Vigour – Health and Sports Nutrition

Lactose is a type of sugar that is found in butter, cheese, milk and other dairy products. Lactose intolerance is a medical condition in which lactase (an enzyme that helps digest lactose) is not produced in sufficient amounts by the small intestine. Although lactose intolerance can occur at any age, it usually affects young adults and middle aged people. It is more common in people with American or Asian ancestry than it is among Europeans.

Lactose intolerance can be caused by a variety of factors including age, family history, intestinal diseases, infections in the small intestine and bowel surgery. Typical symptoms are flatulence, nausea, indigestion, diarrhoea, irritability, difficulty concentrating, abdominal bloating and abdominal cramps. One might also experience weight loss, constipation and vomiting.

Lactose intolerance is diagnosed with lactose-hydrogen breath test, lactose tolerance test, enteroscopy and examining the stool pH.

As far as the treatment is concerned, avoiding the consumption of dairy products is a best way to prevent the disorder. However, not having dairy products in the diet can lead to deficiency of riboflavin, protein, vitamin D and calcium. Therefore, if you are not consuming milk or other dietary products, then make sure that you regularly take calcium supplements and eat foods that contain calcium such as salmon, sardines, shrimp, leafy greens, oysters and broccoli. Other treatment option for people with lactase deficiency is to add lactase enzymes into their daily dietary routine. Sufferers can consume fermented dairy products, hard cheeses, lactose-free milk, soy milk, goat’s milk and lactose-free buttermilk.

It also makes a good idea for people with lactase deficiency to take a dietary supplement that helps reduce the symptoms of lactose intolerance. Quest Lactase 200mg is a popular brand on the market that provides all the essential enzymes that are required to digest lactose. It does not contain animal substances, added starch, artificial colours, chemical preservatives, sucrose, wheat, gluten or yeast.

Stomach bloating and heartburn are two common problems of gastrointestinal tract. Stomach bloating occurs due to intestinal sensitivity, candida, irritable bowel syndrome or consumption of foods that are high in carbohydrates. Heartburn is caused by reflux of hydrochloric acid (gastric acid) into the oesophagus, which causes nausea and an irritation in the upper digestive tract.

To relieve the symptoms of stomach bloating, make sure that you avoid the consumption of cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, carbonated drinks, sodas, alcohol, pork, red meat, fatty foods, chewing gum and hard candy. Heartburn can be prevented by avoiding the consumption of fatty or fast foods, bed-time snacks, red meat, chocolate, caffeine and peppermint. Smoking, overeating, wearing tight-fitting clothes, medications, antidepressants and heavy weight lifting may also lead to heartburn.

You can also avoid stomach bloating, heartburn and other gastrointestinal problems by taking a supplement that helps maintain the health of your gut. Aloe Pura Aloe Vera Juice Max Strength 1ltr is a popular brand on the market that is derived from a unique blend of unfiltered Aloe Vera inner gel and Aloe Vera whole leaf. It makes an excellent gift for those people who want to improve their digestive health. It is formulated with the minimum of processing to provide the highest level of natural activity and allow the plant’s natural ingredients to remain unaltered in an Aloe Vera Juice. You can consume it directly or mix with fruit juice or water. Take 25ml twice daily. Make sure that you refrigerate after opening. Use within two months.

Probiotics, also known as “friendly bacteria” or “good bacteria”, are live microorganisms that confer a health benefit on their consumers. They are similar to beneficial bacteria found in the human gut. Probiotics help support general wellness, promote a healthy digestive system and treat certain illnesses. They are available mainly in the form of foods and dietary supplements.

Recent studies have showed that probiotics help treat diarrhoea especially from rotavirus. They help reduce the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and treat infections of the urinary tract. Moreover, they help reduce the recurrence of stomach and bladder cancer and treat infections of the female genital tract.

Rich dietary sources of probiotics include yogurt, tempeh, soy beverages, fermented milk and miso. In probiotics supplemetents, the bacteria are added during preparation. There are two groups of bacteria that are used, Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus.

Prebiotics, on the other hand, are nondigestible food ingredients that stimulate the activity and growth of beneficial bacteria already in one’s colon. A synbiotic supplement is one in which prebiotics and probiotics are mixed together to achieve the maximum health benefits. Prebiotics provide food for the probiotics to flourish and probiotics help maintain overall digestive health.

Optibac Daily Wellbeing Probiotics/Prebiotics Healthy Immune System is an expert formula of 6 different probiotic strains including acidophilus to help maintain the health of digestive tract, boost immunity and improve energy levels on a daily basis. This supplement promotes a healthy balance of bacteria throughout the intestinal tract and improves absorption of nutrients in the different parts of the small and large intestine. Take 2 capsules daily with food.