Lactose is a sugar molecule found in milk and other milk products including yogurt and ice cream. In a healthy digestive system, your body produces an enzyme called lactase which digests the lactose.
People who do not produce lactase experience a variety of symptoms after consuming milk products. These symptoms include:
- burping
- bloating
- diarrhea
- indigestion
- passing gas
- stomach cramps
Avoiding milk products is the easiest way to treat your condition. There are over the counter products containing lactase which, when taken before eating, can replace the missing enzyme.