Lactose or milk sugar is a common and trivial ingredient in our daily lives. However, behind the sweet taste of dairy products, lactose can pose a severe threat to the health of certain groups of individuals. The question is: Does lactose pose a significant health threat?
This article aims to answer that question and delve into recent research to better understand the potential impacts of lactose.
Understanding Lactose Better
Lactose is a combination of two simple sugar molecules, glucose and galactose. It can be found in dairy products. When you consume milk or dairy products, lactase breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose, allowing your body to absorb these sugars.
Beyond being the sweetness in dairy, lactose plays a crucial role in our well-being. It contributes to the strength of our bones and teeth by aiding the body in absorbing calcium.
Additionally, it is vital for the growth of infants, as lactose is present in breast milk, serving as an excellent energy source for little ones. However, some individuals may encounter challenges with lactose.
Is Lactose Bad for Your Health?
Basically, lactose is not harmful to the body’s health, but the process of digesting it is challenging for those suffering from lactose intolerance.
Lactose intolerance occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough lactase enzymes to break down lactose properly. As a result, consuming foods that are containing lactose such as dairy products can lead to uncomfortable symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, and cramps.
Understanding how your body processes lactose is crucial, empowering you to address any intolerance effectively. This knowledge enables you to select foods and beverages that align with your body’s needs, promoting overall well-being and ensuring that you feel good and stay healthy. It contributes to your long-term health and comfort.
It is important to note that lactose doesn’t pose any health risks. However, people with lactose intolerance need to be careful about consuming lactose to avoid uncomfortable symptoms. If you don’t have this condition, lactose is still a safe part of a healthy diet.
Solution for People with Lactose Intolerance?
Lactose intolerance is a condition that needs to be considered because it has the potential to cause various nutritional deficiencies. This is because dairy products contain many essential nutrients for the body, such as calcium, vitamin D, protein, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and phosphorus.
If you have lactose intolerance, you can consume this product:
1. Lactose-Reduced Products
Instead of entirely cutting out dairy, experts now advise most people with lactose intolerance to include a small amount, around 12–15 grams of lactose per day.
2. Lactose-Free Products
Various alternative food and drink options, both artificial and natural, are available to replace milk and dairy products. These products, mainly processed lactose-free dairy items, such as lactose-free milk and cheese, allow lactose-intolerant individuals to enjoy the taste of dairy without experiencing intestinal symptoms.
3. Probiotics
Probiotics in yogurt can be beneficial, and many lactose-intolerant people can enjoy yogurt without typical symptoms. Yogurt consumption is recommended as a dietary strategy to meet the daily calcium intake for lactose-intolerant individuals.
4. Non-Dairy Substitutes
Nowadays, there are plant-based options, such as cashews milk. They can add some good stuff, such as vitamins and calcium.
Managing lactose intolerance involves discovering what suits you and maintaining a balanced diet.
Arummi’s Recommendation: Lactose-Free Cashew Milk
Plant-based milk is a product you must try. Enjoy the tasty cashew milk from Arummi without any worries about upsetting your stomach. Get it at your nearby supermarket!