Lactose Intolerance and Chiropractic Care from a Chiropractor Near You in Naperville, IL
For many people, a scoop of ice cream or a glass of milk can cause more discomfort than delight. If you find that dairy doesn’t sit well with you, lactose intolerance could be the reason. At Giaquinto Chiropractic and Digestion Center, your chiropractor in Naperville, IL, we sometimes hear questions about how this condition works and what can be done to manage it. Here’s a straightforward look at the basics.
What Is Lactose Intolerance?
Lactose intolerance happens when the body doesn’t produce enough of the enzyme lactase. This enzyme is made in the small intestine and is responsible for breaking down lactose—a type of sugar found in milk and dairy products.
When lactase levels are too low, lactose passes through the digestive system without being properly digested. This can cause a variety of symptoms, usually within a few hours after eating dairy.
Common Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance
The symptoms of lactose intolerance are uncomfortable and include:
- Bloating
- Gas
- Cramping
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
Some people also experience fatigue or mental fogginess, likely due to the gut-brain connection. When your digestive system is irritated, the effects can extend beyond your stomach.
How is it Diagnosed?
How does Dr. Keith confirm lactose intolerance:
- Comprehensive History
- Symptom Survey to understand your symptom patterns and the intensity of them.
- 24 Hour Urinalysis to evaluate your digestion system from a chemical perspective.
- Fasting Digestive Exam helps to evaluate structural, nutritional and organ imbalances.
What Can You Eat?
Being lactose intolerant doesn’t mean giving up all dairy. Some people can tolerate small amounts or specific products better than others.
- Hard cheeses like cheddar or Swiss have lower lactose levels
- Yogurt with live cultures can be easier to digest
- Lactose-free milk is widely available and tastes nearly the same
- Non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat are good substitutes
Reading labels carefully and experimenting with different options can help you find what works best for your body. If you know you react negatively from dairy, Dr. Keith can help to strengthen and correct the gut imbalances.
Can It Be Treated?
Yes, lactose intolerance can be effectively treated and corrected.
- Identify the source of stress on your body that is causing the digestive imbalance by getting evaluated.
- Chiropractic adjustments to balance the autonomic nervous system and strengthen the digestive system.
- Modify the diet based on the evaluation and what your body has trouble digesting.
- Enzyme Therapy to strengthen the digestion system, heal the ling of the gut and reduce inflammation.
- Probiotics to restore microbiome balance.
At Giaquinto Chiropractic and Digestion Center, we also explore how overall digestive health—including gut balance —can influence symptoms.
Managing Lactose Intolerance
At Giaquinto Chiropractic and Digestion Center, we evaluate posture, spinal alignment, and gut health together. In some cases, improving nervous system function can help reduce digestive stress. Dr. Keith can help you strengthen your digestion system. He does this by finding the root cause of the digestion problem, heal leaky gut and the lining of the small intestine and restoring the microbiome. This can correct the lactose intolerance problem.
Visit Us to Learn More about Digestive Health Chiropractic Care, Gut Health, Enzyme Therapy, Intestinal Health, and Internal Health from a Chiropractor Near You
If dairy consistently makes you feel unwell, it’s worth investigating. You can correct lactose intolerance, but ignoring it can lead to long-term discomfort and nutritional gaps. Your digestive health plays a central role in how your whole body feels and functions. Call Dr. Keith at (630) 246-2627 for a complimentary screening. We at Giaquinto Chiropractic and Digestion Center, your chiropractor in Naperville, IL, are here to help.