Dairy Products for Lactose Intolerance
Even children are taught the nutritional benefits of dairy products. Besides calcium, dairy products are fortified with vitamin D. Many people enjoy the taste of cheeses and other dairy products. But, what if you are lactose intolerant? People who are lactose intolerant can often still get the nutritional benefit of dairy and enjoy some dairy products.
Choosing the Right Dairy Products
Some dairy products are less likely to make a lactose intolerant person ill. Cheeses with high oil content are more easily digested by people who are lactose intolerant. Hard and firm cheeses such as cheddar and swiss cheese are a better choice than soft cheeses.
Some yogurt brands are better than others for those who are lactose intolerant. A person who is lactose intolerant may want to sample different brands. In order to be suitable for someone with lactose intolerance, the yogurt needs to have live active cultures. In my experience, Dannon yogurt is the only brand that I have tried that does not make me ill.
It is common for people who are lactose intolerant to not be able to drink any milk. Some people may be able to use milk that has a digestive aid added like Lactaid milk. Lactaid and Lactaid products do not work for everyone who is lactose intolerant. Soy milk is an alternative to cow's milk. Soy milk comes in many varieties including vanilla, low fat, and chocolate.
Watch the Daily Total of Dairy Products
Typically, people who are lactose intolerant can eat a small amount of dairy products throughout the day without getting ill. A lactose-intolerant person should be familiar with their daily limits. The limits of dairy consumption are personal. One person may only be able to eat one food that contains milk like mashed potatoes, while someone else may be able to eat three servings of dairy products. This usually just requires remembering how much dairy was eaten that day when deciding whether or not to eat more dairy.
Nutritional Supplements
Viactiv or other calcium supplements are often recommended for people who cannot eat dairy. Proper nutrition is especially important during pregnancy. While I was pregnant, the nutritionist recommended eating 3 calcium-enriched TUMS daily. I would recommend that everyone who is unable to eat dairy discuss dietary supplement options with a physician or nutritionist.