Lactose Intolerance (Grahani)
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Lactose Intolerance - Causes, Symptoms and Ayurvedic Treatment
Lactose is a type of sugar present in milk. People having lactose intolerance will not be able to digest lactose completely. So, they develop diarrhea, bloating, etc. after having dairy products. This condition is also called lactose malabsorption. Lactase is the enzyme produced in the small intestine that helps in the digestion of lactose. A very low amount of lactase in the body can lead to the condition of Lactose Intolerance. In Ayurveda, there is an explanation of a condition called Grahani, in which symptoms similar to Lactose intolerance are observed. Dr. Gupta’s IAFA offers the best management for lactose intolerance. IAFA is a popular institution that manages several such allergies and associated diseases.
Causes of Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance follows when the small intestine doesn’t produce enough lactase needed to digest lactose. Typically, lactase converts lactose into glucose and galactose, which will be absorbed into the bloodstream. In lactase deficiency, lactose travels into the colon instead of being absorbed. In the colon, normal bacteria interact with undigested lactose, causing the signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance.
There are mainly three types of lactose intolerance:-
1. Primary Lactose Intolerance
It is the most common type of lactose intolerance. Here, lactase production decreases sharply by adulthood, making milk products difficult to digest.
2. Secondary Lactose Intolerance
This type of lactose intolerance occurs when the small intestine reduces lactase production followed by a disease, injury, or surgery involving the small intestine. Illnesses associated with secondary lactose intolerance include celiac disease, intestinal infection, Crohn’s disease, and bacterial overgrowth.
3. Congenital or Developmental Lactose Intolerance
It is a rare condition. Here, babies are born with lactose intolerance as a result of a lack of lactase. This condition can be passed over generations by inheritance. In congenital lactose intolerance, both the parents pass on the same gene variant to the child, and the child will be affected. It can also affect premature infants who have insufficient lactase levels.
Ayurvedic Reference of Lactose Intolerance (Grahani)

Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance
The signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance usually start from 30 minutes to two hours after having lactose-containing foods.
Major signs and symptoms include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- Bloating
- Gas formation

“Dr. Gupta’s IAFA is a promising institute in the management of various allergies and related illnesses. Institute of Applied Food Allergy® provides the better cure for conditions like Lactose Intolerance through genuine Ayurveda”.
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– Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)
Ayurvedic Allergy Specialist
CEO & Founder of IAFA®
Diet Management in Lactose Intolerance
Do’s (Pathya) in Lactose Intolerance
- Lactose-free milk
- Non-dairy creamers (read labels to make it sure)
- Rice water
- Soymilks
- Intake of lesser quantity of food
- Light and easily digestible food
- Frequent intake of small amounts of lukewarm water
- More fiber-containing fruits and vegetables
- Mild exercise
- Eat salads without salt
Don’ts (Apathya) in Lactose Intolerance
- Milk & milk products
- Soft and processed cheese
- Buttermilk
- Cheese containing food
- Cream
- Evaporated & condensed milk
- Hot chocolate
- Ice cream
- Processed cheese
- Excess food intake
- Coldwater
- Fried and bakery food
- Spicy and sour food
- Mental stress
- Working without rest
Yoga and Pranayama in Lactose Intolerance
Following Yoga postures are beneficial in strengthening the digestive system& managing lactose intolerance:
- Ananda Balasana
- Pavanamuktasana
- Parighasana
- Ardhamatsyendrasana
- Jataraparivrithi
- Salamba Setubandhasana
- Malasana
Pranayama helps to relax all the body parts including the bowels. It helps to attain control over body movements and functions.

Ayurvedic Treatment of Lactose Intolerance
Ayurveda describes effective management through various treatment modalities for physical as well as mental ailments related to Lactose Intolerance.
Internal Medicines for Lactose Intolerance
- Kalasakadi Kwatha
- Kalyanaka Kwatha
- Chitrakadi Gulika
- Manasamitra Vataka
- Ashta Churna
- Dadimashtaka Churna
- Hinguvachadi Churna
- Kapithashtaka Churna
Treatment Procedures for Lactose Intolerance
- Virechana (Purgation)
- Vamana (Emesis)
Single Herbs in the Management of Lactose Intolerance
- Haridra (Curcuma Longa)
- Hareetaki (Terminalia Chebula)
- Kutaja (Holarrhena antidysenterica)
- Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
- Patha (Cissampelos pareira)
- Musta (Cyperus rotundus)
- Karanja (Pongamia pinnata)
References
- Ashtanga Hrudaya by Vagbhata, Nidanasthana, Atisaragrahninidana (Chapter 8), Sloka 16.
- Sharma PV, Ashtanga Sangraha of Vagbhata Uttara Sthana Vol. III, 2013, Varanasi: Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan, Chapter 2, sloka 18, p. 20.
- Bhartiya S, Ashtanga Hridaya arthaat Vagbhat 2013 Mathura: Govardhan Pustakalaya, 2013, Sutrasthana Chapter 8, sloka 9, p. 103.
- Sahil Gupta, Ayurvedic Aspects of Allergies and Fungal Infections, Edition 2021, Lactose Intolerance Chapter No. 07, Page No. 106-111.
Article Written By: Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)