Milk is probably good for more than just babies, but for many humans, drinking milk is a gassy glitch. A glass of milk causes large quantities of noxious gas, bloating and diarrhea.

Too little lactase causes lactose intolerance

The trouble arises when the lactose, the sugar in milk, lies about the gut because it cannot be broken down so it can be absorbed.

The reason the lactose is piling up, is because the gut is missing the lactase enzyme.

As humans, we come wired with the necessary programme to make lactase, so digesting mom’s provision is not a problem. But as we age, the programme shuts down, leaving most adults with a shortage.

The shortage causes tummy troubles when a dairy-based meal is consumed.

If you don’t make it, borrow it

Many interpret the absence of human synthesized lactase as an indication that drinking milk as a grown up is WRONG.

But dairy tastes good and is a fabulous source of a number of important nutrients, especially calcium. Several studies have shown dieters who DO DAIRY, do better in terms of both their figures and health.

So how can you DO DAIRY without lactase ?

Borrow it.

Use your bacteria’s gene

In this world, there is no such thing as a free lunch. It is time to get your bacteria to “sing” for their supper.

Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria. It is estimated that the average human carries at least 1000 different species of bacteria. Out of the 1000 “free loaders”, at least a couple should be carrying a gene to make lactose.

Put these guys to work on digesting that glass of milk.

A spoonful of milk makes the milk go down

Researchers from Purdue University have found that lactose intolerance can be beat just by consuming a little bit of milk, on a regular basis.

If you’ve gone cold turkey on the milk, your bacteria will be out of practise. A glass of milk will leave them bewildered and unable to rise to the occasion.

By feeding them small amounts regularly, you will get them in the habit of producing lactase. After a few weeks of practise, they will be champion milk digesters, so all the gas will be a thing of the past.

A glass and a half on a full stomach

You do need to ease into it slowly.

The team from Purdue recommend a half a glass of milk on a full stomach. Do this at the end of every meal for a couple of weeks.

The small change to your diet will cultivate milk digesting microflora and eliminate the discomfort associated with lactose intolerance.

Milk those bacteria

You’re providing them with a cosy home, so milk them for what they’re worth. Put your gut microflora on a milk digesting training programme today, so you can enjoy the health benefits of dairy.

PS. If you’re interested – digesting sushi also requires “practice”.

Lactose intolerance ? Get milk.  Press release from Purdue University

 

Interested in learning more about the chemical powers of your gut microflora ?

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Further reading

Do  the forbidden dairy products hold the key to cutting diabetes risk ?	Eating a tub of yogurt or two does change the gut zoo	The fat kids are all drinking low fat milk

The 7 Big Spoons™…. are master switches that turn health on.

Balance Eicosanoids	Rein in insulin	Dial down stress	Sleep !	Increase Vit D	Culivate microflora	Think champion

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