Lactose Intolerance is a condition that is caused by lactase deficiency. This deficiency can be natural, genetic, acquired (on account of some intestinal problem) or maybe a case of natural loss of body’s lactase production. So much has been said about lactose intolerance and so many food suggestions, nutritional advice, diagnosis tips have been rendered about the condition here. But what exactly happens inside the body when someone is lactose intolerant? Why does the body react so vehemently to lactose overload? This article will offer facts that provide a clear-cut description about lactose intolerance.
Lactose Intolerance – What happens inside? You know that the body digests the food inputed into it in the stomach and the intestines. When all foods in the body are digested, why does lactose alone remain undigested? Why does the body of the lactose intolerant resist lactose? Below are a few facts:
1. Lactose and its sugars: Lactose is a compound sugar found in milk and dairy products. It comprises of glucose and galactose. Glucose is a essential source of energy and hence, is crucial for the functioning of the body. Lactose also contains other nutrients like calcium, vitamin D and riboflavin. On the whole, lactose is a key component that helps in better functioning and growth of body cells. This lactose can be absorbed into the body only when broken down into glucose and galactose. This breaking down can happen only by the action of lactase enzyme, which is naturally produced in the body.
2. The brush border: The small intestine is the lactase-producer of the body. Lactase enzyme is a key enzyme in the intestine which is instrumental in digesting the lactose consumed. The area in which lactase is produced is called the brush border and ends at the microvilli. It is just one-cell deep. Owing to this, a small intestinal mishap or issue can stop production of lactase. This can result in irritation when there is excess consumption of lactose, leading to severe Lactose Intolerance symptoms.
3. Lactase production and other diseases: Other conditions like celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, intestinal disorder etc. can also mean reduced production of lactase. Celiac sprue can damage the intestinal villi and hence, result in reduced lactase production. Gluten-intolerance is actually the cause of lactose intolerance in this case. To cure such lactase deficiency, a gluten-free diet needs to be taken for a few months. When the stomach/intestinal damage is healed, the brush border starts producing lactase again.
4. Undigested lactose: When there is insufficient production of lactose, there is a lot of undigested lactose in the stomach. This undigested lactose passes quickly through the small intestine and reaches the large bowel or colon. There, it creates an osmosis-like condition with absorption of water and produces lactic acid. Lactic acid is a stomach irritant and hence, the discomfort-causing symptoms.
5. What can be tolerated? For people who produce some lactose, yogurt and aged cheeses can be tolerated. This is because they are less in lactose as most of the lactose in them would have been converted into lactic acid. Foods that are high in fat too carry low lactose. Butter is one example of a low-lactose food item.
