In terms of ‘diet’ there is no specific diet that can be used by people who suffer from lactose intolerance. Rather, it is an avoidance of foods that contain lactose. Being lactose intolerant simply means that you are not able to digest the sugar, or lactose contained in certain food and drink products. Your small intestine isn’t able to produce enough lactose (an enzyme) for you to be able to eat or drink lactose-laden foods without discomfort.
Once you have been diagnosed as lactose intolerant your doctor will let you know what foods to avoid. You may have already figured this out on your own, though. You know that eating milk products sets off a volley of symptoms you would rather avoid, so eating less of this food (or none at all) will go a long way in easing your symptoms. No one enjoys running to the bathroom as frequently as you might be doing. It’s uncomfortable, annoying, and sometimes very embarrassing. This is just one of the things you will have to put up with. Couple the diarrhea with cramps, bloating, gas, nausea, and even more and you have a very limited lifestyle if you persist eating this type of food.
So, the proper ‘diet’ for lactose intolerance is: either complete avoidance of food or drinks containing lactose, or limiting yourself to a few bites on occasion. You can search this site for foods that contain very little lactose or are even lactose free. They are out there, and while you may be spending a little more money your overall good health and general well-being are worth it. Many stores carry a selection of diary free (lactose free) products that you can try. Don’t think that lactose intolerance is something you will just have to “put up with.” There are things you can do to make yourself more comfortable.
