Lactose Intolerance -- Is Drinking Milk Safe For Everyone?

I often listen to mothers complaining of their kids throwing tantrums when they are asked to drink milk. No matter how hard moms try to force their kids to drink milk (by making milkshakes, adding Chocó powder, or other flavors) many kids complain of stomach ache just after drinking milk and throw out everything the moment they drink milk.



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Digesting milk can be a challenge both for kids and adults. The main reason for this is the absence of an enzyme called Lactase which is an important digestive enzyme that helps in proper functioning of our bodies.

Digestive Enzymes and Their Role


There are different types of digestive enzymes present in our body that helps us too digest what we eat. For example, Protease enzyme is needed to digest fish and meat while Amylase is responsible for digesting bread and rice. Lipase helps us to digest fatty food like butter and oil. If any of these essential enzymes are absent in our body, we have trouble digesting what other people can digest normally.

Lactose Intolerance and Milk Digestion
Lactose intolerance is a condition that happens due to the lack of Lactase enzyme. Milk contains lactose sugar that needs to be broken down into glucose and galactose for digestion. This is done by Lactase that is present in our small intestine. When this enzyme is lacking, lactose gets carried in its full form to the large intestine where it breaks down into lactic acid and acetic acid instead, leading to different gastric problems like bloating, gas problems, abdominal pain, nausea, and loose motions.



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Types of Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance can be classified into primary and secondary types. The former is congenital that's present in the person since birth. It's a permanent condition and the person has to follow lactose - free diet all his/her life. The latter is a temporary condition which doesn't last for more than a few weeks. Many of us develop lactose intolerance in some part of our lives. Secondary lactase deficiency is temporary and could be a result of prolonged intake of antibiotics, intestinal infections, or some injury to the small intestine. Even chemotherapy, excessive usage of some drugs, steroids, and exposure of radiation in the immunity of the person can make him/her lactose intolerant temporarily.
Interesting Facts
Lactose intolerant people can, however, digest curd very easily. This is because curd contains Lactobacillus bacteria which play the role of lactase and help digestion of curd.