What dietary change can help manage symptoms of lactose intolerance?

Reducing or eliminating lactose-containing foods is the most effective dietary change for managing symptoms of lactose intolerance. People with lactose intolerance have a decreased ability to digest lactose, which is the sugar found in milk and dairy products. When lactose is consumed, it can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, including symptoms like bloating, gas, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. By removing or significantly reducing lactose-rich foods from the diet, individuals can minimize these symptoms and improve their overall digestive comfort.

This approach can involve substituting lactose-free dairy products or other alternatives such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Additionally, some individuals may be able to tolerate small amounts of lactose or certain types of dairy that contain lower lactose levels, such as hard cheeses or yogurt with live cultures.

Other dietary strategies, such as increasing lactose intake or consuming high-fat dairy products, could worsen symptoms instead of alleviating them, as they do not address the underlying issue of lactose intolerance. Switching to gluten-free foods, while beneficial for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, does not directly help with the symptoms of lactose intolerance and thus is not an effective strategy for managing this specific condition.