Lactose intolerance means the inability to digest lactose. People with lactose intolerance cannot consume the primary sugar in dairy products and milk. Lactose intolerance is not a dangerous health condition; however, it may cause the discomfort, pain, and unpleasant symptom in patients. People often treat lactose intolerance by taking medications or not consuming the dairy product. The good news for fan of home remedies and natural treatments is that lactose intolerance can be treated by natural remedies.

I – What Are Causes Of Lactose Intolerance?

Lactose intolerance is often seen in adults. However, babies also develop the lactose intolerance. When babies have lactose intolerance, they cannot get enough calcium from milk and dairy products. We all know that calcium plays an essential role in keeping bones healthy.

Lactose intolerance is a condition in which the small intestines cannot produce enough enzyme called lactase that is necessary in the process of breaking down and digesting lactose.

Lactose intolerance may be caused by a gene. It means that if someone in your family suffers from lactose intolerance, you are more vulnerable to this condition.

Sometimes, short-term illnesses like the stomach flu or disease like cystic fibrosis result in lactose intolerance. Some people start developing the lactose intolerance after the surgery to get rid of a part of the small intestine. Furthermore, digestive and genetics problems such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, gastroenteritis, and ulcerative colitis also increase the risk of lactose intolerance. In these cases, lactose intolerance may be either temporary or permanent. In rare cases, babies are lactose-intolerant. If you are born with lactose intolerance, you cannot consume anything with lactose. Some premature babies may suffer from lactose intolerance because their small intestines cannot make lactase. After their intestines can make lactase that is responsible for breaking down and digesting lactose, the condition will disappear completely.

Read more: 43 Foods That Cause Bloating And Swelling In The Stomach 

II – What Are The Symptoms Of Lactose Intolerance?

Symptoms of lactose intolerance may range from mild to severe, and they depend on how the small intestine produces lactase. If you have lactose intolerance, you may experience the unpleasant symptoms such as bloating, rumbling sounds in your belly, cramps or pain, gas, throwing up, diarrhea or loose stools that may start 30 minutes to 2 hours as soon as you consume milk or dairy products.

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Other symptoms of lactose intolerance include stomach aches, nausea, flatulence, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal problems.

You may confuse lactose intolerance with a milk allergy; however, they are different. A milk allergy is characterized as an overreaction of the immune system when you consume proteins in milk. If you are allergic to milk, you cannot consume any lactose. However, people with lactose intolerance can get a small amount of lactose without any side effects.

Lactose intolerance has no cure. If you have the symptoms of lactose intolerance, you need to avoid dairy products, take lactase products as dietary supplements or consume nondairy foods that are loaded with calcium. Alternatively, you can use natural home remedies for lactose intolerance that can help you deal with this condition. If you have lactose intolerance and are interested in natural remedies, you should visit the website AllRemedies.com and read this article below.

1. Understand Your Lactose Threshold

Before you know home remedies for lactose intolerance in babies and adults, it is important for you to understand your and your children’s lactose threshold. The level of lactose intolerance varies from person to person. To diagnose the degree of your lactose intolerance condition, you can meet a doctor, and he can help you. However, if you do not have time, you can do it at home. First, you need to avoid eating or drinking any lactose foods or products for 3 to 4 weeks to get rid of it from your body. Then, you come back with the lactose consumption by adding small amounts of cheese or milk in your diet gradually. You need to monitor your symptoms and signs to figure out how much lactose you can deal without any problems.

According to a study by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in 2010, most people who have lactose intolerance can tolerate up to 12 grams of lactose in the diet.

Therefore, if you have lactose intolerance, you can still consume dairy products by eating or drinking small servings of a ½ cup or 4 ounces at a time. This reduces the risk of gastrointestinal problems caused by lactose intolerance. Furthermore, you should drink milk with other foods to slow the digestive process and avoid the problems.

2. Cheese And Yogurt

People with lactose intolerance can increase the calcium and protein intake by eating cheese and yogurt without any problems. Therefore, cheese and yogurt are superfoods and natural home remedies for lactose intolerance we would like to introduce to you in this article. Cheese and yogurt are considered as full-fat dairy products that can help reduce amounts of lactose. Moreover, probiotic yogurt is loaded with live cultures. These live cultures are active bacterial cultures that play the important role in breaking down lactose and relieving gastrointestinal discomfort. It is recommended consuming Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt. This is because Greek yogurt contains less lactose, compared with regular yogurt. Frozen yogurt also help you deal with lactose intolerance and it is good for your health. If you suffer from lactose intolerance, you can consume aged hard cheeses and full-fat cottage cheese.

3. Milk Substitutes

People with lactose intolerance cannot consume much regular milk. However, you can drink the healthy substitutes for milk ^[1] like soy milk, coconut milk, rice milk, almond milk, hemp milk, oat milk and others. They are home remedies for lactose intolerance we would like to introduce to you in this article. If you are not familiar with the taste of these milk substitutes, you can add them to your puddings or baked goods as a replacement for milk.

Moreover, it is recommended starting with small amounts of milk substitutes and increasing the amounts gradually until you are used to it. Coconut oil is an excellent substitute for butter, and so are the fruit purees such as banana, applesauce or prune.

However, non-dairy products may make you suffer from gastrointestinal problems because they have guar gum.

Read more: 49 Amazing Benefits of Coconut Oil for Health and Beauty 

4. Kefir

If you are looking for the amazing home remedies for lactose intolerance in babies and adults, you should not ignore kefir. Kefir is considered as a probiotic that is good for your digestive system and your overall health. According to the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, kefir and yogurt are effective in improving lactose digestion and controlling the symptoms of lactose intolerance. Patients with lactose intolerance have drunk kefir and found out that this food can lower the frequency of flatulence. Many research and studies have been conducted to figure out why kefir can deal with the symptoms of lactose intolerance and they have given the answer. Kefir is loaded with live and active bacterial cultures that can break down and digest lactose in your body. Furthermore, kefir is good for your health as it is a great source of potassium, calcium, and protein. If you have lactose intolerance, you just need to consume a ½ cup of kefir milk a day and then increase the amount of kefir milk gradually until you are used to it without problems.

Read more: Foods High in Potassium – List of 21 Healthy Foods to Choose 

5. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is one of the fantastic home remedies for lactose intolerance because it supports digestion of lactose. Furthermore, apple cider vinegar is effective in neutralizing stomach acid and dealing with other digestive problems due to lactose intolerance.

If you want to use apple cider vinegar as an effective remedy on how to deal with the symptoms of lactose intolerance.

Here is the instruction:

• Add one tablespoon of unfiltered, raw apple cider vinegar into a glass of water
• Drink this solution daily for a few weeks to get a significant

6. Chamomile

Chamomile tea can deal with the discomfort, pain and gastrointestinal problems caused by lactose intolerance. Therefore, you should not miss chamomile if you are looking for the amazing home remedies for lactose intolerance. Chamomile tea is effective in neutralizing stomach acid and reducing bloating. Furthermore, drinking chamomile tea on a regular basis can help promote relaxation.

Here is the instruction on how to make chamomile tea:

• Put 2 teaspoons of chamomile flowers in a teapot filled with a cup of hot water
• Allow it to steep for at least 5 minutes and then strain the tea
• Drink this tea a couple of times daily to get significant relief from the discomfort due to lactose intolerance

Read more: List of 35 Benefits of Chamomile Tea and Oil 

7. Ginger

Ginger can cure gastrointestinal problems; therefore, it is also mentioned in a list of amazing home remedies for lactose intolerance. Drinking ginger tea can help you reduce the risk of abdominal gas and nausea.

Here is the instruction:

• Put one teaspoon of grated ginger in a pan filled with a cup of boiling water
• Simmer it for 5 minutes
• Strain the tea
• Add a little honey and lemon juice to taste it well
• Drink 3 cups of ginger tea daily

Read more: 27 Health Benefits of Ginger Root and Tea 

8. Check Products Labels

Processed and packaged foods may be great sources of lactose. Therefore, it is important for you to read the nutrition label carefully to see whether they have milk by-products, milk, non-fat dry powder or dry milk solids.

Furthermore, we would like to note that breakfast cereals, instant soups, candies, salad dressings, non-dairy creamers, processed meats, margarine, and other baked goods may have lactose and milk.

If you have lactose intolerance, you should choose lactose-reduced products or lactose-free products that are available in the supermarkets.

9. Provide Your Body Needed Nutrients

Milk, as well as dairy products, are loaded with several nutrients, including calcium. Therefore, if you have lactose intolerance, you cannot consume too much milk and dairy products. This may result in the nutrient deficiency. Calcium plays a vital role in healthy bones and teeth. Therefore, you should find alternative options to get needed nutrients in your diet.

It is recommended consuming beans, whole grains, lentils, soy products, green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds, blackstrap molasses, calcium-fortified juices and dried fruits to provide your body enough essential minerals, vitamins, and fatty acids.

You can take vitamin D and calcium after consulting your doctor well.

10. Broccoli

Broccoli belongs to the family of cabbages. It has a lot of health benefits. It is also one of the recognized home remedies for lactose intolerance we would like to introduce to you in this article. Broccoli is considered as a nutritional powerhouse. You should eat broccoli on a regular basis to protect your body from life-threatening diseases and avoid the symptoms of lactose intolerance. You can add broccoli to your favorite salads or fry it with other veggies.

11. Sardines

Sardines are loaded with calcium; therefore, sardines should not be missed if you talk about home remedies for lactose intolerance. If you are lactose intolerant, you should add sardines to your diet. Even you can not consume milk; you can eat sardines to get enough calcium for your teeth, bones, and health. Sardines are also a power food for your health. Sardines are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids that can reduce blood pressure, promote your cardiovascular health and avoid the inflammation of blood vessels.

Read more: 58 Best Natural Home Remedies for High Blood Pressure Control 

12. Orange

Orange is among well-known citrus fruit that can help avoid the discomfort and symptoms of lactose intolerance. Therefore, orange is one of the amazing home remedies for lactose intolerance we would like to mention in this article. Orange is a great source of vitamin C that helps deal with lactose intolerance.

Orange is rich in fiber that can reduce the risk of colon cancer. Orange is also considered as a great digestive aid that can reduce the risk of irritable bowel syndrome and constipation that are the common symptoms of lactose intolerance.

Read more: 32 Natural Home Remedies for Constipation Fast in Adults 

13. Spinach

Spinach is the most loaded with nutrients among flowering plants in the world. Spinach is an excellent choice for lactose intolerant patients. Eating spinach should be included in your healthy lifestyle. Spinach contains minerals and vitamins that can nourish your body and improve your overall health. Spinach is one of the amazing home remedies for lactose intolerance you should know. You can add spinach to salads, wraps, and soups.

Furthermore, spinach is a great food for weight loss. It is a great source of calcium, iron, fiber, and lutein.

14. Chocolate Milk

Asking for the best home remedies for lactose intolerance in babies and adults, you should not ignore the intake of chocolate milk. Chocolate milk is an ideal and healthy drink. This is because chocolate milk ^[2] is loaded with calcium. The calcium found in chocolate milk can be absorbed and digested more easily than regular milk even if you have lactose intolerance. Besides calcium, chocolate milk is also rich in protein and carbohydrates that are necessary and good for your overall health.

15. Saffron

Saffron is an excellent herb that has been used for a variety of medicinal purposes today. Saffron is good for the digestive health and consuming saffron can avoid the formation of gas. Saffron is considered as an aphrodisiac. It is effective in boosting appetite and purifying the blood.

16. Peppermint

Peppermint ^[3] is an excellent remedy for many health problems and remedies. It also deals with lactose intolerance. It cures and prevents digestive disorders. It is a reason why peppermint is one of the best home remedies for lactose intolerance like ginger. To reduce the discomfort and improve the symptoms of lactose intolerance, you can drink peppermint tea. Furthermore, peppermint tea also reduces the risk of cancer efficiently. Drinking peppermint tea on a regular basis can inhibit the growth of tumors and prevent skin, colon, and lung cancer.

Read more:  53 Health and Beauty Benefits of Peppermint 

17. Hard Cheese

Hare cheese is a great alternative to other milk products and one of the excellent home remedies for lactose intolerance. Consuming hard cheese can help ease the symptoms of lactose intolerance and give you significant relief from the pain and discomfort.

Furthermore, hard cheese is also a great food for your health as it can keep the cholesterol level in balance, reduce appetite and support weight loss.

18. St. Mary’s Thistle

St Mary’s Thistle ^[4] is an amazing herb for your health. This herb removes the toxins from your body, improves liver function and deals with lactose intolerance naturally and efficiently. Therefore, in this article about amazing home remedies for lactose intolerance, we would like to introduce to you this herb. St. Mary’s Thistle is an ideal herb for breastfeeding moms because it can boost breast milk.

19. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice can be used as one of the best home remedies for lactose intolerance. Lemon juice is effective in curing a stomach ache, one of the symptoms of lactose intolerance.

Here is the instruction:

• Add a sufficient amount of lemon juice to a cup of warm water
• Add a little honey to taste well
• Consume this solution before each meal

Read more: 22 Best Ways on How to Use Lemon for Dark Circles Under Eyes 

20. Fennel Seeds

Fennel seeds are one of the natural home remedies for lactose intolerance. Using fennel seeds can give you significant relief from the pain and discomfort. If you are lactose intolerant, you need to consume one teaspoon of fennel seeds before meals.

Alternatively, you can drink fennel seed tea to reduce the pain and discomfort caused by lactose intolerance.

Here is the instruction:

• Put one teaspoon of fennel seeds into a glass of hot water
• Let it steep for at least 10 minutes
• Strain the tea
• Drink three cups of fennel seed tea daily to control the symptoms of lactose intolerance

Read more: 28 Health and Beauty Benefits of Fennel 

21. Rice Tea

If you are looking for the amazing home remedies for lactose intolerance, you should not ignore rice tea. Rice tea also has many health benefits.

You should follow this instruction to get all the benefits of rice tea:

• Put a half cup of rice into a pan filled with water
• Boil it for at least 10 minutes until you see the rice turn render
• Stir it well
• Strain the water
• Let this tea cool down for a few minutes
• Add a little honey to taste it well
• Drink two cups of this tea daily to get the best result

22. Cocoa Powder

Cocoa powder ^[5] is a common ingredient when you bake cakes. Nevertheless, the benefits of cocoa powder are more than that. For example, cocoa powder is one of the amazing home remedies for lactose intolerance. It can deal with the symptoms of lactose intolerance because it helps digest lactose effectively. If you have lactose intolerance, you just need to consume the mixture of cocoa powder and sugar before meals.

23. Cumin Seeds

One of many home remedies for lactose intolerance is cumin seeds. Cumin seeds support food digestion. This is because cumin seeds are loaded with iron. Iron plays the important role in bringing more oxygen from your lungs to other parts of your body. Furthermore, cumin seeds have aldehyde that can support the digestion by making the salivary glands work efficiently. According to some scientific studies, cumin seeds contain numerous nutrients such as magnesium or thymol that are good for the digestion.

However, if you suffer from blood clotting problems, you should not use cumin seeds as one of the amazing home remedies for lactose intolerance. Diabetic patients should not use too.

24. Whole Grains

Whole grains are also home remedies for lactose intolerance. Whole grains are loaded with essential nutrients and minerals that can boost your overall health. If you can not consume enough essential nutrients because of lactose intolerance, you can get it from whole grains. The consumption of whole grains can support the digestive process and relieve the symptoms of lactose intolerance.

III – Diet Tips For Lactose Intolerance

If you have lactose intolerance, you should follow these diet tips to control its symptoms.

• Eat smaller servings of milk and dairy products. Do not consume more than 4 ounces of milk daily.
• Consult your doctor or an expert before taking any medications because some of them may have lactose intolerance
• Opt for lactose-free products to prevent the problem
• Take enzyme tablets by adding one tablet to a glass of milk
• Mix a liquid or powder with the milk to break down the lactose when you want to consume milk without problems
• Eat something before drinking milk to prevent the discomfort and symptoms of lactose intolerance

Lactose intolerance has painful symptoms. Moreover, treating it is difficult. Those home remedies for lactose tolerance for babies and adults we mentioned below work wonder if you try them together and patiently. Do you finish reading this article and know how to control the symptoms of lactose intolerance efficiently and naturally? Tell us your opinions and ideas by leaving them in the comment section. We will answer all the questions you left as soon as possible. Thank you for reading the post.