Lactose Intolerance

Leading Health Authorities Agree: It’s Dairy First for Lactose Intolerance

Some of the most common questions involve confusion surrounding lactose intolerance, and how to ensure patients and clients can enjoy the delicious taste and nutrition benefits from the recommended three servings of low-fat and fat-free dairy foods every day.

It’s important to remember that many people with lactose intolerance may be open to dairy solutions as long as they can avoid the discomfort associated with consuming them. Some easy-to-remember strategies for incorporating low-fat and fat-free dairy foods into the diets of those who are lactose intolerant are:

• Try It. Try lactose-free milk and milk products. They are real milk products, just without the lactose, and provide the same great nutrients as regular dairy products.
• Sip It. Start with a small amount of milk daily and increase slowly over several days or weeks to increase tolerance.
• Stir It. Mix milk with other foods, such as smoothies, soups or sauces – or pair it with meals. This helps give your body more time to digest it.
• Slice It. Top sandwiches or crackers with natural cheeses such as Cheddar, Colby, Monterey Jack, mozzarella and Swiss. These cheeses are low in lactose.
• Shred It. Shred your favorite natural cheese onto soups, pastas and salads. It’s an easy way to incorporate a serving of dairy that is low in lactose.
• Spoon It. Enjoy easy-to-digest yogurt. The live and active cultures in yogurt help to digest lactose.

For more information about lactose intolerance, visit our Resources section.