Health Professionals … the facts about lactose intolerance may surprise you. For starters, it’s not as widespread as many people think. For more information and a downloadable handout for your patients. Click here.
Lactose Intolerant Doesn't Always Mean Saying Goodbye to Dairy
Lactose intolerance is a widely known condition, but people who don’t know the whole story can end up limiting their diets more than necessary – and may put their health at risk. Most people who believe they are lactose intolerant or who have experienced some symptoms can still enjoy milk, cheese, and yogurt by taking some simple measures. The real problem lies in removing these foods from their diet, because they supply a variety of important nutrients.
Consumption of cow's milk and milk products is associated with overall diet quality and adequacy of intake of many essential nutrients including calcium, potassium, phosphorus, protein, vitamins A, D (if fortified), and B12, riboflavin, and niacin. Unfortunately, some individuals may avoid milk and milk products unnecessarily because of adverse reactions to these foods. More …
Tips for Keeping Dairy in Your Diet
- Drink milk with meals or a snack, instead of on an empty stomach.
- Consume NO more than an 8 oz. serving, which equals 1 cup of yogurt or milk at a time. Spread your 3-A-Day throughout the day.
- Aged cheeses like Cheddar and Swiss are naturally low in lactose.
- Introduce dairy to your diet slowly. Start with small portions and gradually work up to three servings a day.
- Raise your glass to lactose-reduced or lactose-free milk.
- Yogurt is good. Cultured dairy foods like yogurt contain friendly bacteria that help digest lactose.
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