The Doctors: Lactose Intolerance
In a segment that was so low quality in acting that it reminded me of the PSAs they used to show in elementary school and middle school about reproductive health when I was a kid, The Doctors discussed lactose intolerance and what sort of foods you can eat when you’re allergic to lactose.
June is National Dairy Month and 30 million Americans are estimated to suffer from lactose intolerance. That means it’s the perfect time for a segment on The Doctors on what types of dairy are okay to eat and drink if you’re allergic to dairy. This segment was possibly shamelessly sponsored by someone in the dairy industry.
The Doctors: What Is Lactose Intolerance?
The Doctors discussed ways to get vital nutrients from dairy if you’re lactose intolerant, including from yogurt, lactose-free milk, and certain types of cheeses with minimal amounts of lactose. (Eskemar / Shutterstock.com)
Dr. Jim Sears talked to Mara, who suffers from lactose intolerance, and who also is a terrible actress. She said she grew up loving dairy products, so she accompanied Dr. Jim Sears to the farm owned by Brad Scott, a dairy farmer. Brad Scott said that modern dairy farming has progressed to be much more efficient and sustainable.
But what happens in lactose intolerance? When the small intestine doesn’t make enough of an enzyme called lactase, our body can’t easily digest lactose, a natural sugar found in dairy products. Stomach pains, bloating, or gas can occur following an intake of an amount of lactose which is greater than the body’s ability to digest and absorb it.
The Doctors: What Can You Eat If You’re Lactose Intolerant?
Registered dietitian Holley Grainger, who was also on the farm, said that the dietary guidelines for Americans recommend that everyone nine years and older have three servings of dairy each day.
She recommended Lactaid milk, which is 100 percent real cow’s milk without the lactose. That’s great, she said, because people with lactose intolerance can enjoy real milk without discomfort. You can also enjoy real cheese like Colby, Cheddar, and Mozzarella, which contain minimal amounts of lactose. There’s also regular and Greek-style yogurt, which have live and active cultures, which help digest the lactose.
“This is some really great information. Now I’ll know what to buy when I go to the grocery store,” Mara said.
“You betcha,” Dr. Jim Sears said.
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