Lactose Intolerant?

Do you know anyone who can’t consume milk or milk-based
products? The condition is not uncommon and these people are
classified as lactose intolerant.

Lactose is the main carbohydrate or sugar found in milk, and in
varying quantities in dairy products made from milk including
yoghurt, ice cream, soft cheeses and butter. Lactose (milk
sugar) intolerance results from an inability to digest lactose
in the small intestine.

Back in the cave-days, the only time a person would ever ingest
lactose would be when they were infants getting milk from their
mothers. During their adult lives milk was never consumed. Only
with the invention of agriculture has milk become readily
available to adults. Lactose is unique in that only in milk does
it exist as a free form, unattached to other molecules.

What causes lactose intolerance?

Lactose is digested in the small intestine by an enzyme called
lactase. This enzyme allows the body to break down the lactose
into two simple sugars, glucose and galactose. These are quickly
absorbed by the intestine and provide energy for the body. The
level of the lactase enzyme varies between individuals, as does
the severity of the symptoms caused by lactose intolerance.

What are the symptoms of lactose intolerance?

Symptoms range from milk abdominal discomfort, bloating and
excessive wind to sever abdominal cramps and diarrhoea.

Substitutes for lactose-containing foods

Lactose intolerance generally isn’t serious and can be
controlled by some simple changes in your diet. The dietary
changes for lactose intolerance should include the exclusion of
those foods highest in lactose. There is now a wide range of
fresh soy milks, yoghurts and ice creams which are lactose free
and calcium enriched. Many dairy foods actually have little or
no lactose so you can continue to enjoy them.

The power of soy protein

Soy-based products are on the rise for very healthy reasons. The
humble soybean boasts some extraordinary benefits. Lactose-free,
soy protein is a “complete protein” which contains all 9
essential amino acids in the right balance to meet your body’s
needs. Soy protein is the only plant protein that is complete.
This makes it a great substitute for many meats, allowing you to
eliminate more saturated fat and cholesterol from your diet.

While soybeans have much to offer from a protein perspective, it
is because they contain so many nutrients, such as isoflavones,
that they are now the centre of so much attention. Soy protein
enhances the body’s ability to retain and better absorb calcium
into the bones. Soy isoflavones help by slowing bone loss and
inhibiting bone breakdown.

Lactose-Free Soy Recipes

There are an abundance of wonderful soy recipes that enable you
to get all the benefits of soy….without the traditional soy
flavour. Further information available at the link below.

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