There are many reasons why your doctor would recommend a lactose-free lifestyle. You could be lactose intolerant or dairy products may trigger or exacerbate gastrointestinal conditions that you have. When you choose to go lactose-free, there may be an adjustment period that you have to go through to fully adopt a lactose-free lifestyle. Here are a couple of tips that can help ease the transition.
Read Labels Closely
When grocery shopping, read the product labels to find out if it contains dairy. Even for food products that seem to not contain dairy, trace amounts may linger due to food processing. This goes for baked goods, energy bars, and prepared foods, too. Watch out for whey, casein, and milk solids. Items that indicate “dairy-free,” “milk-free,” and “vegan,” tell you the product contains no dairy. Food products such as milk that are labeled lactose-free will not irritate your stomach. Cheeses, butter, creamers, whipped cream, ice cream, and yogurt now have vegan versions.
Choose Non-Dairy, Milk-Type Beverages
Lucky for you, it’s now easy to live a lactose-free lifestyle. There’s a wealth of choices for people who are lactose intolerant. For example, you can switch to soy milk, almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk, rice milk, cashew milk, or macadamia milk – which are nutritious and tasty lactose-free substitutions for dairy.
Ask Your Waiter
When eating out, staying lactose-free becomes difficult because milk is used in a wide variety of food preparations, such as soups, sauces, and drinks. Products like cheese, butter, and whipping cream also figure heavily in many dishes. Let your waiter know about your preferences and ask for recommendations on foods and drinks that are dairy-free.
Importance of Getting Tested for Lactose Intolerance
Symptoms of lactose intolerance are uncomfortable — cramping, bloating, gas, and diarrhea — and can affect your quality of life. However, many people are quick to self-diagnose that they are lactose intolerant just based on their symptoms or the results of a Google search.
To diagnose lactose intolerance, a doctor performs a hydrogen breath test, and if lactose intolerance is confirmed, they can also help you transition into a lactose-free lifestyle. Dairy is a source of essential vitamins and nutrients, and a doctor can ensure that you get essential nutrients even as you cut dairy from your diet. Gastroenterologists have the training and experience needed to effectively manage lactose intolerance without missing out on essential nutrients.
Gastroenterologists in Austin, TX
Poorly managed lactose intolerance can have physical, emotional, and social effects. Our gastroenterologists at Austin Gastroenterology will perform a quick test to diagnose your condition and create a comprehensive plan that guides you in limiting exposure to lactose and getting the nutrients you need from other food products.
To schedule a consultation with any of our board-certified gastroenterologists, call our clinic nearest to you or use our online appointment request form. We now offer telehealth visits for new and established patients.
