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What happens if lactose is not fully digested by the body?
People with lactose intolerance are unable to fully digest the sugar (lactose) in milk. As a result, they have diarrhea, gas and bloating after eating or drinking dairy products. The condition, which is also called lactose malabsorption, is usually harmless, but its symptoms can be uncomfortable.
Why undigested lactose causes problems?
Diarrhea occurs due to undigested lactose in your small intestine, which causes water to move into your digestive tract ( 2 ). Once it reaches your colon, the lactose is fermented by the bacteria in your gut, forming short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and gas. This causes bloating, gas, and pain ( 2 ).
Can lactose build up in your system?
When lactose ferments in your gut, it can lead to a build-up of hydrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide. Pain. Pain in the abdominal region is common for people with lactose intolerance.
Why is the digestion of lactose important?
Lactose is a type of sugar, naturally found in milk and dairy products. In the intestine, lactose is transformed by lactase, an enzyme, into glucose and galactose, both simpler sugars, which are used by our body for energy and various functions. Most people have difficulty digesting lactose.
How does lactose intolerance affect the large intestine?
When lactose moves through the large intestine (colon) without being properly digested, it can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as gas, belly pain, and bloating. Some people who have lactose intolerance cannot digest any milk products.
Can lactose intolerance get worse?
Can lactose intolerance symptoms get worse? Lactose intolerance often gets worse as you age and your body loses the ability to produce lactase. Still, the severity of symptoms is usually relative to the amount of lactose you consume.
Does lactose have any health benefits?
While there is limited research into its health benefits, some studies suggest lactose may have a prebiotic effect in some people – which means it may stimulate the growth and/or activity of certain ‘good’ bacteria in the gut. The amount of lactose in dairy foods varies.
How does lactose intolerance affect digestive health?
People with lactose intolerance experience digestive problems when they eat dairy, which can have a negative effect on quality of life. What Is Lactose Intolerance? Lactose intolerance is a digestive disorder caused by the inability to digest lactose, the main carbohydrate in dairy products.
What is lactose malabsorption and how dangerous is it?
As a result, they have diarrhea, gas and bloating after eating or drinking dairy products. The condition, which is also called lactose malabsorption, is usually harmless, but its symptoms can be uncomfortable.
How does lactase break down lactose in food?
Lactase breaks down the lactose in food so your body can absorb it. People who are lactose intolerant have unpleasant symptoms after eating or drinking milk or milk products. These symptoms include bloating, diarrhea, and gas.
Do you have lactose intolerance in your family?
This condition often runs in families and can be developed by both children and adults. Lactose intolerance is most common in Asian Americans, African Americans, Mexican Americans and Native Americans. Symptoms vary from person to person, but may include: gas, diarrhea, bloating, belly pains and/or nausea.