🥛 About lactose intolerance - positive changes in understanding
Međimurski ceker1. How many people in the world suffer from lactose intolerance?
The prevalence of lactose intolerance varies among different populations, but in some parts of the world, such as Asian and African populations, the percentage of people with lactose intolerance may be higher. In Western countries, the prevalence is often lower.
2. What are the possible indicators of lactose intolerance?
Symptoms of lactose intolerance include bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, gas, and the like. It is important to note that symptoms can vary from mild to severe.
3. Alternatives for protein supplements instead of milk proteins:
Alternatives to protein supplements include plant sources of protein such as soy, peas, hemp, rice and almonds. There are many vegan proteins on the market that are effective substitutes for those who are lactose intolerant.
4. How is lactose intolerance manifested?
It manifests itself in symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, abdominal pain, gas, and possibly nausea. Symptoms appear after consumption of dairy products or food containing lactose.
5. Physical and psychological impact of lactose intolerance:
Physical symptoms can cause discomfort and decrease quality of life. Psychologically, people with intolerances may feel stressed or frustrated by having to avoid certain foods.
6. Dietary changes due to lactose intolerance:
Substitutes for lactose products include plant-based milks (almond, soy, coconut), lactose-free or low-fat dairy products, and the use of substitutes for baking and cooking.
7. Feeling in the stomach or body after consuming lactose:
For those with an intolerance, it can cause abdominal pain, bloating, gas and diarrhea. People who are not intolerant should not experience any negative effects.
8. Lactose intolerance testing:
Lactose intolerance can be diagnosed by testing with a doctor. The most common test involves consuming a certain amount of lactose, monitoring symptoms and measuring blood glucose levels.
9. Different levels of lactose intolerance:
There is variability in the severity of symptoms. Some people can be completely intolerant, while others can tolerate small amounts of lactose without problems.
10. Why do people become lactose intolerant?
The main reason is the decrease in the level of lactase enzyme in the intestines after childhood. Heredity and ethnicity also play a role.
11. Connection and prerequisites for lactose intolerance:
Genetics play an important role. People of different ethnic groups have different levels of lactose tolerance. Also, with age, many people become less tolerant.
12. Consequences of lactose intolerance:
In addition to physical symptoms, lactose intolerance can lead to problems absorbing calcium and vitamin D, which can affect bone health. It can also cause emotional discomfort due to dietary restrictions.
Understanding the degree of lactose intolerance can provide a number of benefits and positively impact an individual's life
Here are some key benefits…
1. Personalization of nutrition:
Knowing the degree of intolerance enables you to adjust your diet according to your own needs. People with lactose intolerance can find an optimal balance between the consumption of lactose products and alternatives that match their tolerance.
2. Prevention of symptoms:
Being aware of your own tolerance helps to avoid the symptoms associated with lactose intolerance. People who are aware of their intolerance can opt for lactose-free products or use enzyme supplements to facilitate digestion.
3. Maintaining the balance of nutrients:
Understanding the degree of lactose intolerance allows proper diet planning to ensure adequate intake of nutrients, especially calcium and vitamin D, which are important for bone health.
4. Improvement of digestive health:
Adjusting your diet to your own tolerance can reduce gastrointestinal problems associated with lactose intolerance, such as bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. This can improve overall digestive health.
5. Reduction of emotional discomfort:
Awareness of one's dietary restrictions reduces the stress and frustration associated with the need to avoid certain foods. This can contribute to better mental health and quality of life.
6. Promotion of healthy lifestyle habits:
Understanding lactose intolerance encourages a person to develop healthy eating habits, researching and choosing alternatives that suit their needs. This can promote general awareness of the importance of proper nutrition.
7. Encouraging environmental education
People with lactose intolerance can educate their families, friends and colleagues about their intolerance, which can result in greater understanding and support in their daily diet.
8. Search for new flavors and alternatives:
Awareness of intolerance can encourage exploration of new flavors and alternatives that provide satisfying food options. This can expand the cultural diversity of the diet.
9. Monitoring and adjustment:
Knowing the degree of intolerance enables monitoring changes over time and adjusting dietary habits as needed, which contributes to long-term health maintenance.
Ultimately, understanding one's own lactose intolerance contributes to the creation of an adapted and healthy approach to nutrition, improves the quality of life and promotes overall well-being.
