Diet for Lactose IntoleranceWhat is lactose intolerance?Lactose is the name of the sugar found in milk. Lactose intolerance occurs when the body is unable to breakdown all of the lactose that is in the foods you eat. Symptoms of lactose intolerance include: Diarrhea Gas Bloating Stomach pain Stomach cramps
What foods contain lactose?Lactose is found in dairy products such as: Milk Cheese Yogurt Ice cream Sherbet
Items on a food label that contain lactose: Milk Milk solids Skim milk powder Cream Buttermilk Malted milk Whey lactose Curds Margarine
Some foods that may have hidden sources of lactose: Breads Candy Cookies Cold cuts Hot dogs Bologna Sauces and gravies Dessert mixes Cream soup Frostings Chocolate drink mixes Salad dressing
What foods may be used as a milk substitute?Lactose-free and lactose-reduced milk is regular milk that has had the lactose removed or reduced. Most people with lactose intolerance can drink this type of milk. Ask your doctor or dietitian about this product. How are the body's calcium needs met?Calcium is needed for strong bones and teeth. If you are not using milk or milk products, you may not be getting enough calcium from your diet. Ask your doctor or dietitian for more information about your body's calcium needs. The following are good sources of calcium: 300 mg calcium | 150 mg calcium | 100 mg calcium |
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4 ounces canned salmon | 2 ounces canned sardines | 2/3 cup broccoli | 1 cup calcium fortified orange juice | 1/2 cup turnip greens, kale, or collards | 1/2 cup okra | 1/4 cup almonds | 1/2 cup tofu | 5 ounces shrimp | 1 cup yogurt | 1 1/2 cups dried beans | 2 cups cabbage |
In September of 2006, the American Academy of Pediatrics released new guidelines for treating lactose intolerance. These guidelines support the use of dairy foods as an important source of calcium for bone growth and maintenance, as well as of other nutrients needed for growth in children and adolescents. In the past, it had been recommended that dairy products should be eliminated from the diet to treat lactose intolerance. The new guidelines suggest that dairy foods should be tried to see which ones can be tolerated better than others. While the symptoms of lactose intolerance can be unpleasant, the condition does not damage the body. Thus, dairy foods that cause less disagreeable symptoms should be used in the diet to ensure adequate intake of calcium and other important nutrients. |