Lactose intolerance causes symptoms such as a bloated belly, gas, poor digestion and/or diarrhea, shortly after eating foods with lactose, whether milk or its derivatives, such as cheese, yogurt or butter.
The intensity of symptoms can vary according to each person’s degree of intolerance, being more frequent and more intense in those with greater sensitivity.
Lactose is the sugar present in milk that, under normal conditions, is digested by the body. However, in the case of lactose intolerance, this sugar cannot be properly digested due to the decrease or absence of the protein responsible for this process, lactase. See more about lactose intolerance.
Symptoms of lactose intolerance
The main symptoms of lactose intolerance are:
- Swollen belly;
- Excessive gas and abdominal pain;
- Diarrhea or constipation;
- Lack of energy and excessive tiredness;
- Easy irritability;
- Headache;
- Appearance of red spots on the skin after a meal;
- Muscle or joint pain.
In addition to lactose intolerance, there is also milk allergy, which can cause similar symptoms, but which tend to be more intense. Learn more about milk allergy.
Online symptom test
If you think you may be lactose intolerant, mark your symptoms in the test below:
How to confirm lactose intolerance
To confirm lactose intolerance, it is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist so that the symptoms presented can be evaluated and some tests can be carried out to help confirm the diagnosis.
In addition, it is recommended to carry out a food exclusion test, in which you must stop consuming milk and dairy products for around 7 days. See in more detail how to confirm lactose intolerance.
Also watch this video to learn how to eat if you have lactose intolerance:
