Lactose Intolerant

[Pam]

Can anyone tell me, I have been diagnosed gluten intolerant and lactose intolerant last year, and not eating dairy (especially cheese) is still killing me.  I go back in a few weeks for another lactose test.  If I am still lactose intolerant will I be able to use a product such as Lactaid or something to be able to eat dairy again?  Or am I setting my self up for a disappointment by thinking that way?

[the sensible celiac]

Hi Pam

As I understand it, many people who go GF experience a period of lactose intolerance as well. Many of these people are able to reintroduce dairy products into their diet once 6 months or a year have gone by.

I would expect tproducts like Lactaid would help a celiac with lactose intolerance.

I can't speak from personal experience because I avoid all dairy and other animal-source food products simply as a matter of personal choice. Maybe some other forum members who have experienced lactose intolerance can contribute to this discussion.

Steve

[JUDI42MIL]

Hi I also dont eat dairy. But I have two in my house that cant. I know it is easier now days they have some great products out there . One being, breyers all natural lactose free ice cream.If you can find it it is good. Also if you have a walmart near you they have some dairy free cheeses that are good. I eat soy cheeses , many cant stand these, but its like anything else you get used to it.
Its a pain right now Im sure, but youll get used to it hopefully. Good Luck

[GwenRN]

Lactose intolerance caused by celiac disease occurs when the intestines are damaged and can no longer produce the enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose. Lactaid tablets are nothing but artificially supplied lactose, and should be an effective solution.
As the intestines heal, many celiacs do find themselves able to tolerate lactose more and more.

Hope this helps,

Gwen

[Sharon]

This seems to me to be a pretty confusing issue.  Many celiacs I know had their bodies be so screwed up by the time they were diagnosed with celiac, that they were then also suffering from various food allergies--dairy, soy, etc. and were also lactose intolerant due to the damage in the intestines. So while the lactose intolerance may eventually clear up, one might still have problems with dairy due to the acquired dairy allergy.  A food allergy test was able to help me sort that out.

[Cobblerqueen]

There is a brand of tofu based products called "Tofutti".  They have a killer cream cheese and sour cream.  Just keep looking.  There are all kinds of things; depending on your area you may have to buy over the internet or become proactive and go to the manager of your local grocery and request the items be special ordered.   Here in the Pacific NW we have Fred Meyer who has an isle of wheat free foods; Wild Oats Markets have the Tofutti brand as well as soy based yogurts that are good.  I've lost 145# with this mess.  When I finally found out about my CD and started finding things I could eat it was so wonderful.  I find a lot of joy in finding things that I can eat and they have to taste good.  I'm not going to waste my energy or my stomach capacity on choking down some crappy tasting thing.  I liked my food before as a big girl; I appreciate my food more now. 

CQueen