Lactose Intolerance does not stop with developing gastro-intestinal symptoms. There are other complications which people do not know of – one of them is Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a later stage complication of lactose intolerance. People who are lactose intolerant, if they cut down on dairy products and milk consumption, they are at huge risk for osteoporosis. Though some of the recent studies have shown conflicting results, your bones are definitely at stake if there lack of milk or milk products in your daily diet.
Link between osteoporosis and lactose intolerance: If you think that lactose intolerance is a mild condition which does not affect any part of your body except your small intestine, producing gas and diarrhea, you are wrong. A lactose intolerant individual is open to osteoporosis attack too. Yes, the lack of calcium in your diet can lead to the bone-killing disease osteoporosis.
What is osteoporosis? About 44 millions suffer from osteoporosis, with over 68% of them being women. It is a condition which results in weakened bones. Bones become less dense and in course time, cause fractures. Such fractures often result in pain and disability. Though not as severe as arthritis, osteoporosis is can weaken bones to an extreme extent, leading to cripples or physical handicaps. However, osteoporosis can be prevented with adequate care.
If you are lactose intolerant, chances are you maybe taking food that are lactose free. You maybe avoiding milk products to a large extent, lacking the proteins and minerals in milk. Calcium, the most important mineral in milk, is also depleted from your body on account of your lactose intolerance. If all the above apply to you, your chances of developing osteoporosis is very high.
Osteoporosis risk factors: The weakening of bones is generally associated with several risks. It is a silent disease which can go undetected for years, until one day a fracture brings it to your notice. Risk factors of osteoporosis include:
- Body thins, becomes frail more than ever
- Abnormal absence of menstrual periods (amenorrhea)
- Early menopause/post menopause
- Prolonged use of medications
- Low calcium intake (especially on account of lactose intolerance)
- Excessive drinking, smoking or drug addiction
- Family history of the disease
All these factors can crumble your bone health, making you a victim of osteoporosis. This is especially high if you are lactose intolerant and never take anything to compensate the lack of calcium from milk and milk products.
How to avoid lactose intolerance/osteoporosis: The best way to prevent osteoporosis is to take care of your diet. If you are lactose intolerant and would like to avoid milk products, take sufficient amount of calcium supplements to compensate the lack of milk calcium. Setting right lactose intolerance is important, but not more important than preventing osteoporosis. So, take as much as calcium, Vitamin D, proteins that you lack because of lack of milk. There are several lactose free and calcium-fortified products which you can get in the market.
