Let my Script Parley: Lactose Intolerance
After reading the lactose intolerance part two email, you may feel more confident about reintroducing dairy to your diet, but please consult your doctor before doing so. Despite consuming low lactose items, many people may still experience symptoms, particularly in the digestive system.
Protein from milk can compromise the immune system if not properly metabolized into amino acids, which are smaller in structure and easier to digest. Molecules that do not break down into their simplest forms are perceived as foreigners and raiders by the body. In response, the immune system mobilizes defense teams to stop, investigate, and combat. Furthermore, people with slow digestive systems or preexisting health issues might have difficulty digesting the fat in whole milk and fatty cheeses. There is also a link between a high fat diet and digestive problems, specifically a diet high in saturated, trans, and omega-6 fatty acids.
Food allergy may prevent others from enjoying milk-based products. Casein and whey proteins found in cows' milk are strongly correlated with acne development, for instance. The reason for this is that it entices the body to release insulin. The branched chained amino acids in whey protein in particular lead to the secretion of insulin because it has the potential to initiate several chemical reactions (e.g. enzyme mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (TORC1)) that discharge excess insulin into the bloodstream. In spite of insulin's role as a growth hormone, excessive levels promote the formation of sebocytes, which is a contributing factor to acne. Among the factors that protect the skin from the environment is sebum, the oil produced by sebocytes. In excess, sebocytes produce too much oil, causing swelling beneath the skin that eventually leads to bumps. Whether you call it acne, pimples, or zits, you won't like it. Sidebar, compared to whole milk, low-fat milk was more prone to acne. It's up to the consumer and their healthcare provider to decide whether they can live the dairy life or not.
In other cases, it may be a matter of personal preference, and they cannot consume foods like this.
If your practitioner gives you the green light to include dairy in your diet, try an elimination diet for 2 to 3 weeks first. Slowly reintroducing cheese to your meal plan will allow you to observe whether symptoms return and your body has time to adjust. Unless you experience adverse effects, it is likely that you can tolerate that specific amount of dairy. Finding a happy medium might allow you to enjoy dairy again.
Others might not find this appealing, and you may prefer to choose non-dairy alternatives. Get to know your body. Discover what foods and environments trigger it, embrace it, and keep it in balance. Till next time. Stay Strong & Stay Vivid!
Reference:
1. Zheng. W., Shi.X. et. Wang. B (2021). A Review on the General Cheese Processing Technology, Flavor Biochemical Pathways and the Influence of Yeast in Cheese. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8358398/.
2. del Carmen Toca. M., Fernandez. A., Orsi. M., et Tabacco. O (2022). Lactose intolerance: myths and facts. An update. Arch Argent Pediatr. https://www.sap.org.ar/docs/publicaciones/archivosarg/2022/v120n1a11e.pdf.
3. Gille. D. et. al. (2018). Detection of lactose in products with low lactose content. Elsevier. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0958694618300608#:~:text=Lactose%20quantification%20in%20dairy%20products,after%20hydrolysis%20with%20%CE%B2%2Dgalactosidase.
4. Storhaug. C.L., Fosse. S.K. et. Fadnes. L.T.(2017). Country, regional, and global estimates for lactose malabsorption in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langas/article/PIIS2468-1253(17)30154-1/fulltext.
5. Gurtler. A, et Schmitt. L (2021). The impact of clinical nutrition on inflammatory skin diseases. John Wiley & Sons Ltd. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ddg.14683.
6. Mariamenatu. A.H, et. Abdu. E.M (2021). Overconsumption of Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs) versus Deficiency of Omega-3 PUFAs in Modern-Day Diets: The Disturbing Factor for Their “Balanced Antagonistic Metabolic Functions” in the Human Body. Journal of Lipids. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7990530/pdf/JL2021-8848161.pdf.
