Dairy intolerance symptoms can turn up in some people from such common foods milk, cream, and certain cheeses.

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Do your favorite foods like cheese and ice cream make your stomach turn? You may be experiencing dairy intolerance symptoms.

Lactose is the natural sugar found in dairy products. If you experience dairy intolerance symptoms, your body may have a shortage of lactase, which is an enzyme that breaks down lactose so that it can be absorbed into the bloodstream.

The Wide Reach of Dairy Intolerance Symptoms

Dairy intolerance may also be commonly known as lactose intolerance. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) estimates that 30 to 50 million Americans are lactose intolerant.

Dairy intolerance symptoms are typically stomach-related as your body fails to properly digest the dairy product you consumed. Dairy intolerance symptoms vary from person to person, as severity varies. Symptoms may include:

• Stomach pain and cramping
• Nausea
• Bloating
• Gas
• Diarrhea

Dairy intolerance symptoms typically occur 30 minutes to two hours after consuming dairy. Common foods with lactose include milk, cream, ice cream, sherbet, yogurt, certain cheeses, and butter.

Lactose also can be added to prepared foods such as bread, frozen dinners, salad dressings, and more. According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, if a food label contains the word, or words, milk, cream, butter, evaporated milk, or others, it may contain lactose. For a full list of terms, review this milk avoidance list.

Are Dairy Intolerance Symptoms Related to Milk Allergies?

If you happen to be lactose intolerant, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re allergic to milk. A milk allergy may bring a much more serious reaction and can be life-threatening. For many people, lactose intolerance is a discomfort.

Lactose intolerance typically is inherited from your parents. Many people do not show symptoms until adolescence. The level of sensitivity to lactose may vary from person to person. Some may be able to have a spoonful of cream or milk in their coffee in the morning without any symptoms.

Many people who are sensitive to dairy can eat yogurt or cheese without any issues because these foods are made using a fermentation process, which breaks down most of the lactose, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. However, others may have a harsh reaction to even a small amount of milk.

Since some symptoms of lactose intolerance also may be symptoms of other health problems, it’s important to see your physician for diagnosis. Your doctor may perform tests to check for intolerance. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, these tests may include the following:

• Lactose intolerance test. You’ll be asked to avoid eating or drinking anything for eight hours before taking this test. After that, you’ll drink a liquid that contains lactose, and then undergo a blood test to measure your blood sugar levels. If those levels don’t rise after you consumed the lactose, you may be lactose intolerant.
• Hydrogen breath test. After drinking lactose, you’ll take a breath test to determine the hydrogen levels in your breath. High levels of hydrogen may be a sign of lactose intolerance.
• Stool acidity test. Primarily used for infants and young children, this test measures the amount of acid in your stool after consuming lactose. If there’s a high amount of lactic acid in the stool, it’s most likely a sign that the body isn’t digesting lactose properly.

Is There a Cure for Lactose Intolerance?

Unfortunately, there is no cure or treatment for lactose intolerance, but it may be managed. By keeping a close eye on your diet, you might be able to avoid some of the symptoms related to dairy intolerance.

Since lactose intolerance symptoms are likely not life-threatening, a key factor can be to take note of products that give you problems and to avoid eating them in the future. Also, keep a watchful eye on food labels, especially with prepared foods, as they may contain dairy products without you knowing.

Many supermarkets now carry lactose-free products, including milk. These products are treated with the lactase enzyme to break down lactose. Some of these products may taste different than their traditional counterpart but can be a great way to enjoy some of your favorite foods without experiencing the painful discomfort after.

Lactase tablets and drops are also available at most pharmacies or stores where over-the-counter medications are sold. By taking these products, it gives your body the lactase enzyme to help properly digest lactose. Consult with your physician before taking these products.

Originally published in 2016, this post is regularly updated.