Why does milk make you feel bloated?

Know how lactose intolerance can happen at any stage of life

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MANY PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY as they get older, are unable to digest milk and its products. This could be due to lactose intolerance, which can happen at any stage in life. Dr Gaurav Mehta, consultant, gastroenterology/hepatology and transplant hepatology, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, says:

“Lactose intolerance occurs when the body does not produce enough of the enzyme lactase, which is required to break down lactose-the natural sugar found in milk and dairy products. Lactase is produced in the lining of the small intestine. When levels are insufficient, lactose passes undigested into the large intestine, where it is fermented by gut bacteria. This process leads to symptoms such as bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. There are three main types—primary, secondary and congenital lactose intolerance. The most common is primary lactose intolerance, where lactase production gradually declines with age, particularly common in Asian and Indian populations. Secondary lactose intolerance occurs when the intestinal lining is temporarily damaged. Congenital lactose intolerance, is rare and present from birth due to a genetic defect.