I think I may be lactose intolerant. Been drinking a lot of dairy products with high amount of lactose. Particularly halo-halo and just recently, the milk I bought to go with the cereal... Tried searching over the internet of the major causes and symptoms of Lactose Intolerance and here is what I have researched:
What is lactose intolerance?
Lactose intolerance is the inability or insufficient ability 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. Lactase breaks down lactose into two simpler forms of sugar called glucose and galactose, which are then absorbed into the bloodstream.
What causes lactose intolerance?
The cause of lactose intolerance is best explained by describing how a person develops lactase deficiency.
Primary lactase deficiency develops over time and begins after about age 2 when the body begins to produce less lactase. Most children who have lactase deficiency do not experience symptoms of lactose intolerance until late adolescence or adulthood.
Researchers have identified a possible genetic link to primary lactase deficiency. Some people inherit a gene from their parents that makes it likely they will develop primary lactase deficiency. This discovery may be useful in developing future genetic tests to identify people at risk for lactose intolerance.
Secondary lactase deficiency results from injury to the small intestine that occurs with severe diarrheal illness, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or chemotherapy. This type of lactase deficiency can occur at any age but is more common in infancy.
Who is at risk for lactose intolerance?
Lactose intolerance is a common condition that is more likely to occur in adulthood, with a higher incidence in older adults. Some ethnic and racial populations are more affected than others, including African Americans, Hispanic Americans, American Indians, and Asian Americans. The condition is least common among Americans of northern European descent.
Infants born prematurely are more likely to have lactase deficiency because an infant’s lactase levels do not increase until the third trimester of pregnancy.
What are the symptoms of lactose intolerance?
People with lactose intolerance may feel uncomfortable 30 minutes to 2 hours after consuming milk and milk products. Symptoms range from mild to severe, based on the amount of lactose consumed and the amount a person can tolerate.
Common symptoms include
* abdominal pain
* abdominal bloating
* gas
* diarrhea
* nausea
Maybe I am just trying to look for a reason as to why I am feeling quite nauseated the past few days.. But I'd try to avoid milk for a week and see if my condition will improve. Or else, I might need to visit the doctor. Maybe it is just the heat as well. I am a warm-blooded person. How I loved jacuzzi and warm baths.. But how I hate it when the temperature is so high! It makes me dizzy and icky because of constant perspiration.
Oh well, guess I still have to be thankful for the sun. Unlike some people who does not even see it at all. Like in Alaska.. But at least they have Northern lights..
