The most important thing:
- Typical (and atypical) symptoms of lactose intolerance
- What do the symptoms indicate (lactose intolerance or something else?)
- How Estocal helps you enjoy your favourite dishes
Do you feel as though your stomach is bloated like a balloon and you can't get rid of the feeling? Bloating is one of the most common and unpleasant symptoms of lactose intolerance. It can be accompanied by gas, pain and discomfort that last for hours.
Lactose intolerance is not an allergy, but a deficiency of an important enzyme for breaking down the milk sugar. It is most commonly associated with bloating, stomach pain and diarrhoea. However, rarer symptoms can also occur – some people feel tired, have headaches or even notice skin problems, without realising that the cause could be the milk in their morning coffee.
In this article, we will explore the classic and lesser-known symptoms of lactose intolerance, how to diagnose the condition (and when it might not be the real culprit), and why lactase products like Estocal are a useful ally against its symptoms.
Typical symptoms of lactose intolerance
Lactose intolerance has several main symptoms that usually appear within 30 minutes to an hour after consuming dairy products. These are the result of the body's inability to break down lactose, which leads to discomfort in the digestive system.
Bloating and a feeling of fullness – This symptom can vary significantly from person to person. For some, it is more of a mild bloating and discomfort, while others notice significant bloating (enough to prevent you from doing up your trousers, for example). Unlike the bloating from overeating, this symptom can occur even if you have eaten very little. It is caused by gases that form in the intestines during the fermentation of undigested lactose.
Abdominal pain and cramps – uncomfortable tightness and cramping in the abdomen. The cause is most often irritation of the intestines from the fermentation processes.
Diarrhoea and a urgent need to go to the toilet – Undigested lactose attracts water into the intestines, which leads to more frequent and urgent stools.
Gas – another unwanted effect of the fermentation process in the large intestine.
Nausea – Not in everyone, but some people feel nauseous after consuming dairy products. This symptom is one of the most common in children (second only to abdominal pain).
Although these symptoms are classic for lactose intolerance, they can vary in intensity and frequency. Furthermore, they are not unique to lactose intolerance – there are other conditions in which they can occur.
In the next section, we will look at the lesser-known signs and how to differentiate between lactose intolerance and other conditions.
Lactose intolerance beyond the classic symptoms: what else might we notice?
In addition to the typical gastrointestinal manifestations, lactose intolerance can also have consequences for other systems. These more general symptoms are certainly not indicative of lactose intolerance alone. However, if you change your diet and manage the intolerance, they often subside.
Fatigue and "brain fog"
Do you feel exhausted and find it hard to concentrate? This could be related to your diet. The gut inflammation caused by undigested lactose can affect nutrient absorption and even impair brain function.
But there's another side to the coin. If you restrict your diet too much (because you're worried about hidden lactose), you might miss out on the vitamins and minerals you need. These nutritional deficiencies can also cause "brain fog".
Skin problems
If you've noticed your acne worsening or your skin becoming more sensitive after consuming dairy products, it might not be a coincidence. Inflammatory processes in the gut often affect the skin, and some people are particularly sensitive to milk proteins.
Lactose intolerance isn't always the cause. In one study, acne in young people was linked to a higher consumption of dairy products, even in patients who were not lactose intolerant. Other possible culprits are hard-to-digest ingredients in dairy products, such as casein or hormones that end up in the milk.
Lactose intolerance or another problem? How to recognise lactose intolerance and when to see a doctor?
Lactose intolerance might seem like the obvious cause of stomach discomfort after consuming dairy products. If a glass of milk causes a revolt in your stomach, it must be intolerance, right? Not necessarily. The symptoms of lactose intolerance overlap with a number of other conditions.
If bloating, stomach aches or digestive changes are frequent, it's important not to jump to conclusions. Two other possible causes of the problem (besides lactose) are:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) – This syndrome shares many symptoms with lactose intolerance, including bloating, gas, diarrhoea or constipation. The difference is that with IBS, the symptoms are not exclusively caused by dairy products. Foods high in fibre or certain carbohydrates (FODMAPs), as well as non-dietary factors such as increased psychological stress, can trigger an episode. Interestingly, many patients with IBS also suffer from lactose intolerance, so it is possible for both conditions to occur in the same patient. Therefore, with IBS, limiting dairy products can reduce symptoms – on the one hand, it can reduce irritation, and on the other, it can help with a concurrent lactose intolerance.
Gluten intolerance or coeliac disease – If you notice symptoms not only after consuming dairy products, but also after eating foods containing gluten (bread, pasta, pastries), the problem may be more widespread.
Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the intestines. Damage to the intestines, in turn, can hinder the breakdown of lactose – secondary lactose intolerance. In this case, however, it is gluten that causes the intestinal damage. By eliminating it, the lining heals and it is not necessary to permanently exclude dairy products.
Gluten intolerance is relatively more common than coeliac disease. There is no autoimmune response to gluten, but pasta products are not broken down properly. Similar to lactose intolerance, this causes bloating, pain and diarrhoea or constipation. With gluten intolerance, it is not necessary to eliminate flour completely – you can consume it in moderation.
If you only feel discomfort after consuming dairy products and eliminating them from your diet alleviates the symptoms, you probably have lactose intolerance. However, it is best to consult a doctor who can make a diagnosis.
There are also cases when consulting a gastroenterologist is absolutely necessary:
When should you see a doctor?
There are certain symptoms that indicate conditions more serious than lactose intolerance. Here is when you should consult a specialist:
- Your symptoms worsen despite eliminating dairy products, or they appear after eating other foods.
- You have unexplained weight loss or chronic fatigue.
- You notice blood in your stool.
Conclusion
Lactose intolerance is a relatively common condition, but its symptoms can be very unpleasant. From the 'classic' symptoms of abdominal pain, bloating, wind and diarrhoea to more atypical manifestations such as acne, fatigue and difficulty concentrating, lactose intolerance can significantly impair quality of life. However, these symptoms can also indicate other conditions. It is therefore very important to consult a specialist about your symptoms. A gastroenterologist will order the necessary tests and advise you on how to manage or even eliminate your symptoms.
Q:
Whenever I eat yoghurt, cheese or other dairy products, I feel pain in my stomach. Is that lactose intolerance?
- Stomach pain after consuming dairy products is a very common symptom of lactose intolerance. Try limiting your dairy intake to see if it is causing the pain. However, the symptoms could also be caused by another condition. Speak to a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis.
I have lactose intolerance. Should I cut out all dairy products?
- No, for most patients, that is not necessary. Foods like cheese and yoghurt contain partially broken-down lactose and many people tolerate them well. Even a small amount of fresh milk does not cause symptoms in most patients. Include some dairy products in your diet to get the important nutrients they provide.
When should you take Estocal?
- Estocal is a lactase product that breaks down lactose and prevents the symptoms of lactose intolerance. Take it before consuming dairy products. This way, the lactase in Estocal will break down the lactose you consume and symptoms will not occur.
