Think you might be lactose intolerant?
Pictured Recipe:Frozen Chocolate-Coconut Milk with Strawberries
Our bodies produce an enzyme called lactase, which digests lactose.
But after early childhood, many people produce less lactase.
Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance
Lactase is produced by cells in the lining of the small intestine.
Only about5 percentof people of Northern European descent are lactose intolerant.
Pictured Recipe:Tomato-Cheddar Cheese Toast
What Should You Do If You Are Lactose Intolerant?
Avoiding lactose often means steering clear of many, but not all, dairy products.
Luckily, being lactose intolerant doesn’t mean that you have to give upallproducts that contain milk.
Simply employ a few different tactics that can help you enjoy dairy products without the undesirable side effects.
Incorporate plenty of nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Here are some good nondairysources of calcium:
Is It a Milk Allergy?
Nearly 20 percent of people with lactose intolerance are also allergic to milk.
The good news is that it’s perfectly possible to go dairy-free and maintain healthy levels of calcium.
Just be sure to eat balanced meals and include calcium-rich food sources in your diet.
