If you feel like your tummy has been hit by a Mack truck every time you consume milk, cheese or yogurt, you might be lactose intolerant. In other words, your large intestine may lack the ability to tolerate lactose, the main sugar found in dairy products. Nearly 70% of adults suffer from symptoms of lactose intolerance: bloating, gas, nausea, diarrhea, cramping. In Cyprus alone, it’s been found that 30% of children under 5 have the beginning signs of lactose intolerance!

 

So, if you feel any of the above-mentioned symptoms, regardless of intensity, roughly 30’-60’ after the consumption of at least 200g of dairy, then it’s a good idea to consult with your doctor to determine whether or not you are truly lactose intolerant.

 

Don’t fret…there are tons of lactose free products available at METRO today: milk, cheese, yogurt, snacks, and even ice-cream. Your doctor can test your lactose sensitivity level and guide your diet accordingly.

 

Being lactose intolerant doesn’t mean you have to cut dairy completely out of your life.  It just means that by way of trial and error, you should discover what types of dairy and what amounts your body can and cannot handle.

 

Choosing to eat only small amounts of dairy at a time, creatively pairing your dairy foods with lactose free foods, and choosing raw cheese options like Gruyere, are just a few little tricks that will help alleviate the very uncomfortable symptoms of lactose intolerance.