Over time, we have been bombarded on the media that milk plays an important role in human development. It is practically true. In this article, you will learn what is lactose intolerance, its causes, symptoms and most importantly, home remedies for lactose intolerance.
We grow up with natural milk from our mother and then, turn to industrial dairy products instead.
It is true that milk has a lot of health benefits, so do other dairy products.
Nevertheless, for some people, they are not. In fact, there is even a problem known as lactose intolerance which prevents people from benefiting from dairy products.
What is Lactose Intolerance?
Lactase is a special enzyme produced by small intestines and this enzyme plays an important role in the process of breaking down lactose.
Only when this process is smooth can your body digest milk or any other dairy products.
After lactase breaks down lactose, it will turn into two kinds of sugar – galactose and glucose – absorbed by our blood.
Lactose intolerance refers to the condition in which there is a lack of lactase in the body or there is something wrong with the process (1).
Many people might find it hard to distinguish lactose intolerance and simple milk allergy. However, the latter refers to our body’s response to milk’s proteins only.
Causes of Lactose Intolerance
In general, genetics has a significant influence on the possibility of getting lactose intolerance (2).
Other causes include the experience of digestive issues, such as gastroenteritis, celiac diseases or ulcerative colitis.
What Increases Your Risks?
Beside common causes, lactose intolerance can be a result of aging process.
Throughout time, small intestine will be less efficient to meet the body’s need of lactase.
Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance
There are a series of different lactose intolerance symptoms which vary from person to person.
How much lactase small intestines in our body produce is a significant factor to decide on this problem’s severity.
Normally, suffers will experience these problems:
- Vomiting or Nausea
- Stomach aches, Diarrhea
- Gastrointestinal problems
15 Homemade Remedies for Lactose Intolerance
A sad fact is that scientists have not come up with the solution to remove lactose intolerance.
You might wonder if the simplest way is to avoid milk and dairy products for the whole life.
Nevertheless, it is not that easy! Many other foods also use dairy products, such as creams soups or cereals.
If you decide to stay away from all of them, then it will be really challenging for you to enjoy the life (and you will have to pay attention all the time).
In fact, there is something to deal with lactose intolerance. More surprisingly, they are all completely natural and safe for everybody.
Below are top 15 natural home remedies for lactose intolerance that will blow your mind.
1. Spinach
Children all around the world are familiar with spinach as the secret of Popeye in his cartoon series.
In the real life, spinach is also very nutritious and has a lot of wonderful health benefits.
It is one of the best home remedies for lactose intolerance with a lot of minerals and vitamins. You can enjoy its effects on the amount of lactase and other benefits at the same time.
Interesting news for those who want to lose some weight is that spinach supports this process well by producing fiber, calcium and iron.
There are many ways to cook spinach if you do not like consuming raw. You can include it in soups or wraps.
2. Yogurt
Yogurt can be considered as the most common lactose intolerance relief. Some people might raise the doubt because yogurt and dairy products are somewhat similar.
Yet, the fact has proven that yogurt can be digested by people with lactose intolerance since it does not have much lactose.
The best type of yogurt for lactose intolerance treatment is probiotic which contains a lot of live bacterial cultures. They play an essential role in alleviating gastrointestinal issues.
Besides, you may make use of Greek yogurt whose amount of lactose is lower than normal types as well.
On the other hand, frozen yogurt is not recommended because it might not take effects.
3. Ginger
In some cases, lactose intolerance might even result in painful feeling. To deal with this situation, you can take advantage of ginger – a powerful spice right in every kitchen.
Ginger contains gingerol which has strongly anti-inflammatory qualities. It helps to cope with stomach-related issues, such as bloating or vomiting. These are common lactose intolerance symptoms as well.
Ginger also has stimulating effect on the release of saliva and bile juices. Therefore, it supports the digestion very well.
For all of these benefits, ginger deserves to be one of the best natural home remedies for lactose intolerance.
How to apply:
- Pour one teaspoon of grated ginger into hot water.
- Simmer them in a couple of minutes and then, get it strained.
- Raw honey or lemon juice can be used to improve the flavor.
- Consume the tea 2-3 times on a daily basis until lactose intolerance symptoms disappear.
4. Peppermint
Another lactose intolerance remedy that has great effects on relieving pain is peppermint. This herb is beneficial for digestion and it is commonly used in the treatment of stomach problems.
Furthermore, peppermint provides menthol component which has great impacts on our digestion.
Because of its antispasmodic and relaxing qualities, menthol is a great cure for spasm and cramps in the gastrointestinal tract.
How to apply:
- Get some peppermint leaves into hot water and boil them for a few minutes.
- Then, get it strained and wait until the tea is cool.
To speed up lactose intolerance treatment, you had better consume it (with a bit honey) 2-3 times every day.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
Among top home remedies for lactose intolerance, apple cider vinegar is a very popular choice.
The vinegar is good for the digestion by neutralizing stomach acid. As a result, it is possible to use apple cider vinegar to handle digestive issues.
However, it is crucial to dilute it in water before consuming in order to reduce its acidity.
Try to follow this method on a daily basis and maintain the habit in continuous weeks to witness quick results.
6. Orange
Orange is one of the most famous in the family of citrus fruits because of its abundance of vitamin C. It also works as effectively as other home remedies for lactose intolerance thanks to vitamin C.
Moreover, fiber in oranges is beneficial for the prevention against colon cancer.
Fiber is vital to the digestion and it reduces significantly the risk of bowel syndrome that is commonly seen in people with lactose intolerance.
7. Chamomile
The next name in the list of natural home remedies for lactose intolerance is chamomile.
This natural herb is well-known for its relaxing effects on not only our body but also our mind.
Therefore, you can use it as a method of relaxation, in addition to treating effects of lactose intolerance, such as bloating.
How to apply:
- Get some dried chamomile flowers (about 2 teaspoons) into boiling water.
- Steep them in the next 5 minutes before getting it strained.
- Consume the tea several times on a daily basis.
8. Cumin Seeds
With a rich profile of nutrients, cumin seeds are undeniably one of the most effective home remedies for lactose intolerance.
Thymol in cumin seeds can promote the production of bile, acids and enzymes in our glands. Cumin seeds also supply some essential minerals, for example, magnesium and sodium, to enhance the digestion. As a result, these seeds are effective to deal with stomach pain.
Other benefits of cumin seeds come from their nutrients.
Iron supports the flow of oxygen from the lung to other parts of our body. It is also beneficial for metabolism, which helps us stay energetic all the time.
Another important element of cumin seeds is aldehyde which strengthens the digestion by stimulating our salivary glands.
9. Sardines
When dairy products miss from your daily diet, the likelihood is that you might suffer from the deficiency of calcium.
In such circumstance, the best way is to make use of alternative foods which contain much calcium. And sardines are a great answer, which means that they are a great lactose intolerance home remedy.
Moreover, omega 3 fatty acids are a special element of sardines as they are super beneficial for heart health and blood.
If you are looking for replacement of milk and dairy products, you can turn to beans or tofu as well.
10. Cocoa Powder
One of the most popular applications of cocoa powder is to bake cakes. But now, you can use it as one of the best home remedies for lactose intolerance.
It is effective to relieve lactose intolerance symptoms associated with our digestive system.
How to apply:
- Cocoa powder should be mixed with a bit sugar.
- Consume them before meals.
This remedy should be followed on a daily basis or even a few times per day to get the best lactose intolerance treatment.
11. Lemon Juice
Digging deeper into home remedies for lactose intolerance, we can see more and more familiar names. One of them is lemon.
It is particularly useful to deal with stomach pain which is a possible lactose intolerance symptom. All you need is fresh lemon juice mixed with warm water according to the ratio 1 tsp. : 1 cup.
Honey is a great plus for this mixture and you should use it before having meals.
12. Rice Tea
The next name among top natural home remedies for lactose intolerance is rice tea.
It aims to erase the pain you have to suffer from in the treatment of lactose intolerance.
How to apply:
- Prepare half a cup of rice into hot water.
- Boil them in approximately 15 minutes.
- Wait until you see tender rice.
- Then, the rice should be stirred and strained.
- Pour a bit raw honey into the water and consume it regularly.
The suggestion is to use the tea twice per day for the best.
13. Hard Cheese
An interesting alternative ingredient for dairy products that people with lactose intolerance symptoms have to avoid is hard cheese.
It is even helpful as a lactose intolerance relief and helps to prevent pain.
Full fat cheese is strongly suggested because of its other health benefits. Specifically, it helps to maintain a stable cholesterol level and lower your appetite.
14. Broccoli
Having close relationship with cabbage, broccoli is well-known as one of the most nutritious vegetables.
Containing many phytonutrients, broccoli can protect you from even fatal diseases, such as cancer.
In the lactose intolerance treatment, it helps to reduce pain and annoying symptoms.
Additionally, broccoli is a great boost for our immune system as it provides vitamin C that fights against free radicals.
15. Saffron
The last lactose intolerance home remedy in this list is actually one of the most effective – saffron.
This ingredient can promote the digestion very well. Furthermore, if you experience unbearable stomach pain and gas formation, then saffron might be the best selection for you.
With essential oils, such as pinene, borneol, cineole or terpinen 4-oil, saffron has positive impacts on purifying blood. You also need to know that saffron contains a great amount of lycopene, zeaxanthin and beta carotenes to help you prevent depression or even cancer.
Therefore, it is a good idea to consume its tea on a daily basis.
Nevertheless, do not overconsume it (perhaps 3-4 times per day) because you might undergo its unwanted effects, namely, numbness.
What to Avoid
Overall, foods and products that have milk, in any form, are not allowed for people with lactose intolerance.
Thus, always remember to read nutrition labels in each food to make sure that you are choosing the right products.
Processed foods are a common supply of lactose and they should be kept far away in the treatment of lactose intolerance.
When to See Doctor
Even though these home remedies for lactose intolerance are really practical, you still need to follow advice from professional experts or doctors.
They will guide you what to do in order to avoid the best scenario when suffering from lactose intolerance.
Besides, as medications might contain lactose, it is wise to consult them before you use any.
How to Prevent Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is a problem mainly caused by genetics. However, it does not diminish the possibility that you might get it one day.
In order to prevent lactose intolerance from ruining your (food) life, follow these simple suggestions:
- Dairy products should be consumed moderately on a daily basis. 4 ounces of milk is the limitation for a day.
- You should try your best to use lactose-free products.
- Enzyme drops or tables are a great ingredient to mix with milk.
Have you had any bad experience with lactose intolerance? Share with us by commenting on the box below! If you find these home remedies for lactose intolerance useful, please feel free to share it to as many people as possible.
