Are Probiotics The Cure To Lactose Intolerance?
Probiotics are becoming miracle workers these days.
These healthy probiotic bugs have been shown to potentially help boost immune health, aid in digestive function, reduce depression, alleviate allergies, enhance complexion, and help with gastrointestinal ailments.
But could they help cure lactose intolerance?
Recent research studies are actually leaning towards…yes!
This would mean major relief for a large percentage of individuals.
It has been thought that lactose tolerance is actually the genetic mutation and that we’re all originally lactose intolerant.
Lactose intolerance affects a whopping 65% of the total adult population.
The effects of lactose intolerance are also one of the main complaints of individual’s stomach pain and upsets.
Until now, the main way to deal with lactose intolerance has always been to avoid food or drinks with milk or dairy products.
However, there may be alternate ways to cope with lactose intolerance and enjoy dairy products without the negative side effects.
What Does The Research Say?
A recent study was done on the effects of probiotic supplementation taken with yogurt on lactose intolerance.
The research found that when pairing the two together, it enhances particular kinds of bacteria that can alleviate the symptoms of lactose intolerance by way of changing the metabolic exertion of microbiota residing in the colon.
These particular bacteria in the body create the enzyme, Lactase, which ingests the lactose that dairy products contain and supports the development of these bacteria in the colon.
All of this can result in a higher amount of lactose in the body, which can lead to an increased ability in lactose digestion.
With an improved ability to breakdown lactose, this means a great reduction in the uncomfortable symptoms that go along with lactose intolerance.
A vital note that goes along with this study is that the ingestion of probiotics and yogurt should be introduced very slowly to help ease the body into this change of dairy consumption and to begin improving your dairy tolerance.
If you attempt to jump the gun and consume too many dairy or milk products that exceeds your lactose capacity, very negative side effects may occur such as diarrhea, cramping, vomiting, and overall sickness.
The research suggests beginning the process with the probiotic supplement and ease into the combination of probiotics and yogurt.
Start with Bifidobacterium longum, which has been shown to help steadily and effectively metabolize lactose and improve overall tolerance to dairy products.
In Conclusion…
Lactose intolerance is a real issue than many individuals struggle with.
Probiotics have already been shown to help ease stomach disorders such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Crohn’s Disease and now it may be able to help ease lactose intolerance.
This is done by a combination of probiotic supplementation (specifically a strain profile with Bifidobacterium longum) and the intake of yogurt.
The combination of the two has a powerhouse effect and eventually leads to a higher amount of the enzyme Lactase, which helps break down lactose.
Doing this can eventually build up your tolerance to dairy and milk products and let you enjoy eating them without icky side effects.
Yet another fantastic reason to start taking your probiotics!
To help you find the perfect supplement for you, check out our list of the 10 best probiotic supplements.
