In 2008, a family member was diagnosed with lactose intolerance and so began our journey into learning everything there was to learn about this intolerance. Suddenly, the cause of stomach cramping and bloating started to make sense after years of witnessing family members and friends experience these uncomfortable symptoms.
What is lactose intolerance? According to the Mayo Clinic, "a deficiency of lactase, an enzyme produced in your small intestine, is usually responsible for lactose intolerance. Many people have low levels of lactase but are able to digest milk products without problems. If you're actually lactose intolerant, though, your lactase deficiency leads to symptoms after you eat dairy foods."
Cause: Lactose intolerance occurs when your small intestine doesn't produce enough of an enzyme (lactase) to digest milk sugar (lactose).
Normally, lactase turns milk sugar into two simple sugars, glucose and galactose, which are absorbed into the bloodstream through the intestinal lining. People suffering from a lactase deficiency, lactose travels to the colon instead of being broken down and absorbed. This leads to undigested lactose to interact with the bacteria in your gut, which leads to the following symptoms.
Symptoms: The signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance usually begin 30 minutes to two hours after eating or drinking foods that contain lactose. Common signs and symptoms include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea, and sometimes, vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- Bloating
- Gas
Treatment options: At this time in medicine, there is no way to boost your body's production of lactase. You have two options, either avoid foods containing lactose or take a lactase enzyme supplement to help your body breakdown lactose.
Odyssey Supplements lactase enzymes are all natural, non-GMO certified, gluten-free, and are encased in a vegetarian capsule made from cellulose. Inside the capsule are ultra-filtrated lactase enzymes which when taken with your first bite of dairy food, go to work to neutralize lactose. Each capsule is lab tested to contain at least 8,000 FCC ALU (Acid Lactase Units) and if needed, two capsules may be taken at one time for total no-mercy lactose neutralization. For continuous dairy consumption, additional capsules can be taken after 30-45 minutes.
"Enjoy more of what you love, if you are suffering from lactose intolerance, try our lab certified lactase enzymes."
Additional Scientific Studies Researched & Referenced: