Wind, gas, bloating and diarrhoea can be a very uncomfortable and embarrassing problem. It could be caused by a lactose intolerance. Take our lactose intolerance test and find out.

What is Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and milk products. Lactose intolerance is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme lactase, which is produced by the cells lining the small intestine. Without enough lactase, a person can have digestive problems like abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Signs and Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance

Symptoms may include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Bloating
  • Wind
  • Abdominal Pain
  • Nausea
  • Skin Rashes

How Do I Test if I am Lactose Intolerant

At Vital Chi we use a hydrogen breath test to determine if you are lactose intolerant. This test measures hydrogen levels in the breath following ingestion of lactose. Lactose is normally broken down by lactase and absorbed so none of it reaches the colon. Therefore, little or no increase in breath hydrogen of a healthy person occurs after eating it. If lactose reaches the colon because it has not been properly digested, the bacteria in the gut ferment it and hydrogen is produced. This is reflected a few minutes later by an increase in breath hydrogen, and indicates that lactose is not been broken down properly due to lactase deficiency.

What Do I Do if I am Lactose Intolerant?

Your naturopath will make appropriate dietary recommendations personalized for you and your life style. Generally people with lactose intolerance will be encouraged to reduce their dairy intake, so foods like milk, cheese, cream and ice cream should be avoided or reduced.

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