Lactose Intolerance (adjunctive care)
Also known as: lactose intolerance, milk intolerance, dairy sensitivity
Lactose intolerance is the lack of lactase enzyme, causing bloating, wind, cramps and loose stools after milk products. The fix is dietary: lactose-free options, enzyme drops or limited amounts. Chinese medicine reads it as spleen deficiency failing to transform rich, cold foods, often with damp — treated by strengthening the middle and warming it.
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Lifestyle & Diet
- •Use lactose-free milk and yoghurt; hard cheeses are naturally low in lactose.
- •Enzyme (lactase) drops or tablets allow normal dairy in small amounts.
- •Check for hidden milk powder in processed foods.
- •Keep calcium intake adequate with non-dairy sources.
Cautions & Contraindications
- •Confirm the diagnosis before long-term dairy avoidance — coeliac or IBS can mimic it.[]
When to reassess or seek care again
Review at 6–8 weeks: symptom diary, diet adequacy, calcium and vitamin D intake.
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Sources & Further Reading
Clinical guidance, red flags and safety notes on this page draw on the following current sources alongside the classical references above.
- Victorian Government · 2024
- National Library of Medicine · 2024
- NHS · 2024
Educational reference for licensed practitioners. Not a substitute for individual clinical assessment. Refer to conventional care for any red-flag or undiagnosed presentation.