There is a difference between a Lactose Insensitivity and a Gluten Allergy.
There are very similar symptoms of a gluten sensitivity and Lactose Sensitivity.After the consumption of a food containing them, they may cause gas, bloating, stomach pain and nausea.Lactose intolerance affects around 65% of the population and is not a real allergy.Lactose is found in dairy products.Similar symptoms to Lactose intolerance can be found in a gluten sensitivity.It can be difficult to live with the side effects of either.Changing your diet and changing food choices can help prevent symptoms from returning.
Step 1: You should talk to your doctor.
It's important to talk to your doctor if you suspect you have a food allergy.They can tell you what's appropriate for diet, diagnostic tests and treatment.Discuss your symptoms with your doctor.While a food allergy can cause some of the same symptoms as a sensitivity, other symptoms include: rash, hives, itchy skin, and a sudden drop in blood pressure.A food allergy can be life threatening if it comes on suddenly.Before talking to your doctor or allergy certified registered dietitian, never start a restrictive or elimination diet.If you think a food could cause a life threatening allergic response, don't eat it.Go back to the doctor if symptoms don't get better after eliminating the offending food.
Step 2: Start a journal about your symptoms.
Logging all your meals, snacks and beverages along with any symptoms you may experience can help you figure out what type of sensitivity you have.Without a journal, it will be difficult to determine what is causing the symptoms.It's a good idea to do your journal by hand.Take a notebook and write down everything you consume and the symptoms you experience.There are many food journaling apps that are not detailed enough.If at all, make sure to note the time you ate and the symptoms.Symptoms of food sensitivities include nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, fatigue, and gas.The serving size of the food you eat should be included.Some people can tolerate small amounts of lactose, while others can't because of an extreme lactose intolerance.You can gauge the amount of your body's tolerance without symptoms by logging how much you eat.
Step 3: For a couple of weeks, eat a regular diet.
If you want to decide what food is giving you trouble, you need to consume it.If you can associate the symptoms with a specific food, you'll be able to see if they disappear.Producing symptoms will help point the finger at the suspected food if you continue with a regular, non-restrictive diet.You will have an accurate answer if the food and symptoms are eliminated.You can only have one symptom or you can experience multiple symptoms.They start between 30 minutes and two hours after the food is eaten.There are many symptoms of food sensitivities.If you suspect that your symptoms are life threatening, do not consume any food.In the care of a doctor, you can perform oral food challenges.
Step 4: Lactose-Containing products should be eliminated.
Eliminate all of the foods with Lactose from your diet.If you have a sensitivity to Lactose, you should stop experiencing symptoms from the non-restrictive diet.Lactose is found in milk and milk products.Lactose can be found in different amounts in foods made with dairy.All products have ingredient lists.Lactose is found in some lesser known dairy products.The lesser known dairy products can be used in food.Don't use antacids.Many antacids will make the symptoms worse.Discuss alternatives to acid reducers with your doctor if you feel it's necessary.You most likely have a different food sensitivity if symptoms continue after two weeks of a Lactose-free diet.Lactose containing products can be added to the diet.If you add lactose to your diet and your symptoms get worse, you may have dual sensitivities.Lactose is out of your diet.
Step 5: It's a good idea to eliminate foods withGluten.
If you want to eliminate all of them from your diet, you need to identify the foods with gluten.If you have a sensitivity toGluten, any symptoms should go away after you stop eating it.There are wheat and wheat products.There are other grains that contain gluten.It can be difficult to avoid a wide range of foods that containGluten.Most breads, beer, other baked goods and pasta contain it.All products have ingredient labels.It is possible to add it to a food for its functional properties, and it may also be on the ingredient statement.Many processed foods contain malt and it is added as a flavor.Other lesser known ingredients include bulgur, farina, Graham, wheat germ, triticale and matzoh.You most likely have a different food sensitivity if symptoms continue after two weeks of a gluten-free diet.There are products that can be added back into the diet.If you add gluten to your diet and your symptoms get worse, you may have dual sensitivities.Continue to not eat wheat in your diet.
Step 6: Take a test to see if you can tolerate Lactose.
If you feel compelled or a doctor recommends a concrete diagnosis, you can take one of the three tests used by medical professionals.How well your body digests lactose will be measured by the blood test.It is done by drinking a solution of Lactose and having several blood samples taken.The test is mostly used by adults.The amount of hydrogen in the breath is measured.The more hydrogen that is breathed out, the better the body is.This test can be used for adults.A stool acidity test is performed.The stool acidity test is done after a meal.The less acidic the stool, the less the body can digest it.The test is used for children.
Step 7: Talk to a registered physician.
It can be difficult to live with food allergies.If you have an issue with more than one food, this is true.It is possible to not eat a balanced diet due to fear of foods.A diet that's appropriate for you can be found by a dietitian.The only way to deal with sensitivities is to cut out the offending food.An overly restrictive diet may not provide your body with the recommended amount of essential vitamins and minerals.Your food and symptom journal and medical history should be reviewed by your dietitian.They can provide you with a meal plan and food substitute that won't cause a reaction.
Step 8: Continue your journal with your food and symptoms.
It is wise to continue with your journal even though you have figured out which food is causing the symptoms.As you modify and change your diet, this will help other health professionals.Food and symptom journals are helpful to allergists and other health professionals.They can see trends in your journal that you don't.If you have a flare up of symptoms again, you will be able to return to your journal to see what the offending food was and how to avoid it in the future.
Step 9: Use non-lactose foods.
It's best to avoid products that contain Lactose.If you want to avoid symptoms long-term, you should avoid most or all foods with Lactose.It's important to replace the vitamins commonly found in Lactose-Containing Foods.Lactose containing foods are high in some vitamins and minerals.Broccoli, canned salmon, fortified juices and pinto beans are some of the foods you can get these vitamins from.There are many types of milks, yogurt and cheese.These types of products are not easy to find and have a slightly different taste than the original, but they are great replacements.All vegan products, like vegan cheese, will not contain Lactose.When buying dairy alternatives, these are a good bet.Take a lactase supplement.These pills can be taken before the consumption of Lactose to help digest it.Pharmacy and health food stores sell them.
Step 10: It's a good idea to consume a lot of foods that are free ofGluten.
If you want to avoid symptoms related to a gluten sensitivity, the best way is to give up all foods that are made with wheat.It's important to replace any vitamins that were found in the food.wheat is the most common source of gluten.Folate, thiamin, riboflavin and other B vitamins are found in these grains.Many of these vitamins are found in other food groups.Other grains with a variety of B vitamins include: rice, corn, and buckwheat.There are many specialty foods that are free of wheat.Baking mixes, waffles, pancakes, pasta, muffins, breads, and more.Most grocery stores have these.There isn't a medication or supplement that can help with symptoms of a gluten sensitivity.
Step 11: Taking supplements is a good idea.
If you plan to avoid certain foods, you should talk to a doctor.You may need to replace some of the vitamins and minerals found in these foods.If you're avoiding certain foods, there are vitamins and minerals that can be found over the counter.It's not ideal to rely solely on supplements for your nutrition.Foods are the best source of vitamins.Make sure to talk to your doctor before starting any supplement to make sure it's right for you.