Lactose intolerance refers to the body’s incapacity to effectively process a natural sugar known as lactose, commonly present in dairy items like milk and yogurt. This intolerance occurs when the small intestine produces insufficient quantities of the enzyme lactase, necessary for lactose digestion. Consequently, undigested lactose progresses into the large intestine. In the large intestine, the existing bacteria interact with the undigested lactose, resulting in symptoms such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea. This condition is sometimes termed lactase deficiency. Typically, lactose intolerance manifests gastrointestinal discomfort, gas, bloating, and diarrhea within 30 minutes to two hours after consuming lactose-containing dairy products like milk. [1]
What Is IBS?
IBS stands for irritable bowel syndrome. It encompasses a collection of intestinal symptoms that typically co-occur, exhibiting varying degrees of intensity and duration from one individual to another. Different types of IBS are categorized based on specific symptoms, such as constipation or weight fluctuations. Healthcare professionals typically diagnose IBS by observing symptoms occurring for at least 3 days per month over a span of 3 months. In some instances, IBS may lead to intestinal damage, although this occurrence is infrequent. According to previous, IBS is not linked to an increased risk of gastrointestinal cancers. Nevertheless, it can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. [2]
