“Lactose intolerance is a condition in which the body does not easily digest foods that contain lactose, or the natural sugar that is found in dairy products. People who are lactose intolerant have a shortage of enzymes that break down lactose into sugars.”

How do I know I am lactose intolerant?

If you consume milk and milk products, the immune system treats the proteins found in milk as harmful or dangerous to the body. As a result, it overreacts to the perceived invasion by producing antibodies to attack the proteins.

The antibodies and histamine released into the blood stream during an allergic attack can cause wheezing, nausea, headaches, stomach cramps which are considered to be the symptoms of lactose intolerance.

So is the ailment related to immune system? NO. Lactose intolerance actually involves the digestive system instead of the immune system. The digestive system in lactose intolerant individuals does not produce enough of the enzyme needed to break down the sugar found in milk thus producing symptoms similar to an allergic attack.

The lactose intolerance test:
Put a liquid extract of the milk protein on your back or forearm and scratch the skin slightly. If you develop red bumps or the skin turns reddish in color and itches, then this is a positive result for allergies to milk.

The food items to be avoided:
Ice cream, cheese, muffins are to be avoided by the lactose intolerant individuals because they contain large quantities of milk. Processed meats also contain milk and by products of milk so these should also be avoided. Read the labels on the food cans carefully before bringing into your home and avoid those containing huge quantities of milk as their ingredient.

Treatments for the symptoms:
Vitamin E, Aloe Vera and Quercitin are found to treat the allergy symptoms. Vitamin E accelerates wound healing and aids in the functioning of the immune system. Aloe Vera helps rejuvenate and tone your skin all over. It also stimulates the blood circulation and naturally softens the skin. Meanwhile the antioxidants contained in Quercitin reduce inflammation boost the immune system and strengthen blood vessels and improve circulation.

Have you ever wondered why every time you eat peanuts or eggs, you end up in vomiting, your voice becomes husky and you go wheezing? This is because you are allergic to these foods.

What is food allergy?
“A food allergy is an exaggerated immune response triggered by eggs, peanuts, milk, or some other specific food.”

What are the “rude” foods?
Few foods cause allergic reactions. Some of these are fish, eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts such as walnuts and shellfish.

Symptoms of food allergy:
You will get to know that you are allergic to certain food after 2 hours of intake. The common symptoms include:
•  Abdominal pain.
• Vomiting
• Running nose
• Itching of mouth, throat, eyes, and skin.
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Nasal congestion.
The best treatment for food allergy is avoiding the food. If you suspect that you are having food allergy, consult an allergy specialist.