What is lactose? What causes lactose intolerance?
The history of someone with lactose intolerance is very typical. These individuals experience intestinal discomfort when they consume milk and dairy products. The severity of symptoms varies depending on the individual's lactose tolerance level. The tolerance threshold differs from person to person, symptoms can manifest in many ways, and generally begin 3 minutes to 72 hours after lactose intake, but in many patients, these complaints start within half an hour to two hours.
What are the main complaints reported by patients with lactose intolerance ?
- Increased bowel movements
- Gas
- Weakness
- Diarrhea
- abdominal cramps
- feeling of fullness in the abdomen
- Nausea
- Edema
- Shapeless stools
- Swelling
How is lactose intolerance treated?
Treating lactose intolerance is very simple: avoid all products containing lactose. But how practical is this in daily life? Many foods prepared and offered to us by the food industry contain hidden lactose. So it's not just dairy products. Lactose is found in numerous products such as milk sugar, biscuits, chewing gum, sausage products, powdered sauces, gravies, instant soups, sweeteners, and spreads. Even dietary supplements and many medications are processed with lactose as a carrier!
What are the treatment stages for lactose intolerance?
The holistic and regulatory medicine approach aims to repair the damaged intestinal mucosa. The basis of treatment lies in restoring the intestinal flora and helping the body produce its own enzymes. In individuals with lactose intolerance, the main treatment principle is to eliminate all lactose-containing foods from the diet for varying periods depending on the type of intolerance. If the condition is in the 'primary form,' lactose-containing products must be eliminated from the diet for life. In the 'acquired form,' the quantity should be restricted with age. However, if the disease is in the 'secondary form,' lactose-containing products should be prohibited until the underlying disease is treated. In lactose intolerance caused by an intestinal flora imbalance, it is necessary to strictly eliminate milk, dairy products, and lactose-containing foods from the diet for a minimum of two to three months.
Is it necessary to treat other disease symptoms in the treatment of lactose intolerance?
In my clinical experience, I've observed that lactose intolerance in adulthood is primarily caused by chronic infections and intestinal parasites; there are also those with secondary autoimmune diseases in the digestive system. Treating these underlying conditions is essential for successful treatment. One of the most important measures is to initially rebalance the microbiological environment and restore the intestinal flora; if necessary, to cleanse the intestines using colon hydrotherapy.
Can patients with lactose intolerance consume milk and dairy products during treatment?
Individuals with lactose intolerance trigger inflammation as long as they consume milk and dairy products. I prescribe a personalized treatment plan that supports the regulation of the gut flora, including probiotics, prebiotics, enzymes, and orthomolecular supplements, along with neural therapy. This allows us to both reduce existing inflammation and initiate physiological tissue-building processes, significantly impacting the intestinal structure. My personal experience has shown that these microbiologically active preparations, which we recommend for overcoming lactose intolerance, generally require intensive use over a longer period. A certain level of willingness and discipline from the patient is essential for success. Depending on the severity of the intestinal disorder, in addition to these basic medications, specialized organ preparations that can strengthen the production process are also used.
In individuals with long-term intestinal flora imbalance, we also observe liver, gallbladder, and pancreatic disorders. Detoxification and strengthening of digestive glands such as the liver and pancreas are particularly important. During the period when the patient avoids problematic products, we apply neural therapy for regulation, addressing any underlying irritation centers; correcting the intestinal flora that appears in adults requires more than just probiotic support. Therefore, we utilize orthomolecular support, phytotherapy, and microbiological treatments. How to return to a normal diet should be determined through follow-up appointments. In severe forms, daily intake is limited to a maximum of 1 to 2 grams. In infants with congenital lactose deficiency, neither breast milk nor lactose-containing replacer milk should be given, as serious developmental disorders may occur otherwise. Since tolerance levels vary from person to person and many can consume small amounts of lactose, a completely lactose-free diet (maximum 1 g/day) is very rarely needed. Usually, a lactose-poor diet (maximum 8-10 g/day) is sufficient. In contrast, healthy adults can consume 20-30 g of lactose per day.
Lactose products can be defined in three categories:
- Products made from milk powder
- Lactase enzyme added to milk
- Plant-based products (such as soy, almonds, and coconut)
The most common type of dairy product is one made from milk powder with the addition of the lactase enzyme. Many lactose-free dairy products are available on the market. By adding the lactase enzyme during the production process, the aim is to break down (i.e., pre-digest) the milk sugar. Lactose-free products are sweeter than other dairy products.
Which Additives Contain Dairy Products?
No additives (E-numbers) contain milk protein or any other milk components. When milk components are mentioned, it is always milk powder, casein, whey, whey powder, yogurt, yogurt powder, and the like. Therefore, it is ideal to avoid all ready-made products.