Did you know that a whopping 60% of adults don't produce lactase? Lactase is the enzyme needed to break up the sugar, lactose, in dairy.
Humans are the only species on earth that continue to consume milk beyond childhood. A majority of our bodies stop producing lactase between the ages of 2 and 5 yrs. This means that lactose doesn't get digested, travels straight to the colon and starts to ferment. In other words, that delicious pint of Ben and Jerry's just became the gas that's causing cramping, bloating, nausea, flatulence and diarrhea. Yikes!
Scientists and researches actually find it a phenomenon when people can digest dairy. They call it lactase persistence. If you are part of this minority group, you are the result of a genetic mutation that allows humans to consume milk into adulthood. I'm a mutant myself. The mutated gene generally shows up in people of Northern European decent.
This is all bona fide proven research. So why is it that the government is putting so much funding into the "Got Milk" campaign and trying to scare the bejeebers out of us for not getting enough calcium and vitamin D? Hmmm?
So you think you may be lactose intolerant? Now what? Try cutting dairy products out of your diet for a few days and see how you feel. If your symptoms improve you may have your answer. Try out some other options such as soy, almond and coconut milk. The switch can take some getting used to but you can't help but love them once the bloating and cramping is gone!
Join us for Tai Cheese on Wed, March 16 for a workout and then stay to learn some yummy recipes and non dairy cheese alternatives!
Thanks for that information. We have taken dairy products such as milk ever since we were kids. It's important to always be aware of what we take to be sure of our health.
ReplyDeleteThat's so true. Many people have digestive issues and other ailments and never think to link it to what they are putting into their bodies.
ReplyDelete