What is Lactose Intolerance?
By The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
WebMD Public Information from the National Institutes of Health
What is Lactose Intolerance?
Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest significant amounts of lactose, the predominant sugar of milk. This inability results from a shortage of the enzyme lactase, which is normally produced by the cells that line the small intestine. (See figure 1.) Lactase breaks down milk sugar into simpler forms that can then be absorbed into the bloodstream. When there is not enough lactase to digest the amount of lactose consumed, the results, although not usually dangerous, may be very distressing. While not all persons deficient in lactase have symptoms, those who do are considered to be lactose intolerant.
Between 30 and 50 million Americans are lactose intolerant.
Fortunately, lactose intolerance is relatively easy to treat. No treatment exists to improve the body's ability to produce lactase, but symptoms can be controlled through diet. A major symptom of lactose intolerance is excessive flatulence.
Even though lactose intolerance is widespread, it need not pose a serious threat to good health. People who have trouble digesting lactose can learn which dairy products and other foods they can eat without discomfort and which ones they should avoid. Many will be able to enjoy milk, ice cream, and other such products if they take them in small amounts or eat other food at the same time. Others can use lactase liquid or tablets to help digest the lactose. Even older women at risk for osteoporosis and growing children who must avoid milk and foods made with milk can meet most of their special dietary needs by eating greens, fish, and other calcium-rich foods that are free of lactose. A carefully chosen diet (with calcium supplements if the doctor or dietitian recommends them) is the key to reducing symptoms and protecting future health.
ABOUT FLAT-D: Flat-D Innovations, Inc., privately-held and headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is the leader in flatulence odor control products. Flat-D Innovations has helped thousands of people worldwide (USA & International) and has gained recognition among the medical community. The Flatulence Deodorizer is Doctor Recommended, FDA Registered, Patented, Better Business Bureau listed, and has been proven to be effective against odors associated with flatulence. By neutralizing the odors, The Flatulence Deodorizer eliminates the embarrassment (caused by the odor) and helps give these people back their freedom. “The Flatulence Deodorizer is the simplest, non-drug solution for the most disgusting of odors (flatulence)”. The company has expanded their offering to include chair pads, incontinence pads, ostomy products, and even canine gas deodorizing diapers.
Contact Frank Morosky at Flat-D Innovations, Inc.
Email: Frank@Flat-D.com
Or: Brian Conant at Brian@flat-d.com
Toll Free 1-866-354-0056
International 319-447-4840
Website www.flat-d.com
What is Lactose Intolerance?
Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest significant amounts of lactose, the predominant sugar of milk. This inability results from a shortage of the enzyme lactase, which is normally produced by the cells that line the small intestine. (See figure 1.) Lactase breaks down milk sugar into simpler forms that can then be absorbed into the bloodstream. When there is not enough lactase to digest the amount of lactose consumed, the results, although not usually dangerous, may be very distressing. While not all persons deficient in lactase have symptoms, those who do are considered to be lactose intolerant.
Between 30 and 50 million Americans are lactose intolerant.
Fortunately, lactose intolerance is relatively easy to treat. No treatment exists to improve the body's ability to produce lactase, but symptoms can be controlled through diet. A major symptom of lactose intolerance is excessive flatulence.
Even though lactose intolerance is widespread, it need not pose a serious threat to good health. People who have trouble digesting lactose can learn which dairy products and other foods they can eat without discomfort and which ones they should avoid. Many will be able to enjoy milk, ice cream, and other such products if they take them in small amounts or eat other food at the same time. Others can use lactase liquid or tablets to help digest the lactose. Even older women at risk for osteoporosis and growing children who must avoid milk and foods made with milk can meet most of their special dietary needs by eating greens, fish, and other calcium-rich foods that are free of lactose. A carefully chosen diet (with calcium supplements if the doctor or dietitian recommends them) is the key to reducing symptoms and protecting future health.
ABOUT FLAT-D: Flat-D Innovations, Inc., privately-held and headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is the leader in flatulence odor control products. Flat-D Innovations has helped thousands of people worldwide (USA & International) and has gained recognition among the medical community. The Flatulence Deodorizer is Doctor Recommended, FDA Registered, Patented, Better Business Bureau listed, and has been proven to be effective against odors associated with flatulence. By neutralizing the odors, The Flatulence Deodorizer eliminates the embarrassment (caused by the odor) and helps give these people back their freedom. “The Flatulence Deodorizer is the simplest, non-drug solution for the most disgusting of odors (flatulence)”. The company has expanded their offering to include chair pads, incontinence pads, ostomy products, and even canine gas deodorizing diapers.
Contact Frank Morosky at Flat-D Innovations, Inc.
Email: Frank@Flat-D.com
Or: Brian Conant at Brian@flat-d.com
Toll Free 1-866-354-0056
International 319-447-4840
Website www.flat-d.com