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.)

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Have you heard about enzyme supplements and wonder if you need one? Chances are you might—especially if you eat a lot of cooked and heavily processed foods. Without the natural enzymes obtained from raw, whole foods, the body has a hard time breaking down the food you eat and absorbing its nutrients. As a result, undigested or partially digested food in the intestines can ferment and cause gas, bloating, heartburn, indigestion and other problems. The following quiz will help you determine if you may benefit from adding a natural digestive enzyme supplement to your diet. Put a 1 next to each question if the answer is Yes, 0 for No.

1. Do you experience stomach pain after eating a high-protein meal?

2. Are you excessively tired or fatigued after eating a high-protein meal?

3. Do you have thin, fine or brittle hair?

4. Do you have white lines or ridges in your nail beds?

5. Are you intolerant to cold temperatures or have a sensation of always being cold?

6. Do you have low muscle mass? 

7. Do you have occasional swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or knees?

8. Do you have high blood pressure?

9. Do you have skin issues such as dermatitis?

10. Do you have irritability or anxiety?

11. Do you heal slowly from wounds?

12. Do you have frequent abdominal gas, bloating or flatulence?

13. Do you have frequent belching?

14. Do you have abdominal discomfort or bloating after eating starches, vegetables, beans or grains?

15. Do you commonly have diarrhea?

16. Do you have dry skin?

17. Do you have brittle fingernails?

18. Do you suffer from occasional or mild depression?

19. Do you have greasy or oily stool?

20. Are you frequently constipated?

21. Do you have dandruff or an itchy scalp?

22. Do you have problems concentrating at work or school?

23. Do you have dry mouth or excessive thirst?

24. Do you have frequent urination?

25. Do you crave fatty foods?

OVERALL SCORE: If you scored 13 or more, you may benefit from a quality digestive enzyme supplement. Look for a formula with high amounts of Protease, Amylase, Lipase and Cellulase.

BREAKDOWN SCORE:

• A score of 5 or more for Questions 1 to 11 indicates possible difficulty with the digestion of proteins. Look for an enzyme supplement with a high amount of PROTEASE.
• A score of 3 or more for Questions 12 to 15 indicates possible difficulty with the digestion of carbohydrates, starches and fiber. Look for an enzyme supplement with a high amount of AMYLASE and CELLULASE.
• A score of 5 or more for Questions 16 to 25 indicates possible difficulty with the digestion of fat. Look for an enzyme supplement with a high amount of LIPASE.

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