You sink your teeth into a grilled cheese from your nearest comfort food joint. That first bite leaves you parched, so you chase the umami with a cold glass of milk. On your way home, you treat yourself to some ice cream, a Friday reward after a successful week.
Unfortunately, all the joy in the world couldn’t compensate for the cramps, bloating and bathroom torture you’ll endure thanks to this dairy joyride.
Sounds familiar, right? Despite the ubiquity of dairy at grocery stores and restaurants, tens of millions of people in the U.S. are lactose intolerant. Let's explore what, exactly, the term means, what causes lactose intolerance and how to avoid hurting your gut too much in a dairy-rich world.
What Is Lactose Intolerance?
Simply put, lactose intolerance refers to a person’s inability to properly digest, or break down, lactose, a sugar found in dairy products like cheese and ice cream, in addition to many processed foods, like cereal. Those with the condition may experience certain symptoms — like bloating, gas and diarrhea — after eating foods containing lactose.
