The other day, I came across a Tweet (an ‘X’?) that said “still not convinced lactose intolerance is a thing just like get over it lol”, so we decided to look into it and prove @skunkgender wrong.
I know I’m not alone when I say I’ve had some embarrassing moments after eating dairy. Whether it’s hanging out with friends, on a first date, or at a serious event like a wedding, the inevitable has happened… toots. Yes, they can be funny, but when you’re trying to make a good impression, it’s not a great look.
Too Long Didn’t Read
- The main symptoms of lactose intolerance are bloating, gas, frequent (and sometimes messy) trips to the bathroom, cramps, and a gurgling stomach.
- Lactose intolerance occurs when people have low levels of the naturally occurring enzyme lactase and cannot fully digest the sugar found in milk (lactose).
- DairyPill simply gives your body plenty of lactase enzyme so that it can fully digest the lactose, avoiding all negative symptoms of lactose intolerance.
- A milk allergy is when people are allergic to the protein found in milk.
- If your parents are lactose intolerant, you likely are too.
- Lactose intolerance can develop later in life. In general, our relationship with milk gets worse over time.
The Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance
Just because you have frequent flatulence doesn’t mean you have lactose intolerance, though. Read on for some other symptoms.
- Bloating - we have all looked in a mirror after a huge meal and said holy sh*t how did I gain 10 lbs from one meal? If this happens particularly after eating dairy, it’s likely you have lactose intolerance.
- Bowel Movements - when most people think of lactose intolerance, there are usually two things that come to mind: gas and... well, let's just say excretions. If your visits to the porcelain throne become more frequent (and adventurous) after a rendezvous with dairy, it might be time to consider lactose intolerance as a possible culprit.
- Cramps - here's another delightful side effect of lactose intolerance – stomach pain. After consuming dairy, lactose intolerant folks are often treated to a symphony of discomfort in their abdomen.
- Gurgling - a lesser-known symptom is rumbling noises coming from your stomach. For reference, think of your 11-year-old niece enthusiastically performing for you after one trumpet lesson. It’s painful and nobody wants to hear it, but it’s gonna happen without the proper tools (*cough* DairyPill *cough*).
I’m no doctor, but if these symptoms occur after eating dairy, you’re likely lactose intolerant.
What is Lactose Intolerance?
Now that we’ve talked about symptoms of lactose intolerance, we can talk about what this thing even is!
In layman’s terms, lactose intolerant people cannot digest the sugar (called ‘lactose’) found in milk. It upsets their stomach and bowels in the ways mentioned above.
The body typically breaks down lactose with a naturally occurring enzyme, lactase. Lactase splits lactose into two simple sugars (glucose and galactose) that can easily be absorbed into the bloodstream.
Individuals who are lactose intolerant have low levels of lactase in their body. When lactose isn't fully digested, it travels further down the digestive tract into the large intestine, where it is fermented by bacteria. This fermentation process produces acids and gases, which causes symptoms of bloating, pressure, stomach pain, and gas.
Lactase supplements (such as DairyPill) are simply a pill that gives your body more lactase. With enough lactase, your body can then fully digest the lactose sugar in dairy and avoid all negative symptoms of lactose intolerance!
What’s the Difference Between Milk Allergy and Lactose Intolerance?
To make matters more confusing, ‘milk allergy’ is a term that often gets confused with lactose intolerance. The major difference between the two is that lactose intolerance is a digestive system issue. A milk allergy is an immune system issue.
A milk allergy is an immune response to the proteins found in milk (most typically Casein and Whey). It occurs when the immune system starts attacking these proteins due to thinking that they are harmful. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and include wheezing, vomiting, hives, digestive issues, and sometimes anaphylaxis - a life-threatening reaction.
Lactase enzyme supplements do NOT treat milk allergies or milk protein intolerances. As a result, DairyPill will not help if you have a milk allergy. DairyPill should only be taken to alleviate the symptoms of lactose intolerance.
Is Lactose Intolerance Genetic?
Although your stubborn father will insist that he doesn’t have lactose intolerance (yet takes frequent trips to the bathroom after a bowl of ice cream), if one of your parents is lactose intolerant, it’s likely that you are too! Lactose intolerance comes from a mix of genetic and non-genetic factors.
Why Am I Suddenly Lactose Intolerant?
If you read the above section and thought, “my parents are lactose intolerant but I got out safe”, I’ve got bad news for you. Many people actually develop lactose intolerance well into adulthood. As we age, it's not uncommon for our bodies to reduce their lactase production, a phenomenon known as primary lactase non-persistence. This gradual decline in lactase levels can lead to lactose intolerance in adulthood, even if you had no issues digesting dairy products during your younger years.
Final Thoughts
So, as you can see, lactose intolerance isn't a black-and-white issue. It's a complex interplay of factors, both genetic and age-related, that can lead to those awkward moments we've all experienced after indulging in dairy delights. Do NOT treat this blog as a diagnosis. If you want more information on lactose intolerance, consult your doctor.
The good news is that DairyPill has no side effects, so it can only help! ;)
- Steve Page, Founder