Lactose Intolerance - Its Different For Everybody

By Author: Sandy Malek
Total Articles: 9
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The fact that the symptoms of lactose intolerance can vary widely from one person to the next can make it difficult to diagnosis, and cope with, lactose intolerance. The signs of digestive distress that we typically associate with lactose intolerance - the gas, abdominal pain, bloating and diarrhea that result from drinking milk or eating dairy - may not be the same for you as they are for another person who suffers from lactose intolerance.

Learning about the experiences of others who struggle with the symptoms of lactose intolerance shows us that lactose intolerance is definitely not a one-size-fits-all condition. You can read the personal stories of people who are living with lactose intolerance on the web. Lactagen, a program that was developed to help reduce symptoms of lactose intolerance, offers page after page of testimonials on their site - letters and videos from people who have battled the symptoms of lactose intolerance in the past.

One of the letters is from a woman, Haley B., who endured the symptoms of lactose intolerance for 17 years. Perhaps like you, Haley found that not all dairy foods brought ...
... on the symptoms of lactose intolerance. She also displayed a range of symptoms of lactose intolerance that didn't fit the usual profile. Here is an excerpt from Haley's letter:

"I could always eat cheese and yogurt but never any milk, pudding, ice cream etc without becoming extremely sick. I would feel as though my throat was constricting and I had intense abdominal and intestinal discomfort, as well as feeling a severe 'heartburn' like pain in my chest."

It is interesting to note that Haley could "always eat cheese and yogurt" while other dairy-rich foods triggered her symptoms of lactose intolerance. I have heard of similar experiences from others who are lactose intolerant. For example, some people can drink small amounts of milk without the negative effects associated with lactose intolerance. Others, like Haley, have no problem eating certain dairy foods but find that others bring on severe symptoms of lactose intolerance. An inconsistent history of reactions to milk and dairy products can make it difficult to determine whether you are lactose intolerant or not.

Haley's symptoms of lactose intolerance didn't fit the typical lactose intolerance profile either. While the "intense abdominal and intestinal discomfort" she felt after eating milk, pudding or ice cream seemed to fit the pattern of lactose intolerance symptoms, the throat constriction and heartburn are not usually among the symptoms of lactose intolerance.

You can read Haley B's letter about lactose intolerance, and how she overcame her symptoms, at www.Lactagen.com. Happily, she writes that now "I can eat or drink whatever I want" including enjoying an ice cream cone. Learning about the wide range of symptoms of lactose intolerance and how others handle the digestive distress can give you insight into coping with lactose intolerance in your own life.

The author specializes in the topic of lactose intolerance, and has found helpful information using online communities.