Intolerance to lactose is one of the most common food intolerances. Statistically every fourth to sixth individual of the Caucasian population carries an intolerance to lactose. For the digestion of lactose, intestinal enzymes are necessary that split lactose such that it can be absorbed into the blood without any adverse effects. But if these enzymes don't work properly, there is an intolerance to lactose.
The above-mentioned enzymes are present in the human body already from birth, in order for the child be able to absorb breast milk along with other nutrients. Over the life of the enzymes, they transform or disappear completely under the influence of one’s genes. This process is nevertheless lengthy and without a genetic analysis which reveals an intolerance to lactose, it may take a longer period of time before the symptoms appear. By that time, the body nevertheless already suffers from health problems.
The unabsorbed lactose in the intestines becomes nutrition for the intestinal bacteria which multiply rapidly and cause health problems such as indigestion and the improper metabolic transformation to nutrients. A great amount of gas develops and intestinal disorders become worse.
