Lactose Intolerance in Indianapolis, IN
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Find a ProviderWhat is lactose intolerance?
The condition of lactose intolerance is very common among people in the United States. Lactose (milk sugar) is the dominant carb in milk and other dairy goods. The body could be “intolerant” of lactose because it won't generate enough of the enzyme lactase to break up lactose. Lactase is an intestinal enzyme made in the duodenum (small intestine) that helps the body process lactose. Lactose intolerance is a mild condition but it can cause troubling symptoms based on your body’s degree of intolerance. Some patients refer to lactose intolerance as a milk allergy.
If you or a loved one need treatment for lactose intolerance in Indianapolis, IN, our GI providers can provide proper care. Request an appointment at Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology and let our knowledge and expertise lead you in a positive path toward an improved life.
What causes lactose intolerance?
Lactose intolerance is due to your body’s inability to create, or a deficiency in the creation of, lactase. A couple of the major causes of the reason your body is unable to produce a sufficient amount of lactase to help process lactose are explained below:
Primary Lactose Intolerance
Primary lactose intolerance is the more frequent kind of lactose intolerance and is a result of age. As you age, the less lactase your body yields. This sort of lactose intolerance may partially be passed through genetics and develops in certain individuals more than others. Per the food intolerance network, milk intolerance impacts 5% – 17% of Europeans, about 44% of Americans, roughly 50% of Hispanic/Latino people, and 60% – 80% of Asians and Africans.
Secondary Lactose Intolerance
Secondary lactose deficiency commonly happens when the small intestine (duodenum) is damaged due to an illness, trauma, surgery, or more difficult condition like Celiac disease or Crohn’s disease. This is because the production of lactase lowers when the duodenum becomes enlarged. Treatment of the disorder might reinstate the purpose of the small intestine (duodenum) and return lactase amounts to their standard.
To request more information about lactose intolerance, contact an Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology location near you to connect with a gastrointestinal specialist who can address the condition. Our GI team will give knowledgeable pointers and information on how to deal with lactose intolerance.
What are the signs of lactose intolerance?
The signs of lactose intolerance can be different for every person depending on the amount of lactase they can yield. Some of the common symptoms of lactose intolerance are:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Gas
- Abdominal spasms
- Intermittent constipation
If you experience any or all of the described signs above, our GI physicians in Indianapolis, IN can help to identify a treatment solution that works well for your life.
How is lactose intolerance treated?
In most cases, the optimal thing to do if you happen to be lactose intolerant is to refrain from consuming dairy products completely. There is presently no way to advance lactase generation in the body. Therefore, the goal of treatment is to avoid the uneasiness that results from consuming lactose. If you treat lactose intolerance as a dairy allergy, that can help direct you in the choices you make.
Additional solutions and answers for living with lactose intolerance that our Indianapolis, IN gastrointestinal specialists may propose include:
- Prebiotics and probiotics
- Include small servings of dairy products into your meals to build tolerance
- Lactase enzyme supplements
- Consume lactose-reduced dairy items
Relieve your symptoms with skilled care
When your lactose intolerance is overwhelming, let our professional gastroenterologist providers at Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology intervene and assist. We can create a treatment program that helps you renew your GI health so that you may maintain doing the activities you love. To receive care for lactose intolerance in Indianapolis, IN, connect with our team today to plan a consultation.
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