To successfully treat and prevent recurrence of lactose intolerance we need to understand and — if possible — remove the underlying causes and risk factors. We need to ask: "What else is going on inside the body that might allow lactose intolerance to develop?"
Accurate diagnosis of the factors behind lactose intolerance consists of three steps:
Cause | Probability | Status |
---|---|---|
Increased Intestinal Permeability | 90% | Confirm |
Milk Allergy | 20% | Unlikely |
Poor Small Intestine Health | 1% | Ruled out |
Poor Digestion | 1% | Ruled out |
Are you lactose intolerant? Symptoms usually begin 30 minutes to 2 hours after consuming milk or dairy products and can include stomach pain and rumbling, bloating, gas, diarrhea, nausea.
Possible responses:
→ Don't know→ No, I know for sure that I am not → Moderately, resolved by lactase / consuming less → Severe problem; I must strictly avoid dairy |
One study found that of 24 milk-allergic individuals studied, half were found to be lactose intolerant.