Lactose by Ray Sahelian, M.D.

Lactose is a disaccharide sugar that consists of galactose and glucose molecules. Lactose makes up around 2 to 8% of the solids in milk. The name comes from the Latin word for milk, plus the -ose ending used to name sugars. In the young of mammals, an enzyme called lactase is secreted by the intestinal villi, and this enzyme cleaves the lactose molecule into its two subunits for absorption. There is a no calorie natural sweetener you may be interested in called stevia.

Lactose intolerance

Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest significant amounts of lactose, the major sugar found in milk. Lactose intolerance is caused by a shortage of the enzyme lactase, which is produced by the cells that line the small intestine. Lactase breaks down milk sugar into two simpler forms of sugar called glucose and galactose, which are then absorbed into the bloodstream. Not all people deficient in lactase have the symptoms commonly associated with lactose intolerance, but those who do are said to have lactose intolerance. The problem underlying lactose intolerance is a lack of lactase — an enzyme produced by the lining of your small intestine. Lactase breaks down lactose so that it can be absorbed into your bloodstream. A deficiency of lactase leads to problems in breaking down and absorbing milk sugar.

Symptom of Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance, also called lactase deficiency, means you aren't able to fully digest milk sugar (lactose) in dairy products. It's not usually dangerous, but symptoms of lactose intolerance can be uncomfortable enough to steer you clear of the dairy aisles. Lactose intolerance can make dining a challenge, requiring some recipe substitutions or avoidance of some foods altogether.
     Common lactose intolerance symptoms include nausea, cramps, bloating, gas, and diarrhea, which begin about 30 minutes to 2 hours after eating or drinking foods containing lactose.

Lactose free diet - lactose free food
If you are on a lactose free diet, or a lactose reduced diet, you may drink reduced-lactose or lactose-free milk. Rice milk or soymilk, and prepared drinks made with soy may be included in your diet. You may also try cheeses, yogurt, and kefir (cultured milk drink) because they contain less lactose than regular milk. Use bread made without milk products. Pasta, potatoes, rice, and many types of crackers may be added into your diet. Cereals made without lactose, milk, or whey may also be eaten. You may have all types of fruits and vegetables, along with legumes, beans, peas, nuts and seeds. These may be eaten raw, or cooked without adding milk products, such as cheese or cream sauces. You may also drink fruit and vegetable juices. On a low lactose or lactose-free diet you may eat any fresh or frozen cooked plain meats, fish and poultry (chicken).

Lactose Questions
A. I am lactose intolerant. Q. Could you tell me is colostrum is suitable for people who are lactose intolerant? I have Crohn's disease and have been taking colostrum for a couple of weeks and I have noticed increased bloating and cramps but because of my Crohn's I cant tell if this is caused from the colostrum or just my Crohn's playing up again. I am lactose intolerant however and was wondering if the colostrum could have set off a lactose intolerance reaction.
   A. There is very little lactose in colostrum, so it depends on how lactose intolerant you are and the amount of colostrum ingested. It also could depend on the product itself. Some brands may have a little more lactose than other brands depending on how many hours after calving the colostrum is harvested.

lactose intolerant symptom