Milk Seldom the Cause of GI Symptoms

A population-based cohort study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that for young adults who complain of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, intolerance to cow’s milk is rarely the cause.  In fact, people who cut dairy foods may be missing important nutrients.

Tips for Keeping Dairy in Your Diet

If you have symptoms of lactose intolerance, try these tips for adding dairy.

Choose the ones that work best for your individual needs.

Drink milk with meals or a snack, instead of on an empty stomach.

Aged cheeses like Cheddar and Swiss are naturally low in lactose.

Introduce dairy to your diet slowly. Start with small portions and gradually work up to 3 servings a day.

Raise your glass to lactose-reduced or lactose-free milk.

Yogurt is good. Cultured dairy foods like yogurt contain friendly bacteria that help digest lactose.