Latest news with #lactose
Daily Mail
14-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
I didn't want to give up my favourite foods so I tried a diary digestion supplement that promised relief - here's what actually happend
Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more I've struggled with what I believe to be a slight sensitivity to lactose for years - until I tried these £8 tablets from iHerb. If you know me at all, it's likely you'll know that I always start my day with an iced matcha, and am partial to foods containing dairy (my favourite meal ever is chicken alfredo). Nature's Truth Fast Acting Lactose Digest Complete Suitable for vegans and gluten-free, these Lactose Digest tablets are designed to support the breakdown of lactose in dairy products. Each tablet provides lactase, an enzyme that helps the body process lactose, the natural sugar found in milk and other dairy items. Take one tablet with the first bite or sip of dairy-containing food or drink. While not a treatment or cure for any condition, these tablets can be a helpful option for individuals who wish to incorporate dairy into a balanced diet. £8.87 Shop However, like five per cent of people in the UK, I often suffer from unpleasant symptoms after consuming dairy products, including bloating and tummy pain. I've tried milk alternatives (I used to drink oat milk until I discovered this was worsening my frequent breakouts), and have tried many plant-based dairy alternatives, but if I'm being honest, none of them compare to the real thing, in my opinion. Lactose intolerance is caused by the body struggling to break down lactose, a sugar found in most dairy products - caused by a lack of the enzyme lactase that occurs in the small intestine. Without enough of this enzyme, undigested lactose passes through to the large intestine, which can cause the familiar symptoms that those who suffer with intolerance know all too well. Symptoms of lactose intolerance can vary from person to person, though it's typically characterised by bloating, gas, stomach cramps and even diarrhea (all from eating your favourite meal - how unfair is that?). Luckily, more lactose-free milk and cheese products are becoming readily available, and those who suffer from a severe intolerance usually avoid lactose altogether. If you're not sure whether you have an intolerance, some companies now offer at-home testing kits, though it's always best to visit your GP for a thorough investigation. When browsing options to help deal with my lactose sensitivity, I stumbled across Nature's Truth Lactose Digest Complete for £8.87 on iHerb, a vegan lactase enzyme that claims to help with the digestion of dairy products. With hundreds of positive reviews, I decided to put the tablets to the test - and was blown away by the results. 'It has reduced my discomfort like bloating, gas or diarrhea after consuming dairy,' noted one customer. 'The tablet sizes are perfect, and they are easy to take. The taste of the supplement is neutral, with no strong aftertaste. Now I can include dairy in my diet without worrying about my stomach pain or digestive issues'. 'Before drinking cappuccino or eating ice cream, I take one tablet and there is no discomfort afterwards,' said a second customer. 'Good stuff to help with digestion for those who are lactose intolerant,' said a third user. 'I love that it's fast-acting, as I always forget to take it before eating'. But what did I think? The brand recommends taking one vegan, gluten-free tablet with your first mouthful of dairy food or drink, and an additional tablet if you continue eating dairy produce after 30 to 45 minutes - so I did exactly that. My discomfort usually starts pretty instantaneously after consuming dairy, usually within 45 minutes - or faster, if I eat something heavy, such as creamy pasts sauces or milk-heavy drinks. I took my first tablet in the morning time before drinking my usual iced matcha, and was pleased to find that after I'd finished it, I didn't have any of my usual bloating or tummy pain. For a fair test, I used the tablets over the course of four weeks to see how they interacted with different foods, and can confidently say that they significantly helped to diminish my symptoms. Though with dairy-heavy meals I still got a little bloating, my symptoms were no where near as severe as without taking the enzyme - and I can say confidently that this is one health product I won't be without (there's also a handy subscription service available on iHerb, if you forget to reorder). As with any supplement or health product, it's best to seek advice from a GP prior to taking it - though for me, I can honestly say that I'm blown away by the results of the lactose enzyme. here.
WebMD
09-06-2025
- Health
- WebMD
How Aging Affects Your Gut
With age comes wisdom. But it also comes with some not-so-welcome developments, like more moments of forgetfulness, more aches and pains – and, often, more digestive woes. Here are some of the most common issues and what you can do to feel better. Constipation Most people will experience constipation at one time or another. But as you age, it can happen more frequently. Your digestive tract may start to move more slowly, and waste that sits in your intestines for too long can dry out and become hard to pass. You may also be taking more medications, some of which could cause constipation. Being less active and drinking fewer fluids both increase the likelihood, too. What to do: Be sure you're staying well-hydrated, getting exercise, and including fiber-rich foods in your meals and snacks every day. If you're still having trouble, ask your doctor about trying a daily fiber supplement like psyllium or a laxative. Food Intolerances Are there foods you happily ate in the past that are now giving you grief? Production of some digestive enzymes can decline with age. For instance, older adults tend to make less lactase, the enzyme that breaks down the lactose in milk, so you may not tolerate dairy products as well. It's even possible to develop celiac disease (the inability to digest gluten) and food allergies as you get older. What to do: Jot down what you eat and drink as well as your symptoms for a couple of weeks to see if you can spot patterns. Always see your doctor if you think you're experiencing allergic symptoms such as vomiting, hives, or itching. Heartburn Muscle tone can weaken with age, and that includes the sphincter between your stomach and esophagus. When that valve weakens, acid from the stomach can splash up into the esophagus and cause the telltale burning sensation. If you've gained weight with age, that ups your risk of heartburn, too. What to do: Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of a few large ones (an overfull belly can cause that sphincter to become relaxed). Take an after-meal walk and avoid eating right before bed. Pay attention to whether any of these trigger foods may be bothering you: caffeine and carbonated drinks, alcohol, spicy or greasy foods, chocolate, mint, tomatoes and tomato products, and citrus fruits.
