LACTOSE INTOLERANT FOOD

Lactose intolerance is a condition wherein the body has difficulty producing lactase, an enzyme necessary for proper metabolization of lactose. Since lactose, a constituent of milk and other dairy products, is often used in cream sauces and soup bases, lactose intolerance can lead to discomfort for those with the condition who aren't vigilant in maintaining a strict diet. With this condition, the result of consuming too much lactose is excess gas production, stomach aches and often diarrhea, and forces people to search for lactose intolerant foods. Vegan foods and recipes can be great for the lactose intolerants of the world!

Not to be confused with milk allergy, the most common results of lactose consumption by those with intolerance are stomachaches, excess gas production, and diarrhea. Unlike milk allergy, which can result in serious health risks if not respected, lactose intolerance is a very common and never very serious problem, one which many people live with without ever realizing it.

Though it rarely causes more than minor aches and discomfort, it is yet another good reason to consider adopting a dairy free diet. Since lactose is a milk sugar, there is a wide array of nondairy, lactose intolerant foods that won't produce adverse effects among those with the condition. One of the major challenges is finding food that will meet the normal F.D.A. recommended milligrams of calcium each day. Many vegetables, such as broccoli, offer high quotients of calcium, as does the old vegetarian standby, tofu.

Again, since lactose is relatively easily avoided, finding and cooking lactose intolerant foods is not too much of a challenge. And, with an abundance of soy milk options available these days, there's no longer a need to miss out on the creamy taste of dairy.