Title: Can You Become Lactose Intolerant Overnight?
Headings: Can You Become Lactose Intolerant Overnight?
Can You Become Lactose Intolerant Overnight?
What is lactose?
What do we mean by lactose intolerance?
What are the symptoms?
Is it possible to become lactose intolerance suddenly?
What are the treatments for lactose intolerance?

Content: Lactase is responsible for breaking down lactose in the small bowel, so that the smaller sugar molecules can be absorbed by the body. If we do not make enough lactase enzymes, lactose sugar stays in the gut and is fermented by bacteria causing a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. The lactase enzyme is produced in the largest quantities at birth, allowing babies to digest breast milk successfully. As we age, we generally produce less of the enzyme, as our diet becomes more varied and less reliant on milk products. This means that by the time we reach adulthood, even if we have been drinking milk all our lives, we may develop symptoms of lactose intolerance. About 30 million American adults show some signs of lactose intolerance by the age of 20. There is also a higher prevalence of lactose intolerance in those of Asian, African or Native American heritage. Although many people develop lactose intolerance as they get older due to reduced lactase production, it may also develop after bowel surgery, small intestine infections such as viruses, bacteria and parasites and also intestinal diseases such as Celiac disease or Crohns. What are the symptoms? Symptoms vary in severity from person to person, depending on the amount of lactase enzyme an individual is producing.