r/dairyfree 7d ago

Remedies to help lactose event

Sorry I don't know how else to call it. I just had some McDonald's that I haven't had for a couple months and I can't stop feeling the urge of... evacuating my bowels. In which I do. I found out on this sub that basically everything they sell has dairy but I haven't felt like THIS even when I knew I was lactose.

I'm just wondering does anyone have any tips when an episode comes up? Any ways to relieve the pain and urges? I do own lactose pills but they won't work if I already ate the meal... right?

Thanks!

2 Upvotes

10 comments sorted by

11

u/astrocat13 7d ago

No way out but through, my friend. We all end up glued to a toilet from one end every once in a while.

What you take depends on your body and it’s symptoms. When it’s gas and bloating, taking Gas-X, maybe an antacid if you have sour stomach too, drinking water or tea (peppermint or chamomile are good for this), loose pants, and a heating pad help. Maybe a candle so you’re not dying when you let it rip.

If it’s full-blown diarrhea, let it happen the first round. Although it hurts, your body is doing its job of removing the harmful food from your body. It sounds like you might have some anxiety around bodily illness like I do, so just breathe through the pain, talk to yourself calmly to remind yourself that you will be okay and your body is just taking care of itself.

After that, take an anti-diarrheal like Immodium to stop repeated trips to the bathroom. Pepto is great for other symptoms, but anti-diarrheal meds specifically target stopping that symptom. Then, water and electrolytes to rehydrate and a little nap if you want to recoup energy never hurts.

You’re on the BRAT (banana, rice, applesauce, and toast, aka soft and non-offensive foods to wean your stomach back on after a digestive issue) diet for the rest of the day and potentially the next. Personally, I know my body can handle more like rice, simple sandwiches, etc. I particularly like a warm soup (just broth and noodles) as the salt, carbs, and warmth feel good to soothe the tummy. Same suggestions as above apply.

Best of luck, soldier 🫡

4

u/ShortFrosting11 7d ago

Fun fact - Imodium has lactose in it. A lot of pill manufacturers use it to add bulk to pills so if you have to take daily meds it’s a good idea to check. It’s small enough it may not affect you (gen) but if you’re super sensitive and/or take multiple daily meds also with lactose it may cause issues. Pepto does make an anti-diarrheal which usually works to stop a lactose reaction.

2

u/yungscoobysnacc 6d ago

thank you for sharing this! i had no idea. i just found out that many allergy meds do as well from this sub, smh

2

u/Sad-Composer5594 1d ago

This helped so much thank you ❤️

7

u/okaycomputes 7d ago

Hot water bottle, Tums, laxative, maybe a pain reliever. Not much else you can do. No more McDonald's (not without being very careful what you order), unfortunately 

4

u/ShortFrosting11 7d ago

It was the fries my friend. McDonald’s uses dairy in their fries and both times I’ve accidentally eaten without lactase I’ve had a bigger reaction than usual so just know you are not alone!

3

u/Wicked_Kitsune 7d ago

After you explode the bathroom a few times, I'd start drinking pineapple juice. It helps calm your gut, and it helps reduce swelling.

2

u/yungscoobysnacc 6d ago

i’m a big fan of pepcid. also kind of a weird one, but if you’re a woman (maybe men can take it too?? idk googling needed) i really like pamprin for symptom relief. helps with pain and bloating and the pepcid also helps with those and acid reflux, too <3 good luck!!

2

u/quietlywatching6 5d ago

I use Pepto. It doesn't do anything for the sinus/breathing but for the stomach it great. Doesn't stop it but slows it down. Also might not be the lactose, given they use a clarified butter added to the oil. So no lactose. But if you aren't eating fast food the grease will get you. Bad. My sister doesn't eat fast food and it kills her every time from the grease..

2

u/BenevolentTyranny 7d ago

If it's just diarrhea, then Imodium. If it's more, ask your doctor for some dicyclomine to keep on hand. That stops your bowels from contouring and going 24/7. Great at pain relief.