10 Causes of Bloated Stomach
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
Cause #5: Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is a condition where individuals have a lower ability to digest lactose, which is found in dairy products. Symptoms of lactose intolerance include abdominal bloating, pain, gas, diarrhea, and nausea. Symptoms start about 30 minutes to 2 hours after eating milk-based foods. The severity of the symptoms mostly depends on the amount of dairy based foods consumed.
Lactose intolerance occurs as there is a lack of the enzyme lactase in the small intestines. It is estimated that lactose intolerance affects as many as 65 percent of the global population with rates varying between different regions. The prevalence of lactose intolerance seems to be highest in parts of Africa and Asia.
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