FitSugar

Milk Does a Body Good???

FitSugar — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 02:30:00 PST

Do you often get a bellyache when you eat or drink foods containing milk? I'm sorry to say, but you may be lactose intolerant.

Lactose is the milk sugar in dairy products. Lactase is the enzyme in your body that breaks down the lactose.

Some people's bodies just don't produce enough of the enzyme to digest the amount of lactose they eat. So when they eat it, they can feel uncomfortable, gassy, bloated or get severe cramps, pains, or diarrhea.

If you think this info might apply to you, there's a simple breath test you can take at your doctor's office. Basically they give you a lactose-loaded beverage and then they monitor the amount of hydrogen in your breath. Don't bother getting the test if you already know how milk affects you.

What's the cure? Sorry folks - there is none. You can either avoid foods containing milk or take Lactaid pills. You can by them over-the counter and they contain the lactase enzyme. Just take a pill with your first bite of dairy-filled food - and you're good to go.

Fit's Tips: Costco sells Lactaid Fast Act Caplets, so if you use them everyday, you might as well buy them in bulk. (90 for $15.29)

T-Day Tips For the Lactose Intolerant

Heather Dale — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:42:52 PST

Turkey, mashed potatoes, dressing, gravy, pumpkin pie, oh my! Thanksgiving is not only a time to give thanks and surround yourself with loved ones, but it's also the annual holiday most known for its savory signature dishes. For some, this means gorging on yams, biscuits, and casseroles, but for others the day means worrying about food sensitivities and allergies that can be triggered by basic ingredients in a number of dishes. If you're lactose intolerant, Thanksgiving dinner can be overwhelming since so many delicious food items contain milk and dairy products. Here are some simple tips for surviving Thanksgiving and still indulging like everyone else if you are lactose intolerant.

Tips For the Lactose Intolerant

FitSugar — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:27:31 PDT

How can a hot slice of ooey-gooey cheese pizza taste so good but make you feel so bad? If you're lactose intolerant, even one bite could have you racing to the bathroom. Here are some tips to help you deal with your dairy-filled world.

If your body can't tolerate any dairy products whatsoever, keep Lactaid pills with you at all times. Lactose intolerance is caused by a lactase deficiency, the enzyme needed to break down the lactose (milk sugar) in your food. If the lactose doesn't get broken down, it causes major bloating, gas, or diarrhea. Just pop a pill with your first bite of food containing dairy, and you're all set. If one pill doesn't offer the magic, take another.
A package of 60 Lactaid brand caplets costs around $15, so if you're going through three or more pills a day, this can be a big expense. Buy them in bulk and save some dough - Kirkland brand costs $16.50 for 180.
If you're not into popping Lactaid pills, avoiding dairy is your best bet, which means being a keen label reader. Look for words such as milk, milk powder, butter, buttermilk, cream, cheese, whey, curds, or milk solids. Hidden lactose can be found in baked goods, dressings, chips, instant soups, candies, pancake mixes, margarine, and even certain medications. If you think a food might have dairy in it, but you're not sure, don't take the chance.

Keep reading for more lactose intolerance tips.

Bloated? These Foods May Be the Culprit

FitSugar — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 08:00:07 PST

The gift of a bloated belly isn't only reserved for women during that time of the month. Sometimes it's the foods we eat that can cause that full, gassy feeling. Here's a list of foods that may be contributing to your balloon-like belly, so you may want to think about limiting or avoiding them.

Dairy products: Lactose intolerance can range from mild to severe, but either way, gas is usually a symptom. Try limiting the amount of milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream you eat and see if that helps. If it does, you don't have to ditch dairy altogether. Drink lactose-free milk, or take Lactaid pills to help your body digest milk products.
Apples and pears: These fruits contain about four grams of fiber per serving, so they're an excellent source of soluble fiber, but they can also wreak havoc on sensitive tummies. Don't avoid them entirely though. Eating half or a quarter of these fruits along with other foods will allow you to enjoy their flavor without paying the price.
Beans: This magical fruit contains oligosaccharide, a type of sugar which is not normally digestible by our bodies. When this sugar reaches your large intestine, the bacteria go to town eating it up, and the gas you produce is an unfortunate byproduct.

To see what other foods may be causing your bloated tummy