According to gastroenterologist Natalya Shulga, sudden milk intolerance in an adult can be a sign of dangerous changes in the body.
Recently There is a lot of talk about how adults should not consume milk because their bodies lose the ability to properly absorb this product. Gastroenterologist Natalya Shulga explained: in fact, many adults tolerate milk completely normally.
The specialist noted in an interview that the body’s ability to digest milk after childhood is determined by genetics. The gene responsible for the breakdown of milk components (primarily the milk sugar lactose) in the intestines is activated in some people, and deactivated in others. Therefore, some people tolerate milk well, while others do not.
“There are three main genotypes of people. The first type completely loses the ability to digest milk sugar after the age of 3 years. The second is able to absorb it at this age in small quantities. The third type fully absorbs milk in adulthood,” Shulga shared with the Tula News Service.
The gastroenterologist added that a potentially dangerous change in the functioning of the adult body is its sudden inability to digest milk. Such a “rebellion” of the body against milk may turn out to be secondary lactase deficiency arising from the development of diseases. For example, this may indicate tumor processes.
“The absorption of the milk sugar lactose is affected by the condition of the intestines. In the presence of inflammatory or tumor processes, intestinal infection or parasitic infestation, secondary lactase deficiency occurs,” the expert warned.
How to understand that you have milk intolerance.When the intestines lose a sufficient supply of the enzyme lactase, it cannot break down milk sugar normally. The latter is fermented by bacteria, which leads to increased production of gases, rumbling in the stomach, bloating and flatulence after drinking milk. Diarrhea, cramps and pain, and a feeling of general malaise are also possible.
If an adult who has normally tolerated milk experiences symptoms of milk intolerance, you need to consult a doctor and find out whether their appearance is associated with pathology.
Earlier, the portal MedikForum.ru wrote that overeating cannot lead to the development of cancer, oncologist Vadim Pokrovsky spoke about this in more detail.
Important! Information is provided for reference purposes. Ask a specialist about contraindications and side effects and under no circumstances self-medicate. At the first signs of illness, consult a doctor.
Natalya Shulga Health pediatric gastroenterologist, pediatrician, ultrasound doctor