Does yoghurt cause bloating?
It has been estimated that more than 50% of adults around the world are lactose intolerant to some degree. The incidence varies in different regions, with much higher figures in some parts of Asia and Africa. Lactose intolerance occurs when there is a reduced level of the enzyme lactase, which is necessary to break down lactose, the main sugar in milk. Lactose intolerant individuals experience abdominal cramping, gas, bloating, and/or diarrhoea when they consume milk or milk products. Most of these people can consume yoghurt since the lactose in yoghurt has already been fermented by bacteria to lactic acid, and the concentration of it is therefore fairly small. It is, however, important to note that there is a wide range in the severity of lactose intolerance. While most lactose intolerant people can tolerate yoghurt, there are some individuals who are so sensitive to lactose, that only small amounts of yoghurt can be tolerated, if at all. Does yoghurt affect the duration of diarrhoea?
