Our bodies contain an enzyme known as lactase, which is responsible for breaking down the sugars that are found in various milk products including milk, yoghurt, cream, cheese, etc. This sugar is known as lactose. Even though this problem has a chance of affecting more than 50% of the population, there are several effective home remedies for lactose intolerance to get rid of it once and for all.
Image source: Pixabay, under Creative Commons License
Even though the condition is basically harmless, being lactose intolerant can be a huge inconvenience to anyone who isn’t vegan. This is because milk and milk products are found in most food items. Lactose intolerance is usually caused when you have insufficient amounts of lactase in your body. Genetic problems might also be a possible cause for lactose intolerance. A person suffering from this problem usually displays the following symptoms, which appear after consuming varying degrees of dairy products:
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Flatulence
- Gas
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhoea
- Other gastro-intestinal issues
Suggested read: Tummy Weight Blasters: 12 Foods That Ease Digestion Like Magic
Once you recognize the symptoms and figure out the degree to which you are unable to digest lactose, you can check out these effective home remedies for lactose intolerance to help you deal with the problem most efficiently.
1. Spinach
Image source: Google, copyright-free image, under Creative Commons License
One of the best natural sources of iron and protein, spinach has been found to be an effective remedy for improving lactose intolerance. It helps build up the level of lactase in the body, so that your body can break down lactose more easily. it is also a great source of vitamins and minerals, which improve digestion, and help you digest milk products more easily.
2. Yogurt
If you are wondering why you should be consuming a dairy product to consume the problem of indigestion you get because of dairy products. The fact is, yogurt is rich in probiotics, and also contains less amount of lactose, so it works towards promoting good bacteria which can help you break down dairy in your system. products like full-fat yogurt, full fat-cream and contain a comparatively less amount of lactose than milk and dairy which are skimmed and low-fat and processed. Therefore, they are easy to digest and help improve your condition as well.
3. Saffron
Image source: Google, copyright-free image, under Creative Commons License
Saffron is one of the most well-known digestive relievers. It can help elevate the symptoms that come with lactose intolerance. Saffron water, when consumed, can creative a protective layer on the walls of your small intestine, preventing lactose from reacting with it and causing problems like bloating and nausea. To get rid of lactose intolerance and promote a healthier digestive system, consuming a cup of saffron tea in the morning on an empty stomach can do you a lot of good.
4. Cocoa powder
If you have been suffering from lactose intolerance, one of the best natural remedies is cocoa powder. Cocoa, or chocolate powder can promote an efficient digestion of lactose, without letting your body develop any of the unpleasant side effects that come with being lactose intolerant. It prevents a huge amount of lactose from entering your body at once, by slowing down the metabolism process and allowing for better breakdown. When consumed with small amounts of dairy products, you are likely to find it easier to digest them.
5. Ginger
Image source: Pixabay, under Creative Commons License
Ginger is one of the most sought after home remedies for lactose intolerance because of the extensive digestive properties that it has. It can help relieve problems such as gas, bloating, nausea, etc. when consumed on a regular basis. Consuming one cup of ginger tea every day can help you digest lactose better throughout the day. To prepare ginger tea, steep a tablespoon of crushed ginger in boiling water, and let it sit for 5 minutes. After draining the ginger, mix a table spoon of honey and a little lime juice in the ginger water to make an effective concoction to treat lactose intolerance.
6. Broccoli
Broccoli is possibly one of the most nutritious vegetables out there. It increases metabolism, and keeps your digestive tract free and functional. The host of nutrients that are found in this vegetable, which belongs to the cabbage family, promotes greater production of lactase, which can help break down dairy products when you consume them. It is also great for your immunity, and prevents the symptoms of lactose intolerance from appearing. Simply adding broccoli in the form of a stir-fry or in a salad as part of your daily diet can work wonders in restoring health.
7. Green tea
Image source: Google, copyright-free image, under Creative Commons License
Green tea is rich in anti-oxidants, and is an ancient remedy for curing digestive problems because of its healing properties. It can help reduce the symptoms of lactose intolerance when consumed on a daily basis. If you have green tea on an empty stomach in the morning, you will not suffer from problems like bloating, gas, vomiting, rashes and other gastrointestinal problems, which are the common side-effects of lactose intolerance.
Suggested read: Here Are The Top Home Remedies For Gastritis
8. Apple cider vinegar
If you have been seeing a reaction from your body no matter how little the amount of dairy you consume, then you need a fast, and effective remedy to improve your digestion, and get rid of the symptoms. Apple cider vinegar has the potential to neutralize the acid in your stomach, providing greater relief from lactose intolerance. Diluting a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of warm water and consuming it can help you get rid of lactose intolerance within a couple of weeks daily consumption.
9. Lemon Juice
Image source: Pixabay, under Creative Commons License
Lemon juice can help in getting rid of several digestive problems, including lactose intolerance. The citric acid and Vitamin C in lemon juice helps in building the stomach walls, and making them more resistant to problems caused by dairy products, if you are unable to digest them well. It promotes the production of healthy enzymes, including lactase. To ingest sufficient amount of lemon juice, mix 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to a glass of warm water and mix with a tablespoon of honey and consume on an empty stomach in the morning.
10. Cumin seeds
Cumin seeds are recommended for people who are lactose intolerant, and also for people who are diabetic, because of the blood improving qualities that it is known to possess. Cumin seeds are also a great agent for improved digestion, as they help in breaking down the compounds in your stomach more easily. If you have been suffering from lactose intolerance, chewing a teaspoon of cumin after your meal can help you digest your dairy without having to encounter any of the side effects.
11. Whole grains
Image source: Google, copyright-free image, under Creative Commons License
Whole grains and whole grain food products are great for the body and especially for digestion. These products help in adding nutritious value to your daily meals and help the body absorb food better, even if you have difficulty absorbing things like dairy products. Whole grains can also help you get effective relief from the symptoms of lactose intolerance.
12. Oranges
Oranges, like lemons, are also a citrus fruit which is rich in Vitamin C and citric acid. It can help break down the compounds in your stomach, and the citric acid promotes the production of hydrochloric acid in the body and also the production of enzymes which break down indigestible dairy. Oranges and orange juice can help prevent irritable bowel syndrome, which is the most common side effect if you are lactose intolerant. Drinking a tall glass of fresh orange juice with you breakfast can help get rid of your condition within a couple of weeks.
13. Chamomile tea
Image source: Pixabay, under Creative Commons License
If you are looking for an immediate relief from your condition, there are few things better than chamomile tea, which is an ancient Chinese remedy for bloating and other digestive problem. Chamomile tea is several healing properties, which can help your system break down lactose that is found in dairy, and allow you to consume your milk and milk products without inhibition. Chamomile tea should ideally be consumed twice a day to see effective results within a week, if you are lactose intolerant.
Suggested read: All You Need To Know About Treating Bloating With Home Remedies
14. St. Mary’s Thistle
St. Mary’s thistle, or milk thistle is one of the oldest herbal remedies, which helps with liver and digestive problems. It has the ability to promote immunity in the body, and if you are suffering from lactose intolerance, then it can prevent it from persisting by breaking down dairy in your stomach, without any side effects.
15. Sardines
Image source: Google, copyright-free image, under Creative Commons License
When you are lactose intolerant, your body becomes deficient in calcium, because dairy products are one of the best and richest sources of calcium. To supplement the lack, and also to restore health to your body so that it can function properly to digest dairy better, it is helpful to consume sardines on a regular basis, which is an excellent natural supplement for calcium.
Lactose intolerance is a relatively easy problem to handle, once you are equipped with the right home remedies, which can help you tackle the problem naturally, and without side-effects.
Feature image source: Google, copyright-free image, under Creative Commons License
Facebook
Disqus
Google + 
