What happens if you keep eating dairy when lactose intolerant long term?

The important long-term health consequence of lactose intolerance is calcium deficiency that leads to osteoporosis. Less commonly, vitamin D deficiency may occur and compound the bone disease. Both of these health issues can be prevented easily by calcium and vitamin D supplements.

Why am I lactose intolerant all of a sudden?

It’s possible to become lactose intolerant all of a sudden if another medical condition—such as gastroenteritis—or prolonged abstinence from dairy triggers the body. It is normal to lose tolerance for lactose as you age.

Can dairy intolerance go away?

There’s no cure for lactose intolerance, but most people are able to control their symptoms by making changes to their diet. Some cases of lactose intolerance, such as those caused by gastroenteritis, are only temporary and will improve within a few days or weeks.

What does being lactose intolerant feel like?

Lactose intolerance is very common, affecting up to 70\% of people worldwide. The most common symptoms include stomach pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, gas, nausea and vomiting. There have been reports of other symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue and eczema, but these are rarer and not well established.

Can you develop dairy allergy later in life?

While more commonly seen within the first year of a baby’s life, milk allergy can occur at any age. Adults can develop an allergy to dairy products even if they used to be able to consume milk in the past without any issues. Although milk allergy is often confused with lactose intolerance, they are not the same.

Can you develop a milk allergy later in life?

It is unusual to develop an allergy to milk proteins later in life. However, the development of lactose intolerance tends to increase with age. Symptoms include bloating, pain, gas, diarrhea or gastroesophageal reflux.

Can you be lactose intolerant and still digest milk?

You can have low levels of lactase and still be able to digest milk products. But if your levels are too low you become lactose intolerant, leading to symptoms after you eat or drink dairy. Most people with lactose intolerance can manage the condition without having to give up all dairy foods.

Should I talk to my doctor about my lactose intolerance symptoms?

If you get these about 30 minutes to 2 hours after you drink milk or eat dairy products, you should talk to your doctor. Lactose intolerance is just one of many things that can cause these symptoms. Being lactose intolerant just means you don’t make enough of a certain enzyme that helps your body break down sugar in milk.

What is lactose intolerance and what causes it?

Lactose intolerance is just one of many things that can cause these symptoms. Being lactose intolerant just means you don’t make enough of a certain enzyme that helps your body break down sugar in milk. The sugar ends up in your colon rather than being absorbed into your bloodstream.

Can lactose intolerance cause gas and bloating?

Small intestine People with lactose intolerance are unable to fully digest the sugar (lactose) in milk. As a result, they have diarrhea, gas and bloating after eating or drinking dairy products. The condition, which is also called lactose malabsorption, is usually harmless, but its symptoms can be uncomfortable.