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”.

Make IAFA your choice and forget all worries about your health!!!

– 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.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What is Lactose Intolerance?

Answer: Lactose Intolerance is the condition where the body’s production of an enzyme called Lactase, which is required for the digestion of milk sugar Lactose, is reduced greatly.

Question: What are the causes of Lactose Intolerance?

Answer: Lactose Intolerance can be caused by various reasons like hereditary problems, associated with other diseases of the digestive system, premature birth, etc.

Question: Can Ayurveda help in the management of Lactose Intolerance?

Answer: Yes. Ayurveda has an effective treatment protocol for the management of Lactose Intolerance through various internal medicines as well as treatment procedures.

Question: What is the Ayurvedic treatment of Lactose intolerance?

Answer: In Ayurveda, there is effective and safe treatment of lactose intolerance. Ayurvedic treatment of lactose intolerance includes reduction of aggravated doshas, restoration of gastroenteric fire, reducing tension and stress.