Lactose intolerance is a condition caused by the body’s difficulty to digest milk and other dairy products. Lactose, sometimes referred to as “milk sugar,” occurs naturally in most mammals, including humans. Lactase is the enzyme that helps break down lactose so it is properly digested. If you are developing symptoms of lactose intolerance, switching from 100% real milk to lactose free milk may help. 

Lactose intolerance should not be confused with a milk allergy (or casein allergy), which is an allergic reaction triggered by the body’s immune system to the proteins in milk products. Individuals who are lactose intolerant can experience some unpleasant symptoms. Here are the most common:

1. Gas and bloating 
If you are lactose intolerant, you will likely experience gas and bloat. The culprit is the presence of fermented lactose in the colon. The fermentation process increases the gasses that are trapped which causes flatulence. While this condition can be bothersome, the good thing is the flatulence associated with lactose intolerance is odorless. That means if you are experiencing foul odors from burping or passing gas, the result is typically undigested protein in the gut—and may be the result of another underlying health issue, aside from lactose intolerance.

2. Constipation 
Lactose intolerance can on rare occasions trigger constipation. This symptom may occur when the bacteria in the colon produces methane, and slows down the procession of food moving through the gut. However, researchers admit that more research is needed to determine whether or not there is a solid link to lactose and constipation.

3. Diarrhea or loose stools 
Diarrhea is another unpleasant symptom of lactose intolerance. Diarrhea takes place when leftover lactose fermenters and releases fatty acids in the colon. The increase in water produces watery stool.

4. Mouth ulcers 
Open sores in the mouth can appear if you are suffering from lactose intolerance. These ulcers, also known as canker sores, can be painful and even bleed on occasion. There are a number of conditions that can trigger mouth ulcers. This is why it’s best to get a proper diagnosis from a medical professional.

5. Stomach pain and cramps 
Stomach pains and cramps are the most common symptom of lactose intolerance. They can occur when the body doesn’t have enough lactase to break down lactose, the lactose goes directly to the colon where it begins to ferment. During this process, hydrogen gas and carbon dioxide are released. The end result is excess gas and water that causes bloating and stomach pain below the navel. The stomach pain can be severe at times.

If you experience the above signs of lactose intolerance, see a doctor to get tested. In most cases, the symptoms will appear anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours after you consume dairy products. Keep in mind that many of the symptoms on this lactose intolerance list can be a result of some other condition. You can also be taking certain medications that trigger the same symptoms. The good news is that if you are lactose intolerant, the condition can be managed by limiting or eliminating dairy products from your diet, drinking lactose free milk products, or taking an over the counter tablet (e.g., Lactaid) prior to eating dairy. These lactose pills contain enough of the digestive enzyme lactase, which the patient lacks, to help digest lactose comfortably.