Why does my stomach hurt after eating dairy?
Summary Stomach pain and bloating are common with lactose intolerance. They are caused when bacteria in the colon ferment lactose that the body has left undigested, resulting in excess gas and water. Pain is most often situated around the navel and lower tummy.
What helps a stomach ache after eating dairy?
You can reduce discomfort by doing the following:
- Cut back on the amount of dairy you eat or drink.
- Have food in your stomach (not more dairy).
- Wait several hours before having more dairy.
- Choose foods with less lactose.
- Substitute soy or nondairy products.
- Take supplements that help you digest lactose.
How long will my stomach hurt after eating dairy?
Symptoms of lactose intolerance usually begin between 30 minutes and 2 hours after consuming dairy. The symptoms last until the lactose passes through your digestive system, up to about 48 hours later. The severity of your symptoms can be mild or severe depending on how much dairy you eat.
Can you become lactose intolerant all of a sudden?
It’s possible to become lactose intolerant all of a sudden if another medical condition—such as gastroenteritis—or prolonged abstinence from dairy triggers the body. It is normal to lose tolerance for lactose as you age.
How do you fix lactose intolerance?
Treatment
- Limit milk and other dairy products.
- Include small servings of dairy products in your regular meals.
- Eat and drink lactose-reduced ice cream and milk.
- Add a liquid or powder lactase enzyme to milk to break down the lactose.
How do you soothe lactose intolerance?
How do I tell if I am lactose intolerant?
Symptoms of lactose intolerance include nausea, cramps, gas, bloating, or diarrhea within 30 minutes to 2 hours after consuming milk or dairy products. Symptoms occur because there is not enough lactase being produced by the body to digest the lactose consumed.
How can I test myself for lactose intolerance?
A hydrogen breath test is a simple way of determining if you may be lactose intolerant. You’ll be asked to avoid eating or drinking during the night before the test. When you arrive for the test, you’ll be asked to blow up a balloon-like bag.
Why does milk upset my stomach but not cheese?
Too little of an enzyme produced in your small intestine (lactase) is usually responsible for lactose intolerance. You can have low levels of lactase and still be able to digest milk products. But if your levels are too low you become lactose intolerant, leading to symptoms after you eat or drink dairy.