Know Key Facts About Lactose Intolerance

Posted on: Jun 4, 2025 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Know Key Facts About Lactose Intolerance

Do you often feel sick or uncomfortable after having milk, cheese, ice cream or other dairy products? You might be lactose intolerant. It is a common condition that happens when your body can’t properly digest lactose, the natural sugar found in dairy. This can lead to unpleasant symptoms like bloating, gas or stomach cramps. If that is the case, your doctor might suggest making a few changes to your diet and being a bit more mindful of what you eat. In this blog, we will break down the causes, symptoms and treatment options for lactose intolerance, so you can manage it with ease and still enjoy your meals.

Know Everything About Lactose Intolerance

If you often feel uncomfortable after consuming milk or dairy products, you might be lactose intolerant. Let’s take a closer look at what causes this condition, the symptoms to watch for, and the treatment options that can help you manage it better.

Which Foods Can Trigger Lactose Intolerance Symptoms?

Some common triggers include:

• Milk, such as cow’s milk and goat’s milk

• Soft cheeses

• Yoghurt

• Ice cream, milkshakes and other frozen dairy desserts

• Cream-based products, such as sour cream, heavy cream and butter

• Baked goods and processed foods made with milk or milk ingredients

• Packaged foods that contain hidden lactose, like soups, sauces and salad dressings

Lactose Intolerance – Causes

Some common causes of lactose intolerance are:

1. Family history:

Sometimes, lactose intolerance runs in families. In these cases, the body slowly starts making less lactase, and this often begins in the teenage years or adulthood.

2. After illness or injury:

Lactose intolerance can also develop if the small intestine gets damaged from an illness, infection or injury. This can cause the body to stop making enough lactase.

3. Premature birth:

Babies born too early (premature) might not make enough lactase at first. However, this is usually temporary and improves as they grow.

4. Rare condition from birth:

In very rare cases, babies are born without the ability to make any lactase at all. This is a genetic condition present from birth.

Signs and Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance

If you are lactose intolerant, you might notice some uncomfortable symptoms after having milk or other dairy products. These can include:

• A bloated stomach

• Intestinal gas or flatulence

• Nausea and vomiting

• Stomach pain or cramps

• Gurgling or rumbling sounds in your stomach

• Diarrhea

Lactose Intolerance – Treatment Options

There’s no cure to help your body make more lactase, but you can manage symptoms through diet and lactase supplements. The following tips can also help manage the condition:

• Start with small amounts of dairy products

• Consume dairy products with meals

• Choose low-lactose options

• Try lactase supplements

Conclusion

Lactose intolerance is a common but manageable condition. While your body can’t produce more lactase, you can manage the symptoms by adjusting your diet, using lactase supplements and choosing lactose-free products. If you experience discomfort after consuming dairy and plan to consult a doctor or dietitian, check your health insurance online or talk to the insurance provider to understand what services are covered. This way, you can opt for quality treatment accordingly without worrying about the bills.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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