What You Should KnowAbout Lactose Intolerance

About Lactose Intolerance

If you’ve ever experienced excruciating pain after eating an ice cream or have ran to the bathroom after drinking milk, you may have lactose intolerance. That happens when your body can’t digest dairy products properly -- and you end up in a world of hurt. Read on to know more.

If you’ve ever experienced excruciating pain after eating an ice cream or have ran to the bathroom after drinking milk, you may have lactose intolerance. That happens when your body can’t digest dairy products properly -- and you end up in a world of hurt. Read on to know more.

What is Lactose Intolerance?

Lactose intolerance is the inability to break down a natural type of sugar called lactose which is commonly found in dairy products, such as milk and yogurt. You become lactose intolerant when your small intestine stops making enough of the enzyme called lactase which breaks down and digests the lactose.

There are 3 main types of Lactose intolerance. They are:

1. Primary Lactose Intolerance

This is the most common type of lactose intolerance and is caused due to ageing. While most people are born with enough lactase, the amount of lactase a person makes may decrease over time as they age.

2. Secondary Lactose Intolerance

This is caused due to illness or injury involving your small intestine which results in decreased lactase production. Diseases associated with secondary lactose intolerance include intestinal infection, celiac disease, bacterial overgrowth and Crohn's disease.

3. Congenital or Developmental Lactose Intolerance

This is a rare type where the baby is born with lactose intolerance caused by a lack of lactase. Premature infants can also have lactose intolerance because of an insufficient lactase level.