Weekly Tips

February 21, 2010

 Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest large amounts of lactose, the major sugar found in milk. Lactose is a disaccharide (two sugars bonded together), of glucose and galactose. Before lactose can be absorbed into the body, the enzyme lactase must break the bond between the two sugars. The main reason for lactose intolerance is the decrease in lactase, which can occur naturally as one gets older. When lactose is not absorbed, the bacteria in the stomach break it down and produce gases that can cause abdominal discomfort and diarrhea. Healthy calcium alternatives to milk products include soy milk, sardines, salmon (with bones), broccoli, oranges and pinto beans.


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