The most important thing:
- The reason behind the unpleasant symptoms
- Practical tips for relief
- How Estocal allows you to live without discomfort
Bloating, stomach aches, wind, nausea? If these symptoms are part of your everyday life, you are not alone.
Common signs such as:
bloating – a feeling of fullness and gas,
abdominal pain and cramps – discomfort that can last for hours,
nausea – an unpleasant feeling that spoils your day
can be the result of insufficient production of lactase – the enzyme that breaks down lactose.
Lactose intolerance is a condition that disrupts your comfort and forces you to avoid your favourite dairy products. This problem affects millions of people worldwide, including in Bulgaria.
In this article, we will take a closer look at what lactose intolerance is, why bloating and stomach discomfort are its main symptoms, and how Estocal can offer an effective solution for these problems. Whether you already avoid dairy products or simply want to learn how to manage these symptoms, you will find useful information and practical advice here.
What is lactose intolerance?
Lactose is a natural sugar found in the milk of most mammals. Like white sugar, it is a disaccharide – it consists of two linked molecules. To be broken down, the body needs the enzyme lactase to separate these molecules. This makes them easier to digest and serves as an energy source for the cells.
When lactase is absent or insufficient, lactose remains undigested in the digestive tract. The unprocessed lactose draws fluids into the intestines, which expands them and accelerates the movement of food through the gastrointestinal tract.
In the large intestine, many different bacteria ferment the lactose. Gases (hydrogen and carbon dioxide) are formed, as well as lactic acid and other organic acids.
The symptoms of lactose intolerance are due to this combination of factors – increased fluid volume, accelerated stool transit, and fermentation.
Who suffers from lactose intolerance?
With ageing, lactase production naturally decreases in most people. There is also a rare form of congenital lactose intolerance, which is due to a complete lack of the enzyme and occurs in infancy.
Additionally, lactose intolerance can develop when the lining of the intestines is damaged by another disease, such as Crohn's disease or coeliac disease.
It is estimated that around 75% of all adults worldwide have difficulty breaking down lactose.
Bloating and stomach discomfort – main symptoms of lactose intolerance
Bloating and digestive issues are among the most common and unpleasant symptoms of lactose intolerance. They can vary in intensity – from mild discomfort to significant abdominal pain and bloating, which is noticeable even through clothing.
What causes bloating?
When lactose is not broken down in the small intestine due to a lack of lactase, it attracts fluid and causes bloating in the intestines. The undigested milk sugar, when it reaches the large intestine, serves as food for the gut bacteria. Gases are produced – mainly hydrogen, carbon dioxide and sometimes methane.
The gases and the increased volume of the stool cause abdominal bloating. The feeling of a 'belly balloon' is common and can be accompanied by gas.
Why does abdominal discomfort occur?
In addition to the increased volume, lactose intolerance also causes the contents to move more rapidly through the gastrointestinal tract. This leads to diarrhoea with watery stools and more frequent bowel movements. In addition to diarrhoea, abdominal pain often occurs – many patients describe it as spasms, cramps or colic.
Problems occur 30 minutes to one or two hours after consuming dairy products.
Why are these symptoms important?
Bloating and an upset stomach are undoubtedly unpleasant symptoms. But besides the short-term discomfort, their long-term effect on dietary habits is also significant.
Many people with lactose intolerance completely eliminate dairy products to avoid unpleasant consequences. This can lead to a deficiency of important nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D, which are found in milk, cheese and yoghurt.
In fact, the recommendation for people with lactose intolerance is not to eliminate milk completely. Instead, it is important to manage symptoms by reducing dairy intake, choosing lactose-free alternatives, and using products like Estocal.
How can we avoid wind and stomach discomfort?
The symptoms of lactose intolerance can be significantly reduced or completely prevented with the right dietary habits and by consuming lactase products. Combined with some basic dietary guidelines, Estocal can make life with lactose intolerance much easier.
Basic dietary tips for lactose intolerance:
- Read product labels. Many packaged foods contain lactose, including some where you would not expect it. Lactose can be found in ready meals and convenience foods, in sauces, and in some types of crisps.
- Don't eliminate all dairy products. Keep track of which dairy products cause you discomfort. Fresh milk has the highest lactose content, whereas in products like yoghurt and cheese, it is partially broken down. Interestingly, whole milk and chocolate milk are often better tolerated than skimmed milk. This is likely due to the slower absorption of lactose in the presence of fat. One study even showed that most people with lactose intolerance can consume up to 240 ml of milk (about one cup) without experiencing a serious worsening of symptoms. Monitor your symptoms and diet and try consuming small amounts of dairy products that do not cause symptoms.
- Choose lactose-free products. Products such as lactose-free fresh milk, yoghurt and cheese are now available in shops. These foods do not contain the milk sugar that irritates the gastrointestinal tract, but they retain the other important nutrients found in dairy products.
- Get calcium from other sources. If you have significantly reduced your milk intake, look for other calcium-rich foods to include in your diet. Various seeds such as chia and sesame, nuts (especially almonds), pulses (especially beans), and soya products like tofu are a good choice.
The role of Estocal
Estocal offers a practical solution for managing lactose intolerance. Each tablet contains the necessary amount of lactase, which helps the body to break down lactose and prevents it from accumulating in the intestines. This significantly reduces the risk of bloating, gas, and stomach discomfort.
One of its main advantages is that it allows people with lactose intolerance to enjoy their favourite dairy products without having to compromise on taste or their diet. This is particularly useful for special occasions or when eating out. Simply take an Estocal tablet before consuming any food or drink containing lactose to avoid unpleasant symptoms.
In conclusion
Lactose intolerance is an inconvenient condition, but it is not a disease that should limit your life. With careful attention to diet and lactose-free products when necessary, it is not essential to eliminate lactose completely. This means you can enjoy your favourite foods and avoid deficiencies in important nutrients without the risk of symptoms.
FAQ:
Can I consume dairy products if I am lactose intolerant?
- Yes, most people with lactose intolerance can consume certain dairy products without experiencing significant symptoms. For example, yoghurt and cheese are easier to digest. Lactose-free products are also an excellent choice. All of these products contain important nutrients, so it is best not to eliminate them completely.
When should I take Estocal?
- Take an Eastokal tablet just before consuming food or drinks that contain lactose. This way, the lactase in the product will prevent any unpleasant symptoms.
How can I make up for a calcium deficiency if I avoid dairy products?
- If you have significantly reduced your intake of dairy products, include calcium-rich foods in your diet, such as chia, sesame seeds, almonds, beans and tofu. Furthermore, lactose-free dairy products retain their calcium content and are a good option for people with lactose intolerance.
