Lactose Intolerance in Dallas, TX

Lactose intolerance arises from the body’s incapacity to produce, or a deficiency in the production of, lactase. Two primary justifications regarding why your body might not be able to generate a sufficient amount of lactase to help break down lactose are explained below:

Primary Lactose Intolerance

Primary lactose intolerance is the most frequent form of lactose intolerance and results from the aging process. As you age, the less lactase your body yields. This form of lactose intolerance can get passed through hereditary factors and affects certain populations more than other people. As indicated by the food intolerance network, lactose intolerance generally occurs in 15-30 percent of Europeans, about 30 percent of North Americans, roughly 40-70 percent of Latino/Hispanic individuals, and up to 60 – 80 percent of Africans and Asians.

Secondary Lactose Intolerance

Secondary lactose deficiency normally happens when the small intestine is harmed because of an illness, injury, surgery, or a more chronic, serious condition like Crohn’s disease or celiac disease. This is because the generation of lactase declines when the small intestine (duodenum) is inflamed. Treatment of secondary lactose intolerance can help patients regain the function of the duodenum and return lactase amounts to normal numbers.

To learn more about lactose intolerance, contact a Digestive Health Associates of Texas location in your area to connect with a gastroenterologist provider who offers treatment for the condition. Our GI team can provide knowledgeable advice and plans of action for dealing with lactose intolerance.