Got milk trouble? A few of my friends experience gastrointestinal or abdominal symptoms such as nausea, gas,bloating, cramping and diarrhea,usually a few hours after consuming milk products. They are experiencing LACTOSE INTOLERANCE. In our small intestine we produce an enzyme called lactase which breaks down lactose into simple sugars called glucose and galactose so that our bodies can absorb it. Lactose is a complex sugar found in milk products and in some processed foods. If our body does not have enough of the enzyme lactase then the lactose is not digested. Instead, it is fermented by bacteria that live in our colon, and broken down into fatty acids, hydrogen and methane. That's what causes the gas, bloating and diarrhea.The severity of these symptoms varies depending on the amount of lactose each individual can tolerate. There is no cure for lactose intolerance, but fortunately it is more of an annoyance than a serious condition. However symptoms can be controlled through diet. If you think you are lactose intolerant, i would suggest to you to avoid dairy products such as pasteurised yogurt, milk and ice cream, and to take calcium supplements such as tums, since milk is a primary calcium source. One can also use lactase liquids or tablets to help digest the lactose. A carefully chosen diet however is the key to reducing symptoms and protecting future health. Talk to your doctor or dietician. God Bless and Peace Be Upon All Alasana Bah Seattle, WA ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html ----------------------------------------------------------------------------