Every morning, Aunt Zhang starts her day with a cup of milk. However, recently she has been experiencing frequent abdominal discomfort and bouts of diarrhea. At the recommendation of a friend, she visited a doctor to seek answers. Entering the clinic with a heart full of doubts and worries, Aunt Zhang detailed her diet, and the doctor pinpointed the root cause of her problem—she was diagnosed with lactose intolerance, and the lactose in milk was the main culprit for her abdominal issues.
The doctor explained that due to a deficiency of lactase, which is required to break down lactose in milk, the undigested lactose is fermented by bacteria in the intestines, producing gases and short-chain fatty acids that lead to symptoms such as bloating and diarrhea. The doctor also pointed out that, apart from people with lactose intolerance, there are several other groups who should be cautious about milk intake:
- People who are frequently exposed to lead: Milk can promote the accumulation of lead in the body, potentially causing lead poisoning.
- People who are allergic to milk: They may experience symptoms like abdominal pain and diarrhea; in severe cases, it may cause allergic rhinitis, asthma, or urticaria.
- Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Milk may reduce the pressure of the esophageal sphincter, increase the reflux of gastric or intestinal fluids, and worsen symptoms.
- Patients who have undergone abdominal or gastric surgery: Due to the decreased lactase, the undigested lactose may ferment inside the body and cause bloating.
Improper consumption of milk can lead to a range of health problems for the mentioned groups. People with lactose intolerance might experience digestive system symptoms, those with allergies might face life-threatening dangers, GERD patients may experience worsened symptoms, and postoperative patients might face additional pain in their recovery process.
For lactose intolerance, choosing low-lactose dairy products or lactase supplements may help. Those with a milk allergy need to completely avoid milk and its products. GERD patients should avoid drinking milk before bed and follow their doctor’s prescription for medication.
Having understood the reason, Aunt Zhang started to adjust her diet, avoiding uncomfortable food to prevent health damages. Although milk is rich in nutrients, it is not suitable for everyone. Understanding your body’s responses and choosing the right foods is being responsible for your health. We should listen to the needs of our bodies, make timely adjustments to our diet, and ensure a healthy lifestyle.
In the journey towards health, there is no one-size-fits-all nutrition plan; the key is personalized choice and adjustment. We ought to stay sensitive to our body’s needs and use this as a starting point for health management. Starting today, let us actively listen to the voice of our body and adopt a nutrition and lifestyle that suits our health.
