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Lactose Intolerance Treatment

As with all medical conditions, it is essential to see a doctor for an official diagnosis and treatment plan.

That being said, the best treatment for those suffering from Lactose Intolerance is to avoid lactose-containing products. Though this is the most obvious treatent and avoids medical intervation, it still proves very difficult in Western cultures, as milk and milk products are among the most popular foods. Thankfully, there are delicious and nutritious lactose-free products available on the market today so people don't have to sacrifice taste when dealing with an intolerance. 

Only a few of those affected must completely avoid lactose.

It's helpful to test a person's individual tolerance for lactose, as some are more reative than others. Many people with a Lactose Intolerance can tolerate ten to twelve grams of lactose per day - the equivalent to a glass of milk. However, the way in which this quantity is absorbed also plays a role. Drinking a glass of milk on an empty stomach leads almost all people with Lactose Intolerance to severe symptoms such as diarrhea. Lactose is better tolerated when consumed with other foods or during a meal. Many people report that they are able to tolerate smaller amounts over the course of the day better than a larger portion at one time.

Getting the right nutrition with Lactose Intolerance.

Not all dairy products are poorly tolerated: milk contains high levels of lactose (milk sugar), as does cream and buttermilk. Young cheese also has a high lactose content;  ripened cheese, on the other hand, often contains very little lactose. The same is true for natural yogurt, since milk sugar turns into lactic acid during its production.

For people with Lactose Intolerance, it is essential to pay close attention to the ingredient lists on foods. Lactose is hidden in many processed and packaged foods. For example, chocolate often has a high milk sugar content (thankfully, Frusano's chocolates are an exception here - all are lactose-free)! Many food producers also add lactose to meat and sausage products, sweets, breads, pastries, sauces, and preserves to change the consistency and flavor of their food. Manufacturers are required to state whether their products contain milk or milk products as an ingredient, but the quantity remains unclear in most cases. As a rule of thumb, the further down the list an ingredient appears, the smaller its share in the overall product.

Lactose-free products make the choice easier.

The large number of lactose-free products in grocery stores today makes it easier for people with Lactose Intolerance to buy food that's completely free of dairy. However, claims of "lactose free" or "dairy free" are not absolute. Most products labeled as such contain less than 0.1 gram of lactose per 100g. This limit is certain when it is stated explicitly on the packaging, as is the case with the Frusano products.

Frusano's delicious, lactose-free products:

Oral lactase supplements

Eating and cooking lactose-free at home is one thing; dining out and traveling, however, can prove more difficult. In such cases, many people turn to oral lactase supplements. This is rarely necessary, though, as most individuals with Lactose Intolerance can still tolerate small amounts of lactose. However, these supplements are available over-the-counter at pharmacies, as well as in our Frusano Shop. When taking these supplements, the dosage should be based on the amount of lactose consumed. 

Further reading:

What is Lactose Intolerance?

Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance?

Diagnosing Lactose Intolerance?