Lactose Intolerant?

I suffered for months. Being familiar with food allergies I knew it had something to do with what I was eating. My symptoms present when I consumed pasta or breads and it only seemed logical that I had developed cilacs.

Even after changing my diet I still had symptoms, in fact they had gotten worse. On a trip to visit my mother even she noticed that I was bloated and in discomfort after meals. After a stuffed pizza dinner with my brothers and ice cream for dessert, I barely slept. The next morning we were planning a large lunch with more family. We feed the kids but my Mother and I skipped breakfast for a large whole milk latte.  I was about half way through when it hit me.  Every horrible symptom all at once.

There was no more denying the cause of my problems. 

So what is Lactose Intolerance

"Lactose intolerance, also called lactase deficiency, means you aren't able to fully digest the milk sugar (lactose) in dairy products. It's usually not dangerous, but symptoms of lactose intolerance can be uncomfortable(to say the least).
A deficiency of lactase — an enzyme produced by the lining of your small intestine — is usually responsible for lactose intolerance. Many people have low levels of lactase, but only those who also have associated signs and symptoms have, by definition, lactose intolerance.
You can control symptoms of lactose intolerance by carefully choosing a diet that limits dairy products." Mayo Clinic.

What are the Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance usually begin 30 minutes to two hours after eating or drinking foods that contain lactose. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea, and sometimes, vomiting
• Abdominal cramps
• Bloating
• Gas

Symptoms are usually mild, but may sometimes be severe.

I have now been avoiding dairy products for several months,  and am greatly improved.  However it has not been an easy road. Within a few days the cramps and gas were gone.  The Bloating took several more weeks to go away.

I learned that as with many intolerances there are levels of what you can and cannot handle. Apparently I can not even consume a few milk chocolate candidates with out experiencing some kind of discomfort. 

After experimenting I have found I prefer rice milk over soy and nut based milk options, and olive oil butter tastes great on toast. And those lactose pill are a story for another time.