Lactose intolerance affects between 30 and 50 million Americans a year. It is a condition characterized by the inability to digest significant amounts of lactose, which is the major sugar found in milk. This condition is caused by a shortage of lactase, which is an enzyme produced by the cells that line the small intestine.

Lactose’s primary function is to break down milk sugar into glucose and galactose, which are simpler forms of sugar. These simpler forms are then absorbed into the bloodstream.

Lactose intolerance can often be confused with cow’s milk intolerance because the symptoms are often very similar. What separates the two however, are the triggers of the conditions. Cow’s milk intolerance is an allergic reaction triggered by the immune system, while lactose intolerance is triggered by the digestive system.

Symptoms occur in people with lactose intolerance when they consume dairy products. These symptoms which usually begin from 30 minutes to two hours after consuming lactose and can range from mild to severe and include nausea, cramps, bloating, gas, and diarrhea.

Lactose intolerance can be hard to diagnose based on symptoms alone. People sometimes think they suffer from lactose intolerance because they have the symptoms associated with the disorder, not knowing other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome can cause similar symptoms. A doctor can use tests to diagnose lactose intolerance but may first recommend eliminating cow’s milk from the diet to see if the symptoms go away.

Lactose intolerance can be traced to a few different causes including:

Primary Lactase Deficiency - After about 2 years of age, the body begins producing less lactase. Symptoms may not be noticed by people affected until they are much older.

Secondary lactase deficiency – This deficiency is usually the result of an injury to the small intestine or certain digestive diseases such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and Crohn’s disease that cause a reduction in the amount of lactase a person produces.

Experts have also found a genetic link for lactose intolerance. Those who have parents with lactose intolerance are at higher risk for developing the condition.

One would think that to effectively prevent or treat lactose intolerance, you simply avoid dairy products. While that is true, you must also avoid "hidden lactose".

Many products have lactose added to them including:

- Bread and Other Baked Goods

- Processed Breakfast Cereals

- Instant Potatoes, Soups, and Breakfast Drinks

- Margarine

- Salad Dressing

- Pancake, Biscuit and Cookie Mix

- Powdered Meal-Replacement Supplements

The best step you can take to prevent a reaction to lactose is to read labels carefully.

Aside from lactose, look for other ingredients like whey, curds, milk by-products, dry milk solids, and non-fat dry milk powder. All of these ingredients should raise a red flag as they contain lactose.

Now for some more interesting news. I bet you thought you had enough reasons to avoid prescription medications, well here’s one more. Lactose is in more than 20 percent of prescription drugs and about 6 percent of over-the-counter medicines including birth control pills as well as pills used for as stomach acid and gas.

The natural health regimen listed below will help to treat lactose intolerance:

Avoid milk and all dairy products except yogurt as yogurt with live active cultures assists in the digestion of lactose and in overall digestion.

Regular milk should be substituted with soy or rice milk. The same is true for all dairy products.

Drink plenty of water to assist in flushing the intestinal tract.

The supplements listed below should be beneficial as well:

Non-dairy Acidophilus (tsp in distilled water) Replaces friendly bacteria in the digestive tract that promotes healthy digestion. Wakunaga is my brand of choice.

Charcoal Tablets (take 4 tablets every hour with water until symptoms subside) - Reduce the symptoms of gas and diarrhea caused by an attack by absorbing toxins produced by lactose fermentation.

Calcium (take as directed on label) Magnesium (1,000 mg daily) and Zinc (30 mg 3 times a day) - All are important nutrients usually deficient in those with lactose intolerance. When combined, these supplements support calcium uptake, ph balance and mineral balance.

Vitamin D (400 IU daily) - Important for calcium uptake.

Vitamin E (400 - 1,000 IU daily) - Aids in protecting the lining of the intestinal tract.

Multivitamin and Mineral Supplement (take as directed on label) - Helps insure proper nutrition and optimal health.