Lactose intolerance

Lactose intolerance occurs when your body can't properly digest lactose, the natural sugar found in milk and dairy products. This leads to symptoms like diarrhea, gas, and bloating after consuming dairy foods. The condition, also known as lactose malabsorption, is generally harmless but can be uncomfortable.

Lactose intolerance is primarily caused by insufficient production of lactase, an enzyme made in your small intestine. You may have low lactase levels and still be able to digest some dairy products. However, if your levels are too low, you'll develop lactose intolerance and experience discomfort after eating or drinking dairy.

Symptoms typically appear 30 minutes to 2 hours after consuming lactose-containing foods. The severity of symptoms varies from person to person and depends on how much lactose you consume and how much lactase your body produces.

Your genetic makeup plays a significant role in determining your lactase production and, consequently, your ability to tolerate dairy products. Some people are genetically predisposed to maintain lactase production into adulthood, while others naturally lose this ability as they age.