Lactose intolerance is the inability or insufficient ability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and milk products. Lactose intolerance cannot be prevented, but its’ symptoms and effects can be reduced or eliminated by following a lactose free diet, described below.
Food Recommendations
Although lactose intolerance cannot be prevented, its symptoms and effects can be reversed or controlled with a lactose-free diet. As with any special diet, there are certain foods to avoid to maintain a healthy, balanced digestive system.
Foods To Avoid
- Eliminate all products containing lactose, including foods prepared with milk or other ingredients containing lactose. Read labels to be sure.
- Milk, cream, evaporated and condensed milk, whipped cream
- Sour cream and cream cheese
- Yogurt, frozen yogurt and fruit smoothies made with yogurt
- Butter
- Processed and natural cheeses, aged cheeses, cheese spreads and cheese foods, cottage and ricotta cheese
- Ice cream and sherbet
- Hot chocolate mixes
- Prepared breads, muffins, biscuits or rolls made with milk products
- Pancakes or waffles made with milk products
- Creamed vegetables
- Breaded or battered meat, fish or vegetables
- Cream sauces
- Processed meats with milk or lactose (hot dogs, deli meats)
- Chowders and cream soups
- Cookies, cakes, pies, pastries and candies made with milk products