
Feeling bloated and have stomach pain? Find out why
Most importantly:
- Causes of a bloated stomach and discomfort
- Lactose intolerance as a cause of bloated stomach and discomfort
- Foods you wouldn’t expect to have milk
- How to deal with the symptoms of lactose intolerance?
Unknown to most people, lactose is used in a shocking amount of foods, medications (including birth control), vitamins and supplements. It acts as a filler or base, and improve’s the texture and consistency in food. In the case of medicine it improve’s the drug’s bioavailability, and the taste of a quick dissolving tablet.
Here are some of the foods you can find hidden amounts of lactose in. It’s important to note that in the allergen list, lactose is often indicated as “milk” or “modified milk” and is usually listed towards the end of the ingredient list.
- Sausages & other processed meats
- Flavoured potato chips (especially barbecue, ketchup, pickle, sour cream & onion)
- Frozen foods
- Sauces and (salad) dressings
- Soups
- Pizzas
- Products containing flour
- Breakfast cereals + granola
- Instant mashed potatoes
- Chewing gum
- Nutella (& nougat)
- Instant coffee
- Artificial sweeteners
- Margarine
- Frosting
- Canned tuna
- Pâtés
If you want to avoid having to scrutinise ingredient lists, it’s best to use products such as Estocal or look for Kosher and vegan products
Bloating and discomfort are widespread problems that affect millions of people around the world. From short-term discomfort after a large meal to a persistently bloated belly that interferes with daily activities, these symptoms can significantly affect your quality of life.
Bloating, a feeling of fullness or tightness in the stomach, often accompanied by gas, can be both physically and emotionally taxing. Discomfort, ranging from mild irritation to sharp pains, can disrupt daily tasks, our social lives, and even our sleep.
Whether it is due to our diet, medical conditions, or other factors, understanding the causes behind bloating and discomfort is important for effective management and relief. Here we’ll tell you about the various factors that contribute to these symptoms, lactose intolerance, and potential solutions offered by products like Estocal.
What makes you feel so bloated and pain?
Bloating and discomfort can be caused by a variety of factors, many of which are related to diet, hormonal changes, and digestive health. Understanding these triggers is essential to effective symptom management.
Gastrointestinal conditions
Several gastrointestinal conditions can also make you feel bloated and uncomfortable. . Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disease affecting the colon. Its main symptoms are abdominal pain, bloating, gas and changes in bowel habits. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. It causes symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain and bloating.
Gluten intolerance
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder caused by consuming gluten. It can cause bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea and other digestive problems in people who are sensitive to gluten. Bloating and discomfort may also be present in people who have a milder form of gluten intolerance that is not related to celiac disease.
Other reasons
Constipation is another common culprit behind bloating and discomfort. When poop becomes hard and difficult to pass, it causes a feeling of fullness and discomfort in the stomach. For many women, bloating and discomfort can also be associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can lead to water retention and bloating in the days before your period.
Lactose intolerance and abdominal discomfort

Lactose intolerance is a condition characterized by the body’s inability to process lactose. This is the sugar found in dairy products. For people with lactose intolerance, consuming foods containing it can lead to a variety of digestive symptoms, including bloating and discomfort. Did you know that about 65% of people cannot digest lactose found in dairy products to some extent?
When people with lactose intolerance consume dairy products, the body lacks the lactase enzyme needed to break it down into simpler sugars for absorption. As a result, undigested lactose passes into the large intestine, where it interacts with intestinal bacteria. This leads to gas and fermentation. The fermentation process can cause bloating, abdominal cramps, gas, and diarrhea, usually occurring within 30 minutes to 2 hours of consuming lactose.
Why does lactose intolerance happen?
There are a few reasons lactose intolerance can develop. Primary lactose intolerance is the most common type. As we age, usually starting in adolescence or early adulthood, we gradually produce less and less lactase. Lactase helps us digest lactose. Secondary lactose intolerance can occur because of damage to the small intestine, such as from infections, celiac disease, or other gastrointestinal conditions. Some people may have congenital lactase deficiency, a rare genetic disorder present from birth that results in severe lactose intolerance from early childhood.
How to deal with lactose intolerance
The first thing you can do to reduce the symptoms of lactose intolerance is to change your eating habits:
- People with lactose intolerance often find relief by reducing or avoiding dairy products high in lactose, such as fresh milk, soft cheeses, cream and ice cream.
- Many people with lactose intolerance can tolerate small amounts of lactose-containing foods without experiencing significant symptoms. Gradual introduction of dairy products in smaller portions and observing symptom tolerance can help people identify their personal thresholds.
- Some dairy products have naturally lower amounts of lactose. These are usually hard cheeses. Some people can consume them without any unpleasant symptoms.
- Choosing lactose-free dairy products can be a great alternative for those who want to continue consuming them while minimizing discomfort. These products have been treated with the enzyme lactase to break down lactose, making them easier to digest.
- Some people find relief from lactose intolerance symptoms by including probiotic-rich foods or supplements in their diet. Probiotics contain beneficial bacteria to help improve gut health and digestion. Certain probiotic strains can help reduce symptoms such as bloating and gas.
It can be difficult to avoid consuming lactose. It’s often also added to non-dairy foods. Lactose can also be found in baked goods, breakfast cereals and ready-made salad dressings. Lactase supplements help break down lactose in the digestive system. A product that does this, is Estocal, as it has the enzyme lactase:
- Taking Estocal before eating foods containing lactose helps with its digestion.
- By breaking down lactose, Estocal reduces unpleasant symptoms after consuming dairy products such as bloating, gas, pain and diarrhea.
- Taking Estocal allows you to be able to treat yourself and avoid the bloating and abdominal pain that can come from consuming lactose

Why should you consider seeing a doctor?
bloated stomach
- You can get a clear diagnosis by consulting a doctor. There are several tests to prove that you are lactose intolerant. They are usually done by having the patient drink a concentrated amount of lactose and measure parameters of your blood or breath.
- People who experience persistent or severe symptoms of lactose intolerance should seek guidance from doctors such as gastroenterologists or nutritionists.
- Doctors can provide personalized recommendations tailored to individual needs, offer support in implementing dietary changes and treatment strategies. Supplements such as Estocal are also often recommended to control symptoms after consuming lactose.
While there are many reasons for bloating and pain, it’s worth paying attention to how your dairy consumption affects you. Lactose intolerance affects many people, and it’s often difficult to completely eliminate lactose from our diet. Talk to your doctor about the best approach and see if supplements like Estocal can help ease your discomfort.
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FAQ:
Which milks are suitable for lactose intolerance?
- People with lactose intolerance can safely consume lactose-free cow’s milk or milk alternatives that are naturally lactose-free. Lactose-free cow’s milk, as well as non-dairy milks such as coconut milk, soy, oat, almond and potato milk, are good alternatives
Can lactose intolerance cause constipation?
- Lactose intolerance can manifest itself with constipation. Although it mainly presents with diarrhea, approximately one third of people experience it with constipation. In lactose intolerance, constipation is linked to methane-producing bacteria in the gut.
What does a bloated belly feel like?
- Bloating is a condition where your abdomen feels full and tight, often due to gas. People may confuse bloating with other causes of a more prominent belly, such as abdominal wall laxity or sagging skin. This is common, especially among older women and those who have had children.
bloated stomach
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Sources:
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321869#causes
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/21740-bloated-stomach
- https://www.healthline.com/health/abdominal-bloating-and-abdominal-pain#see-your-doctor
- https://www.healthline.com/health/celiac-disease-sprue
- https://www.healthline.com/health/premenstrual-syndrome#symptoms
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/lactose-intolerance
- https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/lactose-intolerance/#frequency
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lactose-intolerance/symptoms-causes/syc-20374232
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/7317-lactose-intolerance
bloated stomach
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