Until I was. Here's how I manage it.
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| | | | I wasn't ready to accept being lactose intolerant until my friend handed me a Lactaid pill before I ate ice cream once. The result? I didn't get any of the tummy trouble I typically get when indulging in ice cream. | | I mean, I'm from Wisconsin, America's Dairyland and home of the cheeseheads, and I can't stomach some ice cream? | | Below, I discuss lactose intolerance and why some dairy products may cause more intense digestive disturbances than others — plus, how lactose intolerance differs from a dairy allergy. | | | | Warmly,
Sarah Matysiak
Associate Editor, Healthline | | | | |
| |  | | Written by Sarah Matysiak
January 6, 2025 • 3 min read | | | | | | | |
| |  | | | Yogurt and ice cream and cheese — oh my! | | Breast milk contains lactose, so being born with lactose intolerance is extremely rare. Most people develop it after they're 5 years old, like I did: It happened when I was in college. | | I used to drink a glass of milk with every dinner. Sure, I'd get a bubbly feeling in my stomach, but it was relatively insignificant. Around age 20, I noticed I couldn't finish a glass of milk without more significant symptoms — stomach pains or bloating. | | Lactose intolerance happens when the bacteria in your small intestine don't produce enough lactase, an enzyme responsible for digesting lactose. The amount of lactase in your gut dictates your tolerance level. Some people can tolerate larger amounts, while others can't tolerate the slightest amount. | | I fall somewhere in between — I can easily digest a cup of coffee with cream but not a glass of milk. | | Lactose intolerance, however, is very different from a dairy allergy. With a dairy allergy, your immune system reacts to the proteins in cow's milk as though they're dangerous. This can cause swollen lips or hives or, in severe cases, anaphylaxis. Any of these symptoms is a sign to seek medical attention immediately. | | Almost everyone can enjoy small amounts of certain dairy products without issue. For example, hard, aged cheeses (the longer they've aged the better), such as Parmesan, Swiss, and cheddar, have lower levels of lactose. Yogurt is often easier to digest because it contains beneficial bacteria too. | | If you want to test your tolerance, try reintroducing small amounts of milk with a meal, and then see how you feel 30 minutes to 2 hours afterward. Other people may choose to cut dairy completely to avoid any consequences. | | If you've tried limiting dairy and are still having to manage symptoms, or if they don't resolve within 48 hours, you might want to cut it completely. Speaking with a registered dietitian can help you decide whether dairy belongs in your diet and what alternatives (which taste just as good, IMO!) are available for your dairy-based favorites. | | | | | | | |
| | | | My favorite dairy hack | | | | | | |  | | Lactaid Original Strength Lactose Intolerance Relief Caplets | | Take it from me: It can be difficult to go dairy-free. That's why I sometimes consume a lactase tablet before consuming dairy. I'm more than willing to take this extra step, especially if it means I can enjoy my ice cream while leaving my stomach at peace. It won't always relieve every symptom for every person, but it can make lactose digestion much more tolerable in most cases. | | | Every product we recommend has gone through either Healthline's or Optum Store's vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Store are owned by RVO Health. | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | *It can not be combined with your health insurance. Healthline and Optum Perks are owned by RVO Health. By using this Optum Perks service, we may receive a tangible benefit. | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | May your new year be filled with more informative and enjoyable newsletters (like this one 😉) | | | | | | |
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