Aged cheeses contain less lactoseFreebeak/Gravision
a Lactose intolerance It’s a frequent nutritional problem – the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 2 billion people have some difficulty digesting foods derived from milk.
However, completely eliminating lactose is not always necessary, and varies according to the degree of lactose intolerance and the amount present in the food.
Nutritionist Edfania Soares, of the Estima Nutrição Foundation, explains that people with a milk intolerance do not necessarily need to stop everything that is made from animal milk, because the condition is different from an allergy.
“Lactose intolerance is caused by a decrease or inability to digest lactose, which is the sugar found in milk and milk products. These foods should be restricted, but not necessarily excluded,” he explains.
And nutritionist Melina Cunego adds that there is a possibility of including the enzyme lactase.
“Many products that are sold as lactose-free already contain the enzyme. The ideal thing is for a person to feel how much of that particular food they can consume without having symptoms, how much they can consume and what they need to use lactase.”
Experts point out that there are foods that contain less lactose, which allows those who suffer from lactose intolerance to eat it.
Among them, they highlight yogurt with lactobacillus, which has less lactose due to fermentation; lactose-free milk with added lactase; Ripe cheeses such as Parmesan, Gruyere, Emmental, Gouda, Provolone, and Brie.
If patients still have symptoms, it is recommended to suspend these foods and conduct further investigation to check whether it is simply an intolerance or whether other conditions, such as allergies or Irritable Bowel Syndrome, are involved.
Melina points out that intestinal problems such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome and SIBO (bacterial overgrowth) can be adjoining intolerance, exacerbating its symptoms, and even confusing them with one another.
“The symptoms caused by these syndromes affect the intestinal region and therefore often make their diagnosis difficult. In the most frequent cases, it is possible to mention diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal pain and bloating, fatigue, flatulence and changes in intestinal motility.”
Nutritionists point out that intolerances can arise or worsen over time, given factors such as stress and decreased natural production of lactase, which makes digestion impossible.
Diagnosis and treatment
Lactose intolerance can be diagnosed with a blood test, genetic test, molecular test, or by observing the withdrawal of foods containing the substance for a while and comparing symptoms in relation to their reintroduction.
Treatment is mainly carried out by restructuring the patient’s diet, avoiding foods containing lactose.
“Even if lactase is introduced, it should be used as a supplement to aid digestion. A person cannot be held hostage to it,” assures Edvania.
Food intolerance or allergy? See the difference between the problems:
What is the difference between food allergy and intolerance? Nutritionist Franciele Trevisan explains that in the case of a food allergy there is an almost immediate reaction to the food. On the other hand, food intolerance is caused by sensitivity to certain substances, the lack of an immediate reaction and the ability to cause discomfort for several days. Since the body is constantly changing, the nutritionist says that it is possible to develop allergies to certain foods during life
What foods cause the most food allergies? The Asbai Association (Brazilian Society of Allergy and Immunization) reports that any food can cause an allergic reaction. However, the most allergenic foods are cow’s milk, eggs, soybeans, fish and crustaceans.
What foods cause the most food intolerances? In the case of intolerance, the patient becomes allergic to fruits, some proteins and some types of carbohydrates, such as lactose, which is milk sugar.
What are the symptoms of food allergy? According to Al Sibai, the most common symptoms of food allergy are itching, swelling of the skin, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, coughing, hoarseness and wheezing. In more severe cases of allergy, the patient may experience anaphylaxis, a systemic response from the body and, in addition to the above symptoms, may experience chest tightness, low blood pressure, and an irregular heartbeat. Anaphylactic shocks can lead to death if not rescued
What are the symptoms of food intolerance? The nutritionist says that the reactions that can occur when eating foods that a person is sensitive to are abdominal discomfort, gas, diarrhea, vomiting, flatulence, migraines, anxiety, depression, and in some cases, even growth retardation, depending on the substance. .
What foods can cause a more severe allergy? According to my boys, peanuts, crustaceans, cow’s milk, and tree nuts are the foods that tend to present more severe allergic reactions, and anaphylaxis may occur.
What foods can cause more severe intolerance symptoms? The nutritionist says that foods that contain lactose and gluten can be more aggressive to the patient, as they lead to inflammation of the mucous membranes in the stomach, making them more acidic, and thus may develop into gastritis and ulcers.
What do you do in case of accidental ingestion when you have an allergy? People with allergies usually avoid foods or recipes that may contain them, Francieli says. However, in cases of accidental ingestion, antihistamines may be used. Adrenaline injections are more serious cases, close to anaphylaxis.
What happens if a person with a food intolerance eats a food they are allergic to? The dietician explains that a person may feel the same discomfort and intolerance symptoms, but some people are still able to eat. This occurs because symptoms appear with certain amounts, usually high, of the material swallowed. Thus, some people are able to eat food they can’t tolerate in small amounts.
Is it possible to avoid a food allergy or intolerance? No, Franciel explains, it occurs as a result of a change in the body as a defense. The nutritionist claims that consuming antioxidants can help the body, as the substance helps get rid of free radicals and other toxins, which contributes to the proper functioning of the body. With this consumption of antioxidants, eating foods that are likely to cause intolerances will not have such a significant impact on the body.
