Lactose intolerance is caused by a deficiency in lactase, the enzyme required to digest milk sugar. Symptoms include gas, bloating, diarrhea and cramping when dairy foods are consumed. People who suspect they are lactose intolerant can perform a self-test by eliminating dairy products from their diet for 10 days. If the symptoms disappear and again reappear with the reintroduction of dairy products in the diet, lactose intolerance is probably the explanation for the symptoms.

Take the Lactose Intolerance Self-Test

Print this page and answer the questions below.

1. Do you experience cramping and diarrhea 30 minutes to 2 hours after eating dairy products?

YES___ NO___ (YES = 1 NO = 0) _____

2. Do you have uncomfortable gas and bloating after eating baked goods or dairy products?

YES___ NO___ (YES = 1 NO = 0) _____

3. Do you experience nausea after eating?

YES___ NO___ (YES = 1 NO = 0) _____

4. Do you suffer from headaches?

YES___ NO___ (YES = 1 NO = 0) _____

5. Do you have persistent acne?

YES___ NO___ (YES = 1 NO = 0) _____

6. Are you of Asian, African, Native American, Mexican or Mediterranean ancestry?

YES___ NO___ (YES = 1 NO = 0) _____

7. Have you ever had inflammatory bowel conditions such as colitis, Crohn’s disease or IBS?

YES___ NO___ (YES = 1 NO = 0) _____

8. Do you have celiac disease (gluten intolerance)?

YES___ NO___ (YES = 1 NO = 0) _____

9. Do sugar alcohols such as sorbitol, xylitol or maltitol give you gas, bloating, cramping or diarrhea?

YES___ NO___ (YES = 1 NO = 0) _____

10. Have you ever had parasites or a candida overgrowth?

YES___ NO___ (YES = 1 NO = 0) _____

TOTAL SCORE ______

(A score of 3 or higher indicates you may be Lactose Intolerant, but as always, ask your primary care physician.)

bloating, candida overgrowth, celiac disease, dairy foods, diarrhea, Digestive Enzymes, Enzymes, gas, ibs, Indigestion, lactase deficiency, lactose, lactose intolerant, milk sugar, parasites, persistent acne Hide

After following more than a thousand South Florida beachgoers for a year, experts at the University of Miami discovered an alarming trend among people who frequently swam in the ocean. Compared to non-swimmers, those who spent time in the water experienced more gastrointestinal illness, more respiratory problems, and a significantly higher rate of skin disorders, even though beach areas were clean and the water unpolluted.

The culprit? Microscopic bacteria that thrive in the sub-tropical water temperatures. Such bacteria can enter the body through ingestion or skin contact and could potentially upset the healthy balance of bacteria in the digestive tract, which is essential for optimal digestion and immune function.

Experts warn that the harmful bacteria may pose a particular threat for children as well as older adults who may be lacking in healthy gut bacteria, and recommend taking the following precautions if planning a day at the beach:

• Avoid swallowing ocean water.
• Do not swim if you are ill, have diarrhea or open wounds.
• Shower and wash your hands before and after swimming.
• Take children on frequent bathroom breaks/diaper changes.

Research also shows that taking a daily high-potency probiotic supplement can help boost the numbers of good bacteria in the gut and help ward off potential harmful invaders. As a general rule, adults should look for supplement with at least 15 billion active cultures per once-daily serving.

active cultures, bacteria, beach, children, contact, diarrhea, Digestion, Digestive Tract, gastrointestinal illness, Good Bacteria, gut, harmful, healthy, healthy balance, High Potency, immune, ingestion, microscopic bacteria, ocean, Older Adults, optimal, precautions, Probiotic, problems, respiratory, skin, skin disorders, sub-tropical, supplement, swim, swimming, temperatures, unpolluted, water Hide