Do you really know? What causes lactose intolerance?
Nov 10, 2025
Lactose intolerance affects about one in ten people, but it's a natural part of aging, not a disease. Lactose is the sugar in milk, while lactase is the enzyme that breaks it down. Unabsorbed lactose can cause gas and bloating. Surprisingly, not all dairy is off-limits; aged cheeses and butter may be easier to digest. Most people can tolerate roughly 10 grams of lactose daily. Determining if you’re lactose intolerant can involve an elimination diet or a hydrogen breath test.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Lactase Decline Explains Intolerance
- Lactose intolerance usually results from a natural decrease in lactase production with age.
- Undigested lactose reaches the large intestine and ferments, causing symptoms like bloating and pain.
Choose Low-Lactose Dairy Options
- Avoid high-lactose products like milk and condensed milk if you are intolerant.
- Choose aged cheeses and butter which typically contain very little lactose.
Small Amounts Are Often Tolerable
- Most people with lactose intolerance tolerate about 10 grams of lactose daily.
- That equals roughly 200 milliliters of milk, allowing some dairy for calcium intake.