April 30, 2006

Lactose Intolerance

Hello my name is Red and I'm Lactose Intolerant (head hangs low in shame). Why you ask? Well if your not lactose intolerant you should understand for your own safety. I didn't understand until I was informed of my… uh um… problem.

What is lactose intolerance?
Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest significant amounts of lactose, the major sugar found in milk. Lactose intolerance is caused by a shortage of the enzyme lactase, which is produced by the cells that line the small intestine. Lactase breaks down milk sugar into two
simpler forms of sugar called glucose and galactose, which are then absorbed into the bloodstream. Not all people deficient in lactase have the symptoms commonly associated with lactose intolerance, but those who do are said to have lactose intolerance.

What are the symptoms of lactose intolerance?
People who do not have enough lactase to digest the amount of lactose they consume may feel very uncomfortable when they digest milk products. Common symptoms, which range from mild to severe, include nausea, cramps, bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Symptoms begin about 30 minutes to 2 hours after eating or drinking foods containing lactose. The severity of symptoms depends on many factors, including the amount of lactose a person can tolerate and a person’s age, ethnicity, and digestion rate.
In other words… If you know someone who is lactose intolerant and you see them eating or drinking dairy then stay way because they are going to FART!
Unless of course... they get the pills and actually take them.