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How Do You Stop Milk Pain?

Published in Lactose Intolerance 3 mins read

Stopping "milk pain," which typically refers to the discomfort and pain caused by lactose intolerance or milk allergy, involves several strategies. Here's a breakdown of how to manage and alleviate this pain:

Understanding the Cause

First, it's important to determine the root cause of your "milk pain":

  • Lactose Intolerance: This is the most common cause, where your body doesn't produce enough lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose (the sugar in milk).
  • Milk Allergy: This is an immune response to proteins in milk (usually casein or whey), and can cause more severe symptoms.

Strategies to Stop Milk Pain

Here are several approaches, ranked in order of what to try first for most people:

  1. Lactase Supplements:

    • These supplements contain lactase enzyme. Taking them before consuming dairy helps your body break down the lactose, preventing symptoms like gas, bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
    • Example: Lactaid, Dairy Ease
  2. Lactose-Free Products:

    • Opt for lactose-free milk, yogurt, cheese, and other dairy alternatives. These products have already had the lactose removed or broken down.
    • Widely available in most grocery stores.
  3. Reduce Dairy Intake:

    • Experiment to find your tolerance level. You might be able to consume small amounts of dairy without experiencing symptoms.
    • Gradually reduce the amount of milk and dairy products you consume to see if your symptoms improve.
  4. Dairy Alternatives:

    • Explore plant-based milk alternatives like almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, coconut milk, and rice milk.
    • These are readily available and can be used in place of dairy milk in most recipes.
  5. Probiotics:

    • Some studies suggest that certain probiotics may help improve lactose digestion and reduce symptoms of lactose intolerance.
    • Look for probiotics containing Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains.
  6. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications:

    • If you're already experiencing "milk pain," OTC medications can help relieve symptoms.
      • Antidiarrheals: Loperamide (Imodium) can help with diarrhea.
      • Anti-gas medications: Simethicone (Gas-X) can help with bloating and gas.
      • Pain relievers: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) can help with abdominal pain, but consult with your doctor before use.
  7. Consult a Healthcare Professional:

    • If your symptoms are severe or persistent, it’s crucial to see a doctor or registered dietitian. They can help diagnose the underlying cause and recommend the best course of treatment.
    • A doctor can perform tests to determine if you have lactose intolerance or a milk allergy.
    • For milk allergy, the primary treatment is strict avoidance of dairy and carrying an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) if you are at risk of anaphylaxis.

Important Note: If you suspect you have a milk allergy, seek medical advice immediately. Allergic reactions can be serious.

By identifying the cause of your "milk pain" and implementing these strategies, you can effectively manage and minimize discomfort.