Lactose intolerance
Lactose intolerance is a common condition where your body struggles to digest lactose, the natural sugar found in milk and dairy products.
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Lactose intolerance happens in your small intestine, which is the long tube that connects your stomach to your large bowel. To break down the sugar in milk, your body needs a special helper called lactase, which is an enzyme or a natural chemical that acts like a pair of scissors to cut lactose into pieces your body can easily absorb.
If your body does not make enough of this lactase enzyme, the undigested milk sugar travels to your large intestine instead of being absorbed. Once there, bacteria feast on the sugar, causing gas, bloating, and other digestive troubles.
Common Symptoms
- Bloating or a feeling of fullness in your belly
- Gas or flatulence
- Stomach cramps or sharp pains
- Diarrhea or loose, watery stools
- Nausea or an upset stomach