Lactose Intolerance Info Guide

Lactose intolerance is more common than people think. In fact many people believe that it's something you are born with. The truth of the matter is most people don't become LI until later in life, My father (RIP) became LI at the age of 30 and I became LI at the age of 16 when I was pregnant with my 1st child, I in turn passed it on to her and my other children at birth.

What is LI?
It's the inability of your body to break down the natural milk sugars in dairy products.

What are the signs of LI?
LI happens in stages, you may be able to tolerate a small amount of dairy without any trouble, for example I personally can eat 1 slice of cheese with no problem but if I eat more than that I must take a pill.
Stage 1: Gas after you have dairy.
Stage 2: Painful gut wrenching gas after you have dairy.
Stage 3: Painful gas accompanied by explosive diarrhea.
Stage 4: Diarrhea within 10-30 minutes of eating dairy.

How to prevent the pain?
Many products are being made for the LI,
There are Lactaid pills designed to break down the milk sugars for you. I recommend going for the generic brands because they save you money and work just as well as the name brand does.

Not able to swallow pills? The pills are small and you can actually break them in half saving the other half for later but if you still can't handle even a small pill they do have great tasting chewables.

How much do pills cost?
At walmart you can find the equate brand for around $8 for a 60ct. box. Lactaid brand will run you about $12  for the same amount.
At Dollar General you can find a generic 32ct. box for $4
The chewables are currently only made by Lactaid brand for around $12 a box.
Other products that have been introduced in recent years include: Lactose free milk which has a longer shelf life than regular milk because the sugars are already broken down for you, Lactose free ice cream, lactose free eggnog for the holidays, LF half & half, LF cottage cheese and more....

Do I need to take a pill with yogurt?
Contrary to popular belief you actually can eat yogurt without any effects because the sugars are already partly broken down for you so no you don't have to take a pill with yogurt.

Can I use LF milk in my regualr recipes?
Yes in fact I reccomend it, I wanted my kids to grow up like normal children and not have to miss out on great things like pudding so I started making it with LF milk and use LF milk in many other recipes as well. It's especially helpful if your child can't take or chew pills yet.

Finally here is a link for a free sample of lactaid pills while supplies last https://www.lactaid.com/freesamplesoffer/Dietary+Supplements
I hope my LI info. guide helps you understand it better and helps you see you DON'T have to give up dairy!