Changing to a Lactose Free Food Diet

Millions of people all over the world are changing to a lactose free food diet.

With over 70 percent of the world’s population diagnosed as having a milk allergy lactose free diets are becoming quite popular.

Many people are forced into changing to a lactose free food diet when they begin to notice digestion problems. Many times babies are diagnosed with a milk allergy early in life.

Lactose is a type of sugar that naturally exists in milk. People who have a milk allergy do not have high levels of the enzymes that break down lactose, which leads to digestive problems. Problems experienced by people who are lactose intolerant include:

• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Stomach cramps
• Bloating

Many people are changing to a lactose free food diet because of other reasons. Milk has been known to cause problems for diabetics and contribute to cancer and high blood pressure in some people.

The first step to changing to a lactose free food diet such as Fertiggerichte is to become educated on what lactose is and products contain lactose. Milk and dairy products are pretty obvious but other products also contain lactose. Some drink mixes, such as hot chocolate mixes or breakfast powders also contain lactose.

Look at labels before you buy foods. Many pasta sauces are made with cream or cheese. Dressings, sauces, baked goods, cereals, and many other everyday foods have a lactose component.

The nutrition labels on packaged items should give you the information you need to determine if a food contains lactose.

Also be careful when ordering in restaurants. There are many vegetarian restaurants in most cities that prepare lactose free food. These restaurants offer healthy food that tastes great and are the perfect choice for a person with milk allergies. In a regular restaurant stick to fresh items and don’t be afraid to ask your server to check with the chef if you are unsure of an item.

The second in changing to a lactose free food diet is to keep positive about your situation. It is easy to become depressed if you are no longer able to have your favorite foods.

Fortunately, many companies are now making lactose free foods including Fertiggerichte that are as good as your old favorites. Many grocery stores have a lactose free section.

Another way to keep positive is to think of all the yummy fresh foods you can have and how healthy you will be on your new diet. You can experiment with new recipes and food items.

A big worry for lactose intolerant people is calcium. Am I getting enough? If you eat a diet high in green leafy veggies you will get plenty of calcium. Broccoli, romaine lettuce, and kale are all very high in calcium.

One last warning: Lactose reduced foods are not free of the sugars that make up lactose. If you are changing to a lactose free food diet you will want to skip these foods as well.