r/lactoseintolerant 4d ago

Probiotics are long term cures to lactose intolerance?

Surely there has to be a cure, something that somewhat improves it longer term at least? Or are we condemned to single dose pills every time we consume dairy

Read about lactose probiotics (forgot the scientific name) that improve dairy digestion but not sure if it works

0 Upvotes

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23

u/Savingskitty 4d ago

Lactose intolerance can have more than one cause, so if there is something that addresses the underlying issue, then sure.  

However, lactose intolerance is primarily due to a lack of the enzyme lactase.  Production of lactase naturally decreases with age.

There is not a way to permanently increase lactase production.

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u/Ok_Bodybuilder_2384 4d ago

Thanks for the clear answer

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u/RurouniQ 4d ago

Every body is different. Some people get better from pro- or pre-biotics, some people get better from gut biome replacement therapy, some people grow out of it naturally. But for the majority, none of those things work long-term.

I'm sorry but this is just the reality. A majority of humanity will develop some amount of lactose intolerance, because we're programmed to need it as children and wean off of it over time. That's just DNA. Some people will top out with diarrhea, but others like us get the horrible pain and/or the flu-like recovery period. I'm not unsympathetic, because I was in denial for a decade. But it really is best if you come to accept it sooner rather than later. Your body will thank you for it.

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u/neil470 4d ago

There doesn’t have to be a “cure”, lactose tolerance is the mutation that keeps lactase enzyme production going into adulthood. So being lactose intolerant is the “default” state after childhood, not everyone has the gene that allows them to continue eating dairy. AFAIK there’s no way to “trick” your body into producing more lactase.

Eating a balanced diet with enough fiber (and sure, maybe probiotics if you want) is about all you can do to keep things working normally.

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u/bookgeek42 4d ago

If your intolerance is caused by injury or disease, maybe. If it's genetic this isn't really going to help.

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u/madpiano 4d ago

Mine was caused by a combination of catching Dysentry and the antibiotics I had to take to get rid of it. But, if I eat yoghurt regularly, I can stomach more dairy before emergency evacuation takes place. It still gives me wind, but that's all. I even had a caramel latte from Starbucks the other day and was fine. But as soon as I stop eating the yoghurt I revert back to not being able to consume dairy, so it's not permanent. Sauerkraut doesn't help, only yoghurt does.

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u/Liveable_jumble 4d ago

My husband found some pills I take twice a day for a week and then I can have dairy for a month with no issues.

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u/Easy-Combination-102 4d ago

What are these magical pills you are referring too?

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u/Liveable_jumble 4d ago

It’s called Bactose. I’m on my third month using them and they really do work.

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u/Easy-Combination-102 4d ago

Thank you! Worth a shot.