What is lactose intolerance?
Lactose intolerance is not a disease, it is simply the body’s inability to the digest and metabolize some or all of the milk sugar, (lactose) found in dairy products. To digest lactose, the body produces a digestive enzyme in the gut called lactase. If the individual does not produce enough of the lactase enzyme to completely digest the lactose, the undigested portion remains in the small intestines ultimately moving into the colon where it is left to ferment. This fermentation process is what produce the gasses and symptoms associated with lactose intolerance.
Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest significant amounts of lactose, the predominant sugar of milk. This inability results from a shortage of the enzyme lactase, which is normally produced by the cells that line the small intestine. Lactase breaks down milk sugar into simpler forms that can then be absorbed into the bloodstream. When there is not enough lactase to digest the amount of lactose consumed, the results, although not usually dangerous, may be very distressing. While not all persons deficient in lactase have symptoms, those who do are considered to be lactose intolerant. Common symptoms include nausea, cramps, bloating, gas, and diarrhea, which begin about 30 minutes to 2 hours after eating or drinking foods containing lactose. The severity of symptoms varies depending on the amount of lactose each individual can tolerate. Some causes of lactose intolerance are well known. For instance, certain digestive diseases and injuries to the small intestine can reduce the am
Lactose intolerance is a set of symptoms resulting from the body’s inability to digest the milk sugar called lactose. Lactase is the enzyme that breaks down the lactose in dairy-based foods and beverages. When the body does produce enough lactase, lactose cannot be digested, which may result in lactose intolerance.
Many people who think they are “lactose intolerant” are really “homogenized milk-intolerant”. We have a number of customers who can finally drink milk again because we at Smith Creamery do not homogenize our milk. We like providing our customers a natural product bottled the way it comes out of the cow. Therefore, the cream will rise naturally to the top after sitting for 24 –48 hours. Just give the bottle a few vigorous shakes before drinking the smooth consistency.
