the digestive system and the digestion of food. The probiotics are available as supplements that can be used to enhance the process of digestion or aide in the production of enzymes.
These are also useful for the digestion of lactose and can help in treating the condition of Lactose Intolerance. Alternatively acidophilus Milk is available in the market which is produced by the addition of Lactobacillus acidophilus to milk. This can also be used to treat Lactose Intolerance.
Herbal Remedies
Certain herbs can be very useful and help to manage the condition of Lactose Intolerance. Gentian is a herb that originates in Europe and helps in the toning of the digestive system and reduces the symptoms of Lactose Intolerance. Pau d’arco is used to treat Digestive problems and increase the production of the gut flora.
St. Mary’s Thistle has been used in herbal medicine for over two thousand years. It is very good for the proper functioning of the liver and helps in the detoxification of the body. Liquorice is a very well known digestive aide and can be effectively used by people suffering from lactose intolerance to improve their digestion and cure their problem.
Cocoa Powder And Chocolate Milk
If it is possible to slow the rate at which the stomach empties, then you can ensure that less lactose enters the system. A combination of Cocoa powder and sugar or chocolate powder helps in achieving exactly that. This will help in the digestion of lactose as the stomach empties at a much slower rate.
Also, chocolate milk allows for a consumption of milk in small amounts. This leads to the absorption of calcium in the body as well as regular milk. Thus, Cocoa Powder and Chocolate milk can be very effective in curing Lactose Intolerance.
Diet
The easiest remedy for people suffering from Lactose Intolerance is to cut out dairy products from their diet. Dairy products are a great source of calcium and many vitamins. Hence when you cut out dairy products from the diet you must substitute with other vegetables and fruits that are rich in these nutrients such as Broccoli, Calcium fortified breads and juices, milk substitutes, oranges, pinto beans, Spinach, Rhubarb etc.
It is also important to ensure that a person suffering from lactose intolerance gets requisite amounts of Vitamin D. Vitamin D can be found in eggs and yoghurt to some extent. The best source of vitamin D is the sunlight, as the body starts making the Vitamin D when exposed to the sun. All these nutrients are also available in supplement form and can be taken in requisite amounts.
Yoghurt
Yoghurt is a natural source of active bacteria and a good source of calcium for a person suffering from Lactose Intolerance. Yoghurt is a natural probiotic and can help in strengthening the digestive system. The bacteria that help make yoghurt also produce some lactase enzyme.
This further helps in the digestion of lactose that is present in the yoghurt in large quantities. Also an enzyme called beta galactosidase is produced by the bacteria present yoghurt. This enzyme further helps in the digestion of lactose.
Lactase Supplements
Lactase supplements are available in the market. It is available as a tablet which can be consumed along with eating or drinking a food item high in lactose. Hence, if a person suffering from lactose intolerance takes the lactase supplements, it is not necessary for him to reduce his lactose intake.
It is available as a chewable table, powder or drops. The tablet and powder can be taken along with the meals, or just before or after the consumption of dairy products. The drops have to be added to the milk twenty four hours prior to consumption.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.