Yogurt may be suitable for those who are lactose intolerant since yogurt-making bacteria break down some lactose during the fermentation process. For people who are lactose intolerant, yogurt may be simpler to digest. Not all yogurt, meanwhile, is low in lactose, and some people could still suffer symptoms after consuming yogurt.
Live yogurt cultures provide beneficial bacteria that aid in the breakdown of lactose and make it more palatable for lactose-intolerant people. Greek yogurt, for instance, has less lactose than conventional yogurt because some of the whey, which includes a significant amount of lactose, has been removed during the straining process.
It is also crucial to keep in mind that some individuals who are intolerant to lactose may also be intolerant to casein, making it possible for them to have trouble tolerating yogurt manufactured from cow’s milk. Yogurt produced from non-dairy milk, such as soy, almond, or coconut milk, might be an option in certain situations.
To sum up, while yogurt may not be an option for everyone with lactose sensitivity, it may be for some. A doctor or dietician should always be consulted to ascertain which foods may be well tolerated and which should be avoided.
What is lactose intolerance?
The inability of the body to completely digest lactose, a sugar present in milk and dairy products, is known as lactose intolerance. Due to a deficiency of the enzyme lactase, people with lactose intolerance have symptoms after eating foods containing lactose, including bloating, gas, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort.
A milk allergy, which is an immunological response to the proteins in milk, differs from lactose intolerance. While persons with lactose intolerance may still be able to consume modest amounts of lactose or lactose-reduced goods, those with a milk allergy must avoid all milk and dairy products.
Many people who are lactose intolerant are nevertheless able to absorb modest amounts of the substance without developing symptoms, or they can take lactase supplements prior to eating meals that contain lactose. Other possibilities include using non-dairy milk substitutes or fermented dairy products like yogurt or hard cheeses, which have reduced lactose contents.
It is crucial to remember that a doctor can determine whether a patient has lactose intolerance by doing a blood or breath test. In certain situations, another underlying ailment, such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine, may be the cause of lactose intolerance.
Probiotic yogurt
Yogurt can be considerably simpler to digest for people who are lactose intolerant than milk. This is because most yogurts include living bacteria that can aid in the breakdown of lactose, reducing the amount of lactose your body must absorb on its own.
Yogurts to consider are those that are marked “probiotic,” indicating that they include living cultures of beneficial bacteria. Pasteurized yogurts may not be as well accepted because the microorganisms are killed during the pasteurization process.
For those who are lactose intolerant, full-fat and strained yogurts like Greek and Greek-style yogurt may be an even better option. This is because full-fat yogurts have higher fat content and lower amounts of whey that is high in lactose.
Greek and Greek-inspired yogurts are processed with a strainer. This further reduces the whey content, resulting in a naturally low lactose product.
What is the deal with yogurt?
People are unaware of the significance of fermentation since it makes it possible for bioactive to be more widely distributed in your gut. Yogurt offers more advantages over milk because of the probiotics it contains as well as the bioactive lipids it produces during the fermentation process, which causes lactate to rise. The most current study indicates that these compounds are superior to other non-fermented dairy products in terms of benefits. There is growing evidence that yogurt can aid in the prevention of chronic diseases.
Other benefits of yogurt
Yogurt has several advantages beyond preserving bone strength and overall wellness. Over time, studies have supported the following advantages:
- Some studies have shown that dairy products are mildly beneficial to the heart and may cause a 6% reduction in cardiovascular disease.
- The “good bacteria” in yogurt can have a significant positive impact on the immune system and lower the risk of allergies.
- The nutrients go well beyond probiotics and calcium. Yogurt is, in reality, a great source of protein, magnesium, and in some cases vitamin D.
Conclusion
Yogurt is a healthy, adaptable food that belongs to a diet that is balanced and is a good source of protein and calcium. Yogurt is frequently simpler to digest for lactose intolerant persons than milk. Full-fat probiotic yogurt with live bacterial cultures is the ideal type of yogurt for persons who cannot tolerate lactose.