Lactose intolerance is a condition where an individual is unable to digest lactose into glucose and galactose due to the absence of enzyme lactase.
Lactose intolerance is a condition in which the body cannot properly digest milk or dairy products. If your body cannot digest lactose, it produces gas, bloating, cramps, and diarrhea. Your body will not break down lactose efficiently, so it will pass through your intestine and can affect the rest of your body. In case you have lactose intolerance, then it is very important to identify it before it becomes severe.
Types of Lactose intolerance
There are two types of lactose intolerance.
1: Partial lactose intolerance
The first one is partial lactose intolerance and the second is total lactose intolerance. Partial lactose intolerance affects only the small intestine. In this case, people will get uncomfortable stomach ache or diarrhea while eating. People with partial lactose intolerance may consume milk products or lactose-free milk products.
2: Total lactose intolerance
People who have total lactose intolerance cannot digest any lactose. They will suffer from gas and diarrhea because they can’t get the nutrients from milk. They will feel bloated, crampy, and may even have diarrhea and vomiting.
Lactose cannot be directly absorbed by the intestine. The lactase enzyme is required for catalyzing lactose into glucose and galactose which are then easily absorbed by the intestine. The lactase enzyme is produced by the small intestine.
When lactase is present in little amount or absent, lactose is not digested into glucose and galactose. As a result, individuals may have gas, nausea, diarrhea, and bloating after consuming dairy products. People with lactose intolerance should avoid lactose-containing products.