I have it,
I use lactose free milk, Lactaid pills (double doses),
and anyway avoid any dairy products. My case is not that severe, though
so I can have an occasional ice cream or cheesecake, or have a tea or coffee with a bit of real milk without paying "penalty".
Lactose intolerance is something that occurs naturally with age. That is the main reason it happens.
As little babies we produce an enzyme called lactase - lacta-A-se,
that assits us with digesting the sugar lactose lact-O-se in milk.
In nature, as we age we normally at one point should be weaned off mother's milk, and that is when (and why) the production of lactase is stopped over time.
but we humans discovered cow's milk so we continue to drink milk way past our babyhood.
but, at the same time the production of lactase is still being stopped.
That is how many people become lactose intolerant when older.
There are some dairy products that are considered "safe" for lactose intolerance, for example youghurt. be aware, though, that sometimes a regular milk is added to improve the taste and to sweeten the youghurt so you may still get cramps and bloating form eating it.
some medications containg lactose. For example a painkiller Fiorinal my have it. so, always look out for detailed ingredients list.
here's nice site about lactose intolerance:
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose Intolerance
hope that helps.
Fuzzy
