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This article is a well written and accurate reflection of the pros and cons of using the hydrogen breath test for detecting lactose intolerance. If you decide that you would like to be tested for lactose intolerance visit our website where this test is offered as an at-home version for $139.00
Lactose intolerance and milk allergy are two very different problems that are often confused and thought of as the same issue. Lactose intolerance is simply a deficiency in producing the enzyme lactase. The condition is relatively benign, the severity can vary and there are treatment options such as lactaid. A milk allergy is a much more serious problem and could even be life threatening. The lactose intolerance hydrogen breath test offered by Metabolic Solutions can be used to differentiate between intolerance and allergy. The attached article is an excellent summary of differences between the two conditions, what actions to take to determine which one you want have, and actions to take.
It is very common for someone to complain about adverse reactions to particular foods. These adverse events can be categorized into three groups – 1) food allergies, 2) immunologic intolerances, and 3) non-immune mediated intolerances. So what is the difference? Food allergies are adverse events characterized by an IgE (antibody) response. They are the serious and life threatening kind and are fortunately relatively rare. Immunologic intolerances are immune response related but don’t produce IgE antibodies. Examples are celiac disease. Finally non-immune mediated intolerances is the catch phrase for the common gastrointestinal problems that are widespread such as lactose intolerance. The article below provides a more complete description of each condition.
A gluten-free diet is a necessity for any one diagnosed with Celiac Disease. However, only a very small percentage of people actually have Celiac disease. Most of the popularity of the gluten free diet is related to the belief that it is a healthy alternative. That is not always the case or the best solution.
The attached published paper is an excellent review of the mechanism that causes lactose intolerance and the strategies that can be used to manage the problem. This article concurs with the previously reported success in using the FODMAP diets but also warns that these diets can have unintended health effects. For example, the article points out that there is a significant decrease in the concentration of probiotic bifidobacteria after four weeks of a low FODMAP diet and lactose free diets often result in calcium deficiency.
This article is a simple explanation of lactose intolerance. Importantly it stresses that although many people are lactose intolerance it does not mean that they shouldn’t consume any dairy. Quite to the contrary most people with lactose intolerance can tolerate some dairy and the amount needs to be determined with trial and error. For those with little tolerance there are dietary aids such as Lactaid so that everyone can get the benefits of dairy consumption without risking that sickening feeling. Also, if you are are unsure about whether you have lactose intolerance or another gastrointestinal problem like IBS consider taking a hydrogen breath test.
Lactose intolerance is prevalent in India. I recently came across an article in an Indian newsletter that offered some substitutes for dairy when cooking. Some of the ingredients might not be found in your supermarket but I found all of them in my local Indian specialty grocery store. The suggestions include:
Great article on the differences between food allergies (very rare) and food intolerances (more common). In addition this article contains an insightful discussion of gluten free diet craze. So before you swear off dairy or gluten take a look at this article.
Food aversions can result from an unpleasant experience with a food. These aversions can last a life time even though the perceived problem has been overstated. When an aversion is to a food that is an important source of nutrients there can be long term adverse health effects. Milk aversion is very common. Scientists at Purdue University conducted a study to determine if 21 days of milk drinking intervention could reverse milk aversion. The results were that subjects with and without confirmed lactose intolerance could gradually increase their consumption of milk without any ill effects.
The consumption of milk has traditionally been considered part of a healthy diet. Yet, lactose intolerance is a common problem. This interesting article http://www.macleans.ca/society/health/have-we-been-milked-by-the-dairy-industry/ presents both sides of the dairy argument. Opponents argue strongly that milk is not necessary for a healthy diet and that calcium needs can be meet with many other sources. Furthermore, they cite research that concludes that dairy is the cause of many health problems. On the other side, evidence is presented that argues for dairy health benefits. The last word hasn’t been spoken about this topic, but if you suspect that you have lactose intolerance you can find out for sure by taking the hydrogen breath test.