Could I be lactose intolerant?

Question

Ever since I can remember I have hated milk. I don't like chocolate, ice cream, puddings or yogurts. I do like cheese but don't often eat a lot of cheese. I know that most give me a mild stomach ache but I'm wondering if subconsiously I avoid them because I know they give me stomach aches. Would you think the stomach ache would indicate I'm lactose intolerant.
Also my baby when she drinks formula it seems to make her upset I try and breast feed her when I can but she may have a bottle once a day, could she be lactose intolerant

Answer 1

yes it could be, you see if your lactose intolerant it means your guts dont produce the right enzymes to break down the lactose in diary products. this could be why your body doesnt want them. there is a blood test you can do to confirm your suspicions, but if you are happy not eating diary then thats fine! just remember to take lots of calcium supplements. it may be a good idea to get your baby checked tho as it could be something else, usually children grow out of lactose intolerance when they get older... calcium is VERY important for her little bones so make sure she is getting her RDI (recommended daily intake) !!!

Answer 2

It's possible that you're lactose intolerant but a mild stomach ache isn't definitive proof of that. Severe intestinal gas pain that persists for more than one day, diarrhea and vomiting are more supportive of a diagnosis of lactose intolerance.

Lactose intolerance is very common (NOT rare!) and is due to a lack of or insufficient production of lactase, an enzyme, that digests the milk sugar, lactose. Generally, it's something that happens over time.

You can be tested by a few means. Diet elimination, histology or a galactose blood and urine test. The easiest is the standard means of testing - the breath hydrogen/methane test. This can be performed at home or in a doctor's office and requires that you ingest a challenge dose of lactose.

As far as your child, try switching her to a lactose-free formula (or a hypo-allergenic formula such as Nutramagen) and continue to breastfeed when possible, although breastfeeding is far superior to any lactose-free formula. Speak to her pediatrician about it the next time you bring her in for a routine visit. If she should require lactase enzyme drops just before or after feeding, her doctor will explain this to you.

Answer 3

Definitely. Humans were not made to drink a cows milk. Maybe you should try soy. I do hope that you are taking a supplement. Also your baby is probably the same but generally formula can be hard on an infants digestion. I breast feed four children and know that it is the best thing you can do in those critical years of development. You may be tied down a bit more then bottle feeding mothers but believe me you are not missing out on anything that you can't experience later in life. Enjoy them while you can and stay away from dairy.

Answer 4

It's more likely a dairy allergy. Its not lactose, but casein.

I have always had an aversion (sp?) to milk (like you, i like cheese!) and i have always had seasonal allergies. I thought they were just something i had to deal with, but when my son was severly congested i had to find an answer.

I found that casein is a very common allergy and upon eliminating it, my seasonal allergies were gone and my sons congested dissapeared.

Lactose intollerance is rather rare, and while it may be causing your issues, it is nearly impossible that it is causing your daughters issues.

Why are you supplementing? Just nurse her and cut out all the dairy in your diet. Formula is hard on the digestive system to begin with, but a dairy allergy on top of that will make it double.

If you need help on cutting out supplements or dairy, email me. I've been there :)

ETA: I was doing the short version as i had a baby attached to my breast :)
So, lactose intollerance is common amung adults... basically because we stop making the enzyme "lactase". This is because adults arent meant to nurse.
However, because you have always disliked dairy, i would bet that its not lactose, but casein, that is causing your problem.
Casein is the cows milk protein. Its rather long and hard to digest... its what puts diary at the top of the allergy list.
Its very likely that you are allergic to casien... esspeically if you were formula fed (as i was) because your body never built up the correct "gut flora" to digest certain things.

Eliminate it and take your daughter off formula, you will see results.

Answer 5

No, I don't think you r lactose intolerant. Neither your baby is. In case of lactose intolerance, u will have severe diarrhea vomiting along with stomach ache. It looks like u just have an aversion to milk, as I have.

Answer 6

Trying taking the replacement enzymes for lactose and see if it prevents your stomach ache. Try giving your baby soy milk or a milk substitute and see if she has the same reaction.

Often parenting means just trying different things to figure them out. Parents become medical detectives. :-)

Answer 7

It sounds like you are probably lactoes intolenent.
Try lactaid milk in cereal. If you eat ice cream take a Lactaid pill and you will be suprised how well you feel.
I had to put my boys Soy formula.

Answer 8

yeah i'm. in spite of the undeniable fact that this is extraordinary because of the fact i'm able to consume 2 slices of pizza, 2 scoops of ice cream, and cocoa (with milk) and be completely great. yet whilst i drink straight forward milk, i'm going to ought to run to the bathing room and or get a rash.... yet no I certainly have ever tried :actaid till now.... yet in step with threat i shoudl supply it a whirl! =)