ZOE Science & Nutrition Everything you've heard about lactose is wrong
Mar 9, 2023
Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, a gut health and nutrition expert, challenges the common misconceptions surrounding lactose. He explains that lactose intolerance can cause discomfort, but it’s often misunderstood. The discussion highlights how the gut microbiome can help digest lactose and presents fermented dairy products as healthier alternatives. Dr. Bulsiewicz emphasizes lactose's role as a beneficial prebiotic, essential for gut health, particularly in infants. He encourages a more informed approach to dietary choices when managing lactose intolerance.
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Lactose's Complexity
- Lactose intolerance is often discussed negatively, focusing on its downsides.
- However, the reality of lactose and its effects is more nuanced.
Lactose Breakdown
- Lactose, a disaccharide sugar, is formed by linked galactose and glucose sugars.
- The body needs to break this bond using the lactase enzyme for proper absorption.
Lactose Intolerance Explained
- Lactose intolerance happens when the body lacks sufficient lactase to break down lactose.
- Undigested lactose draws water, causing digestive discomfort and gas from bacterial fermentation.