Dairy & You
Healthy humans have healthy guts with healthy levels of enzymes.
In disease-free and symptom-free humans, lactase activity persists at a high level throughout adult life.
Lactase is an enzyme produced in the small intestines to help digest milk.
Lactase breaks down lactose, a sugar that gives milk its sweetness.
Lactase Persistence
People who have sufficient lactase as they age are said to be lactase persistent. They can consume large quantities of fresh milk without adverse effects like gas and bloating.
Lactase persistence is the exact opposite of lactose intolerance. Because lactase is needed to digest lactose. Without enough lactase, you can’t break milk sugar down. The larger pieces of poorly digested milk protein aggravate the gut wall. Causing symptoms from bloat to pain to more.
People with lactase non-persistence have a much lower lactose digestion capacity and often ( not always) will show symptoms of lactose intolerance after the consumption of milk and dairy products.
Malabsorption of lactose has been observed in 37% of people with gastrointestinal issues.
If you have chronic gut issues, one of the first things you might want to try is going off ALL dairy products and see if your gut improves.
Causes?
What causes a lack of this enzyme? Lactase insufficiency is largely based on the genetic deal of your cards.
If you consume dairy but notice symptoms, you may need to avoid dairy or take digestive aids containing lactase.
It’s easier than ever to go dairy free as there are so many tasty and healthy dairy-free substitutes to choose from. I especially like Forager kefir products made from coconut and cashew. The consistency is like velvet. Yum.
Possible symptoms of dairy intolerance:
Bloating,
Gas,
Gut pain
Ears get red after eating
Nose itches after eating
Mucus in the throat after eating or the next morning
Headaches a few hours after eating
Joint pain a few hours after eating
Moodiness a few hours after eating
Loose stools
Constipation
Diverticulosis
Knowledge is power.
Stay mucus free.
Dr. B.
Reference:
On the Evolution of Lactase Persistence in Humans. Annu Rev Genomics Hum Genet. 2017 Aug 31;18:297-319. doi: 10.1146/annurev-genom-091416-035340.