Milk Intolerance Some people are born with lactose intolerance and some develop it as they grow older. The intolerance results from a deficiency of lactase, an enzyme that digests milk sugar (lactose) in the intestine, and is marked by cramping and diarrhea.
A lactase deficiency can sometimes develop after intestinal surgery, radiation therapy to the lower abdomen or chemotherapy . Because you can no longer digest milk sugar properly, you feel bloated and experience cramping and diarrhea.
• If your diarrhea is caused by milk intolerance, you should avoid milk and milk products such as ice cream,
cottage cheese and cheese. Depending on how sensitive you are to milk, you may also have to avoid butter,
cream and sour cream.
• If you are very sensitive, look for lactose-free, non-fat milk solids. You can even make your own lactose-free
milk by adding Lactaid—a tablet containing lactase—to your milk and keeping it in the refrigerator for 24 hours
before using it.
• You can use buttermilk or yogurt because the lactose in them has already been processed and is digested. You
might also tolerate some processed cheeses.
• You might try Mocha-mix, Dairy Rich and other soy products, or some lactose substitutes like Imo (an
