Lactose intolerance how fast

You are more likely to have lactose intolerance if you are from, or your family is from, a part of the world where lactose malabsorption is more common. In the United States, the following ethnic and racial groups are more likely to have lactose malabsorption:.

Because these ethnic and racial groups are more likely to have lactose malabsorption, they are also more likely to have the symptoms of lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance is least common among people who are from, or whose families are from, Europe. Lactose intolerance may affect your health if it keeps you from getting enough nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D. Milk and milk products, which contain lactose, are some of the main sources of calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients.

You need calcium throughout your life to grow and have healthy bones. This condition is called osteoporosis. If you have lactose intolerance, you can change your diet to make sure you get enough calcium while also managing your symptoms. The NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public.

Milk and milk products may be added to boxed, canned, frozen, packaged, and prepared foods. If you have symptoms after consuming a small amount of lactose, you should be aware of the many products that may contain lactose, such as.

You can check the ingredient list on packaged foods to see if the product contains lactose. The following words mean that the product contains lactose:. A small amount of lactose may be found in some prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Talk with your doctor about the amount of lactose in medicines you take, especially if you typically cannot tolerate even small amounts of lactose.

The NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public. Foods that contain lactose You may not need to completely avoid foods and beverages that contain lactose —such as milk or milk products.

Lactose-free and lactose-reduced milk and milk products Using lactose-free and lactose-reduced milk and milk products may help you lower the amount of lactose in your diet. Calcium and Vitamin D If you are lactose intolerant, make sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D each day. Many foods that do not contain lactose are also sources of calcium. Examples include: fish with soft bones, such as canned salmon or sardines broccoli and leafy green vegetables oranges almonds, Brazil nuts, and dried beans tofu products with labels that show they have added calcium, such as some cereals, fruit juices, and soy milk If you are lactose intolerant, make sure you get enough calcium each day.

That means if you stick to aged cheeses like cheddar and Parmesan, you shouldn't have symptoms related to lactose intolerance. Taking preventive measures can usually limit any discomfort caused by lactose intolerance, but if you are experiencing problems, several types of over-the-counter remedies may be helpful, the Cleveland Clinic suggests. Choose remedies based on your symptoms.

For example, if gas and bloating seem to be your main issues, choose a product that contains simethicone — found in brands like Mylanta and Maalox — which can join gas bubbles together in the stomach so they're burped up more easily, the Cleveland Clinic says.

If odor from being gassy is a symptom, try bismuth subsalicylate, like Pepto-Bismol, to reduce the smell, Cleveland Clinic says. For a longer-term solution, the Mayo Clinic suggests trying probiotics, which are available in capsule form as supplements or in live cultures in some yogurts.

Probiotics are living organisms in your digestive system that help you maintain gut health. While eating more, or taking them as supplements, won't change your lactase level, they have been used for gastrointestinal conditions like diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome , Mayo Clinic reports. If your symptoms are getting worse, though, or are accompanied by more serious concerns like fever, weakness, fatigue or diarrhea that is not improving, consider making an appointment with your doctor.

To prepare, the Mayo Clinic suggests writing down any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that seem unrelated to your lactose intolerance. Health Digestive Conditions Digestive Health. Medically Reviewed by M.