Kimberley Roberts Why am I telling you this? Because being lactose intolerant is a big part of me and something that will crop up in this blog from time to time. 🤍
For other fellow lactose intolerant people, or even those not wanting to consume dairy, I’ll write and create content about my dairy-free finds, lactase enzyme supplements that I take to help when eating something that has dairy in it, dairy free alternatives and recipes etc.
Once I’ve created more content, I’ll update this blog post with helpful links. 🤓
What are the Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance?
While the symptoms of lactose intolerance is generally nothing visible like a rash or dry skin…they can be uncomfortable and painful.
Main symptoms of lactose intolerance include:
- Tummy pains
- Bloating
- Gas/trumping
- Diarrhoea (or constipation – not one I actually suffer with…tmi?)
- Nausea
The severity of each of these symptoms are different per person and dependant on the level of lactose intolerance a person has and the obvious one…how much is consumed.
There have been many times over the years where I’ve thought…I shouldn’t eaten/drank that! I’m sure you can relate too if you are lactose intolerant also.
How Does Lactose Intolerance Affect Me?
Personally, I get all the above, minus the constipation and only occasionally will feel nauseous. The worst part for me is the tummy pains and bloating! 😔
What is Lactose?
Lactose is sugar would you believe! It’s the sugar that is found naturally in milk and other dairy products
What Foods Contain Lactose?
Most dairy products contain lactose but each has different levels depending on.
- Milk
- Cheese
- Cream
- Yogurt
Milk is actually in a lot of products beacsue…Funny (not so funny story), a few weeks ago, I purcahsed a bottle of wine from Aldi that I hadn’t tried before. After a glass, I started feeling bloated and had a tummy ache, I joked to my husband, ‘it’s probably got milk in it’ and laughed because, well…it’s pink and wine…nevertheless…int he ingredients…MILK! If there was ever a moment to trust my gut…it was then! 😂
Do I Still Eat Dairy?
Yep…I know I probably shouldn’t say this, but let’s be honest…cheese is yummy…so I’ll have it when it’s worth it but I try to keep food like Mac ‘n’ Cheese to when I’m at home.
There’s a lot more alternatives now than there were about 5 years ago!
Do I Cut Out Dairy?
I choose wisely and listen to my body. Is probably the best answer I could give in a nutshell.
This may sound weird and I can’t explain it (not a scientist and all) but my body temperature and certain times of the month I become more sensitive to dairy.
One good thing for me is, I absolutely despise cows milk! Even the smell of it makes me gag so please never ask me to smell milk to see if it’s off as… For all I know, this could actually have started as a ‘mental’ thing and the smell is triggering?! If anything, it certainly triggers my gag reflex that’s for sure!🤢
Other Intolerances?
Side note…I actually feel and have done for a fair few years now that I have some other intolerances or…have you seen the Zoey app? I first heard about this on one of Steven Bartletts podcasts and I’m thinking of trailing it and showing my journey and experience with it.