Lactose intolerance can cause discomfort, especially after consuming dairy products. If you’ve ever asked yourself “Can lactose intolerance cause stomach pain?” the answer is a resounding yes. In fact, stomach pain is one of the most common symptoms of lactose intolerance, often accompanied by bloating, gas, and even diarrhea. The good news is, there are ways to ease lactose intolerance pain almost immediately, and in this blog, we’ll cover practical solutions to help you find relief fast.
Understanding Lactose Intolerance and Stomach Pain
Lactose intolerance occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough lactase, which is the enzyme needed to digest lactose, the sugar found in dairy. As a result, lactose sits undigested in your gut, leading to fermentation by gut bacteria, which can cause excess gas, bloating, and significant stomach pain. These symptoms can start anywhere from 20 minutes to two hours after eating dairy, making it crucial to act quickly.
Immediate Solutions to Ease Lactose Intolerance Pain
If you’re experiencing abdominal pain from lactose intolerance, here are several effective steps to stop the pain fast:
1. Take Lactase Enzyme Supplements
One of the most immediate ways to stop lactose intolerance pain is by taking lactase enzyme supplements, like Lacteeze. These supplements provide your body with the lactase enzyme it lacks, helping to break down lactose before it reaches your gut. This prevents stomach pain from occurring in the first place, rather than relieving pain. Lacteeze is available in chewable tablets or drops, which can be taken right before consuming dairy to ease or prevent symptoms.
– How it works: Lacteeze supplements help digest lactose, reducing stomach pain, bloating, and gas. By breaking down the sugar in dairy before it causes issues, these enzymes act as a first line of defence against lactose intolerance pain.
2. Drink Water and Herbal Teas
After a bout of stomach pain due to lactose intolerance, drinking water can help flush the undigested lactose out of your system. In addition, herbal teas like peppermint or ginger tea can help ease digestion and soothe the gastrointestinal tract. Peppermint, in particular, is known for its antispasmodic properties, which can help reduce stomach cramps and pain.
3. Try Probiotics for Long-Term Gut Health
Probiotics help support gut health and improve digestion over time. While they won’t provide immediate relief, incorporating probiotics into your diet (via yogurt with live cultures or supplements) can help strengthen your gut’s ability to break down lactose more efficiently.
4. Use Heat for Comfort
Applying a warm compress or heating pad to your stomach can help relax the muscles and reduce cramping caused by lactose intolerance. Heat therapy doesn’t target the root cause, but it can offer soothing relief when you’re in pain.
5. Eat Lactose-free Alternatives
Consider switching to lactose-free alternatives. Many lactose-intolerant individuals find that swapping regular milk for lactose-free milk helps eliminate future digestive issues. Lacteeze Drops are a convenient and affordable way to make your own lactose free milk and other dairy products so you can enjoy dairy without the discomfort associated with lactose intolerance. Read more on Lacteeze Drops: The Benefits and Uses for All Ages.
How to Stop Lactose Intolerance Pain
While stopping lactose intolerance pain in the moment is important, preventing it from occurring is even better. Here are some preventative measures:
– Take Lacteeze enzyme pills before meals that include dairy. See our guidelines for choosing the right lactase pill for you.
– Monitor portion sizes of dairy—many lactose-intolerant individuals can handle small amounts of dairy without discomfort. Read our Tips for Eating Dairy When Lactose Intolerant
– Experiment with fermented dairy products like yogurt and aged cheese, which tend to have lower lactose levels and may be easier to digest. See our list of lactose content of common foods.
Lactose intolerance pain can disrupt your day, but with the right strategies, you can stop the pain fast and even prevent it in the future. Whether you turn to Lacteeze enzyme supplements, herbal teas, or heat therapy, you have options for easing lactose intolerance pain. Remember to listen to your body, and make note of what works best for you.
