Lactose Intolerance and Crohns

[Skybird14]

For the past year and a half I've been lactose intolerant and I'm really rather fed up and frustrated by it.

I've heard that lactose intolerance is quite common in sufferers of Crohns Disease but does anyone know if this gets better when the disease is more settled?

 

[ronroush7]

My own experience is that it doesn't change. I use Almond milk along with other alternatives.

 

[Jennifer]

If its secondary lactose intolerance then it is possible for things to get better when your disease is properly treated. For now you could try milk alternatives like Lactaid, almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk etc.

Result of illness or injury (secondary lactose intolerance)
This form of lactose intolerance occurs when your small intestine decreases lactase production after an illness, surgery or injury to your small intestine. It can occur as a result of intestinal diseases, such as celiac disease, gastroenteritis and an inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn's disease. Treatment of the underlying disorder may restore lactase levels and improve signs and symptoms, though it can take time.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/lactose-intolerance/DS00530/DSECTION=causes

 

[wild_one353]

the specific carbohydrate diet advises to reduce lactose and sucrose as much as possible to control or reduce diarhea symptoms. it helps alot.

 

[Skybird14]

I'm eating and drinking lactose free products but the biggest difficulty seems to be when I'm out. Even though you can buy enzyme pills to help break down the lactose, they don't totally eradicate the symptoms.

The lactose intolerance has really taken all the fun out of going out to eat and I can't even enjoy a cake with a cup of soya coffee in a coffee shop anymore.

 

[Essieluv]

I am lactose intolerant, however I never was before I started to have Crohn's issues. I don't know if it goes away, though. I guess the good thing is that there are so many dairy- and lactose-free options available now.

 

[ronroush7]

I used the Lactaid pills for a while. The nutritionist discouraged me against that.

 

[Crohn's gal since 1989]

I am lactose intolerant, however I never was before I started to have Crohn's issues. I don't know if it goes away, though. I guess the good thing is that there are so many dairy- and lactose-free options available now.

Same with me. I don't find the lactaid tablets work for me either. I understand how you feel as I have a pork allergy (in our world that is currently celebrating bacon!) :ybatty: as well as the lactose intolerance. I find I can eat small amounts of dairy, spot of milk or cream in my tea or coffee. Even hard cheeses. Pizza bothers me when I'm in a flare, but otherwise I can eat it fine. You should test yourself with different types of dairy and see. I can eat a small amount of cheesecake, but with it I would have tea or coffee instead of a latte/cappuccino which are very milky. It sucks to be lactose intolerant but with a little experimentation you will eventually be able to make menu choices that will make you and your tummy happy!

 

[Skybird14]

At the moment I seem to be intolerant to just a small amount of dairy but I'm hoping that it'll get a bit better as this flare settles down a bit.

I look at the free-from sections in the supermarket but at the moment they seem to have a lot of gluten-free but not much that is dairy or lactose-free and quite a few restauraunts don't seem to cater that well for dairy-free either.

Thanks for your thoughts guys.