THE milk It provides essential nutrients and is an important source of high-quality dietary energy, protein and fat, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
However, in some cases its consumption is not entirely good for health, because it can cause problems for those organisms that are not able to digest milk sugar, i.e. lactose intolerant.
THE lactose It is the main sugar of milk and its derivatives. THE The Spanish Foundation of the Digestive System (FEAD) explains that “if an individual’s lactase production is insufficient, when lactose is taken it will not be possible to absorb it adequately in the intestine”.
Symptoms of lactose intolerance
Second Mayo Clinicthe people who have Lactose intolerance They cannot digest the sugar (lactose) contained in milk. Consequently, the symptoms They usually start between 30 minutes and two hours after eating dairy products. The most common signs are:
- Diarrhea
- Gas
- Swelling
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Stomach cramps
The symptoms experienced by lactose intolerant people range from bloating to diarrhea. Photo: Shutterstock.With similar symptoms self-diagnosis should not be done, but it is It is essential to go to the doctor so that the professional can determine if you are lactose intolerant.
What happens if I drink lactose-free milk and am not lactose intolerant?
The Association of Lactose Intolerants of Spain (ADILAC) assures that in recent years the number of people who have decided to stop drinking has increased. lactose without having the diagnosis of intolerance and start consuming lactose-free products with the belief that they are more digestive or better for health.
Doctor Elena Sierra Maestro, allergist at the Quirónsalud University Hospital in Madrid, warns on the Infosalus website that “the elimination of lactose intake “In healthy people it produces a decrease in the production of lactase, the protein that allows the digestion of this sugar, and, consequently, in the long run it can generate lactose intolerance.”
Consequences of consuming lactose-free milk if you are not lactose intolerant. Photo: Shutterstock.Furthermore, he adds that “lactase production in the intestine depends on and adapts to prolonged consumption of lactose.”
Source: Clarin
Mary Ortiz is a seasoned journalist with a passion for world events. As a writer for News Rebeat, she brings a fresh perspective to the latest global happenings and provides in-depth coverage that offers a deeper understanding of the world around us.