12) Somatomorphic disorder
It is a mental disorder in which there are various physical symptoms that appear to be pointing out to a given disease but no test proves there’s an actual alteration to the organs or body systems. According to Italian researchers, some people who believe they are lactose intolerant, actually suffer from this condition. Both people who actually have a somatomorphic disorder and those who are lactose intolerant may experience symptoms described in this article, such as bloating, gas, stomach pain, and nausea when eating or drinking products containing lactose.
In the aforementioned study, whose results were presented in 2011, 102 patients were evaluated, 77 of them were women. All of them underwent the respiratory test that is commonly used to detect lactose intolerance. Patients also completed a questionnaire on somatization, anxiety, and depression. Either lactose intolerance or malabsorption was detected in only 29 and 33 percent of patients. So, the combination of physical symptoms with depression in a person may be due rather to somatization.
If you or any of your children ever get a positive diagnosis of lactose intolerance, there is no reason for to giving up on dairy products, and it would not be wise to do so due to the importance milk and dairy has as a source of nutrition. In the food market, there are a variety of lactose-free products. Our modern technology has allowed lactose to be partially or completely eliminated in some cases and hydrolyzed in others. And, in this way, you can find presentations of milk and dairy products such as cheeses, or yogurts suitable lactose-intolerant persons.
On the other hand, the pharmaceutical industry offers lactase supplements in drops, pills, or capsules. These enzymes help you digest lactose. We must clarify though: if you are going to take these types of supplements, make sure you do it sporadically. For example, they are appropriate if you are going to eat out and you are not sure if the foods you are going to consume have lactose. If you want to be informed about the appropriate dose in your case, you should go to the doctor and ask for his advice.
