Lactose Intolerance

Am I lactose intolerant?
When you drink milk do you:
  • feel bloated?
  • have gas?
  • have an upset stomach?
  • have diarrhea?
Any of these symptoms may be signs of lactose intolerance. If you think you have Lactose Intolerance, confirm it with your doctor.

If you are lactose intolerant, you don't have enough of the enzyme that breaks down the sugar (lactose) in milk. This is not the same thing as a milk allergy. If you are lactose intolerant, there are things you can do which may help you avoid the symptoms and still get the calcium you need.

What can I do if I am lactose intolerant?
  • Drink milk with meals or other snacks.

  • Drink milk in small amounts (1/4 - 1/2 a glass).

  • Eat cheese - hard cheese contains very little lactose.

  • Eat yogourt - many lactose intolerant people can tolerate yogourt.

  • Drink heated milk.
  • Drink chocolate milk.

  • Drink Lactaid milk (available at most grocery stores).

  • Add skim milk powder to soups, casseroles baking, etc.

Canada 's Food Guide to Healthy Eating recommends 2-4 Food Guide Servings of Milk & Alternatives every day. (A Food Guide Serving is 250mL of milk or 50 g (1"x1"x3") of cheese).

For more information, please download the document "I'm Lactose Intolerant and Can't Drink Milk"(PDF 69 kb).

Acrobat Reader required to view pdf, click here for free download if needed.


 
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