Milk is one food item that we include in our routine diets. We drink milk in tea or coffee and make milk smoothies. Besides this, we eat curd or have milk products such as paneer and ice cream. However, dairy products sometimes lead to stomach problems for some people who get bloated, get gas, experience stomach pain, or feel the urge to visit the bathroom immediately after drinking milk. Sometimes lactose intolerance causes stomach problems, but it is different from a milk allergy. Moreover, there are various conditions that can cause stomach problems, including acidity, gas, IBS, or other digestive problems.
What is lactose intolerance?
Lactose is a sugar found naturally in milk and many dairy products. We require an enzyme called lactase to digest it. Lactose intolerance happens when your body doesn’t make enough lactase to properly break down all the lactose you eat or drink. Undigested lactose travels into the large intestine where it is broken down by micro-organisms. This can produce gas and draw water into the colon, resulting in symptoms such as bloating, cramps and diarrhea. Lactose intolerance is a very frequent problem. The amount of dairy you can consume before symptoms occur may very well be individual. Some people can drink a little milk and have no problem. Some people can become ill with very little of it.
Symptoms of Common Lactose Intolerance
Symptoms of lactose intolerance typically appear within a few hours after eating or drinking foods containing lactose. One person can have mild symptoms and another severe ones.
Among the usual indicators are:
- distension
- Gas in the stomach
- abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea or loose stool
- Nausea
- Tummy Rumbles
- Feeling full or bloated
The symptoms will vary depending on the amount of lactose you have eaten. A modest amount of curd may make you feel great, but a large glass of milk may give you gas and bloating. That’s why it can be helpful to write down what you ate before symptoms start.
Why Is Gas Caused by Milk?
Milk does not have to be the cause of abdominal gas. Fast eating, consumption of carbonated drinks, inhalation of air during food intake, and eating particular foods are possible causes of gas. Therefore, one cannot conclude that one is lactose intolerant simply because one experiences gas after one drink of milk. In case such episodes occur frequently, it is necessary to consult a physician.
Lactose Intolerance vs Milk Allergy
These two conditions are often confused, but they are very different. Lactose intolerance is a digestive problem. Milk allergy is an immune reaction to proteins found in milk.
| Lactose Intolerance | Milk Allergy |
|---|---|
| Problem digesting lactose | Immune reaction to milk proteins |
| Mainly affects digestion | Can affect different parts of the body |
| Gas and bloating are common | Hives, swelling, vomiting, or breathing problems can occur |
| Usually causes stomach symptoms | Can sometimes cause a serious allergic reaction |
| Usually not life-threatening | Can be serious and may need emergency care |
What Are Milk Allergy Symptoms?
Symptoms of milk allergies may present themselves upon the consumption of milk or milk products. In contrast to lactose intolerance, the condition is not the inability to break down milk sugars. It is the immune response to milk proteins. Symptoms may range from skin rash, hives, swelling, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, coughing, or trouble breathing.
A severe case of milk allergy may be anaphylaxis – a condition requiring immediate medical care. If there are signs of lip and/or throat swelling, difficulty breathing, extreme dizziness, or faintness from consuming milk, then medical attention is required immediately. Do not underestimate the severity of the milk allergy by calling it merely “gas from milk.”
Could Lactose Intolerance Lead to Indigestion?
Lactose intolerance causes only digestive problems like gas, bloating, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. It does not necessarily cause indigestion in everybody. But a few individuals may develop a feeling of burning, heaviness, or irritation when they consume milk products owing to the nature and quantity of food eaten by them. For instance, fatty milk products could cause indigestion in some people. In case of frequent heartburn or a sour taste in your mouth, the condition could be acid reflux and not lactose intolerance.
Tips for Easy Digestion
- If you find that dairy products give you a bloated feeling, then you don’t necessarily have to cut out all kinds of dairy products from your diet.
- Some individuals can take small quantities of something rather than large quantities. Including dairy products along with a meal may work for others.
- Then again, you can try lactose-free milk if lactose is the troublemaker. Curd and some specific types of hard cheese are easier to digest as they contain less amount of lactose than milk.
- But if your symptoms are severe and occur frequently, it would be wiser to consult a doctor instead of cutting out various foods without knowing the underlying reason.
Some of the Gas Remedies for the Stomach Include:
If you have slight stomach gas, there are several things you might want to do. For example, eating slowly and chewing your food well is one. Also, try not to consume carbonated beverages and avoid swallowing air while consuming food. Taking a short walk after meals will help some individuals reduce the feeling of bloating. Consuming enough fluids and having a schedule for meals may be helpful in digesting food. If you keep getting gas due to specific foods, you need to maintain a food and symptom diary. Nevertheless, refrain from relying on self-help measures for severe, recurrent, or stomach gas accompanied by other symptoms.
How Do You Prevent Yourself From Acidity?
Acidity and acid reflux are common problems that some people have in the stomach, and there are ways in which one can prevent this from happening. Do not eat too big meals. Eating small meals is better for some people. Lying down just after eating should be avoided, especially when one eats big meals. Some people find that spicy, oily, and fatty foods worsen their problem of acidity. Tea, coffee, chocolate, alcohol and certain other foods cause problems for some people. The most important thing to understand here is that what is a trigger is different for different people. There is no need for you to avoid all foods that may possibly give you acid problems. If you suffer from heartburn frequently, then talk to a doctor, since acid reflux should be treated.
Is It Possible for Lactose Intolerance to Develop Later in Life?
Yes. Lactose intolerance can develop later in life. Some individuals become lactase deficient as they age. It can also result from a disease that affects the small intestine. This indicates that an individual who was able to take milk without issues during childhood may develop symptoms later. Do not immediately conclude that lactose intolerance is the issue if you experience trouble with dairy products. Other digestive issues have the same symptoms.
How Do Doctors Confirm a Diagnosis of Lactose Intolerance?
Doctors will take your symptoms and dietary and medical history. Your symptoms after the consumption of dairy foods might be inquired into. In some cases, a lactose tolerance test or a hydrogen breath test is administered to confirm the diagnosis. Your doctor might advise you to lower your intake of lactose for some time and then gradually increase it again to check your response to the reintroduction of lactose. It is not recommended that you eliminate an entire group of foods from your diet on your own, especially when you have nutritional problems.
Sum up
Not everyone will have issues with drinking milk. However, if you always feel bloated, gassy, and experience stomach cramps after drinking milk, there might be a possibility that you suffer from lactose intolerance. Also, do not always think that all stomach problems caused by milk products are caused by lactose intolerance. There are milk allergies, acid reflux and others that cause various symptoms. The first step in solving such problems is finding out about your symptoms. It is possible to cope with lactose intolerance without giving up all products containing dairy in your diet. Moreover, in case of severe symptoms, especially accompanied by bloody stool and weight loss, it is necessary to consult a doctor instead of using stomach gas relief products.
