Five best diet tips for people with lactose intolerance 11^th March 2022

Have you felt sick after eating a meal that comprises dairy products? This is a common condition that people suffer from, and the condition is called lactose intolerance. People with this condition cannot digest lactose, a type of sugar present in dairy products such as milk. It bars people from consuming a large variety of products since our country’s staple diet involves a large quantity of milk and other dairy products.

Over time, several alternative food products are introduced in the market for lactose-intolerant people. Those with the condition can use dairy-free products like soy milk, almond milk, and coconut milk while cooking to replace lactose-based products. However, even with new alternatives to dairy products, lactose intolerance has no cure and can only be managed by itself. You can only invest in reliable health insurance in India to secure your overall health in the future.

Even though undigested lactose is not severe, it can cause extreme discomfort, stomach cramps and intestinal pain, gas, and diarrhoea. Here are a few daily dietary tips that you can follow to manage your lactose intolerance better!

1. Avoid dairy-rich food products:
It is better to avoid consuming anything that can push your body over the edge. Avoid foods with high amounts of dairy content. The best method to follow is the 80/20 method. It involves having your diet composed of 80 per cent dairy-free food and 20 per cent dairy food.

2. Opt for reliable dairy-free products:
Opting for good quality dairy-free products can prevent you from developing symptoms of lactose intolerance. Many low-lactose and lactose-free products are available today and can enrich your daily diet without causing significant changes. Use almond milk or a dairy-free creamer for your coffee or low-lactose cheese for a burger.
While purchasing these products, you must ensure that they are FDA approved and authentic enough. Several products that claim to be dairy-free may not be completely free of lactose. As a trusting consumer, you may consume large quantities of these products and end up suffering from the symptoms anyway. Being a wise and knowledgeable consumer is critical when suffering from certain health conditions.

3. Choose yoghurt over milk:
Several lactose-intolerant people find yoghurt easier to digest than milk. Active cultures in yoghurt make it easier to digest lactose, which allows you to consume a rich source of protein without experiencing severe symptoms. A few spoons of plain Greek yoghurt can significantly improve your gut health.

4. Incorporate calcium and vitamin-D rich foods:
Being lactose-intolerant can cause significant calcium and vitamin D deficiency in your body. Your body needs a good amount of vitamin D to absorb calcium. You must ensure your diet has a well-rounded supply of these nutrients.
Include fish, almonds, green leafy vegetables, oranges, and tofu in your regular diet to ensure a stable intake of the calcium it needs. Eating eggs and salmon can back you up with enough vitamin D as well.

5. Try lactase supplements:
Several lactose-intolerant people take lactase supplements before consuming any dairy products. Lactase supplements can ensure you eat and drink lactose-rich dairy without suffering from any discomfort later. These supplements essentially help break down the complex lactose present in dairy while controlling the uncomfortable symptoms.

These few diet tips can help you enjoy a variety of foods without experiencing the discomfort of your condition. Even as there is no specific cure for lactose intolerance, controlling and managing it can go a long way in ensuring a comfortable and healthy life. Besides this, also remember to invest in comprehensive health insurance to safeguard your health against other ailments and concerns.

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Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.