Have you ever experienced bloating and gas after eating some of your favorite dairy foods?
If you’re mentally nodding right now because after eating a single bowl of macaroni and cheese or ice cream, you feel discomfort, bloating, or worse, like there’s a battlefield raging in your stomach (aka diarrhea). . . this article is for you, friend!
The truth is, you may be lactose intolerant, which I’m sure you’ve already googled and are very aware of. But we want to help break down the science of what lactose intolerance is and reasons why the amazingness of dairy can still fit in your lifestyle. So, get ready!
SCIENCE SAYS: Lactose intolerance is when your body is unable to breakdown the naturally occurring sugar found in dairy, known as lactose.
PRO TIP 1: Eat and drink lactose-free and naturally low lactose dairy products so you can enjoy your fav food foods without the awkward gas and bloating. . . you’re welcome 😉.
Try eating different amounts of these foods to see what helps manage your symptoms:
- Lactose-free milk, which is real milk with the same nutrients as regular milk
- Hard and aged cheeses, such as cheddar, Colby, Monterey Jack, Parmesan and Swiss
- Yogurt with live and active cultures can help break down lactose, making it easier to digest
PRO TIP 2: Try adding milk to smoothies, soups, or pair with meals, to give your stomach more time to digest it.
Check out these lactose-intolerant friendly recipes.
SCIENCE SAYS: All milk–including lactose-free milk–contains the same thirteen essential nutrients, including calcium, phosphorus, protein, vitamins A, D, and B12, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, niacin, zinc, selenium, iodine, and potassium,* that are good for your entire body.
PRO TIP 3: Dairy is an ELITE food group so don’t be dramatic and cancel it quite yet! Trust the science on that one, fam.
*Based on the 2019 DRI for potassium developed by NASEM.
