Food Allergies: Facts, Myths, and Pseudoscience
Is Lactose Intolerance Reversible? New Treatment May Help
Functional neurology is gaining attention as a new strategy to address lactose intolerance. Some people who struggle with bloating, diarrhea, and other discomfort tied to dairy consumption have begun to look beyond standard remedies.
Experts say this new line of treatment could be a game-changer, but many wonder if it's too good to be true.
Functional neurology and lactose intoleranceA study led by NeuroReEvolution has explored the use of functional neurology sessions for people with stubborn lactose intolerance.
"Despite the fact that the most common treatments include dietary changes and the use of supplements, many people continue to deal with uncomfortable symptoms," said Vicente Javier Clemente Suárez, a professor of nutrition who participated in the study.
Functional neurology therapy aims to improve the body's ability to process lactose through the use of specific treatments, such as targeted exercises, and reflex adjustments that tune communication between the brain and the gut.
What causes lactose intolerance?Lactose intolerance is common across the globe. It occurs when the intestine lacks enough lactase, an enzyme that helps break down milk sugar.
If lactase levels drop, that sugar travels farther along the digestive tract and can trigger painful symptoms. Some individuals only experience mild discomfort, while others confront harsher reactions such as vomiting or extreme diarrhea.
Linking nerves to digestionFunctional neurology merges principles of neurology with a broad view of how nerves guide the body's response to food.
Experts typically concentrate on the gut alone when dealing with lactose intolerance. In this newer approach, a practitioner looks for nervous system glitches that can affect how the gut handles dairy.
A therapy session may include gentle tests, motion-based tasks, and other methods meant to help the body regain ease around milk products. Many practitioners believe these techniques can restore normal feedback loops, though others want longer trials to confirm lasting benefits.
Addressing the root causes of lactose intolerance"Although the therapy can improve quality of life by reducing symptoms, more research is still needed to fully understand its effectiveness," explained Professor Suárez.
While a few participants noticed fewer bathroom runs and less bloating, lab data still spotted lingering signs of lactose malabsorption. This means that the therapy may ease the severity of symptoms but might not address the root causes of lactose problems.
Milk consumption and geneticsHistorical records indicate that communities in Europe began using milk many millennia ago. This continued even before most adults developed the genetic ability to break down milk sugar in large amounts.
Though modern times have seen lactase persistence become relatively common in some regions, many people still face issues with dairy.
Unraveling these genetic quirks may help to explain why certain groups can drink milk without concern, while others battle sharp cramps after a single glass.
Improving the way the brain regulates digestionMany lactose-intolerant individuals rely on lactose-free foods or enzyme supplements. But the idea of improving the way the brain regulates digestion has drawn interest from those who keep searching for a more comfortable life.
"There is still much to be investigated. It is important to understand how this therapy can be effectively integrated into the treatment of lactose intolerance," said Professor Suárez.
The researchers noted that larger studies with wider pools of participants are needed to determine how well functional neurology works over time.
If more proof emerges, it could blend nicely with standard dietary approaches, especially for people who can't seem to shake their discomfort.
Future research directionsSome researchers say the therapy might shine most in cases where lactose intolerance hits hard. Others, including those at NeuroReEvolution, suggest combining this approach with standard care so patients can keep enjoying dairy foods.
Archaeological findings show humanity's love for milk is hardly new. If additional exploration confirms that improving neural function helps reduce pain, there may be cause for optimism.
At the moment, experts view functional neurology as a possible source of relief when dietary changes alone may not be enough.
The full study was published in the journal Life.
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The Surprising Food That Can Help Reduce Bloating, According To A Gastroenterologist
Reviewed by Dietitian Maria Laura Haddad-Garcia
Getty Images. EatingWell design.
If you're tired of your stomach feeling like a distended balloon, you're not alone. In fact, it is pretty common. A study shows that almost 18% of people experience bloating at least once a week. The study also found that women are more likely to experience it than men. "Bloating refers to a sense of fullness in the upper abdomen. This can be influenced by gas and/or food accumulation in the stomach," explains Eric Yoon, M.D., a board-certified gastroenterologist at Manhattan Gastroenterology.
According to Yoon, several conditions can cause bloating, including constipation, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), lactose intolerance, Celiac disease and even anxiety. If you have Celiac disease or lactose intolerance, avoiding gluten or dairy, respectively, can alleviate bloating. For the general population, promoting healthy digestion can help keep bloating at bay, and diet plays a significant role.
Yoon recommends several foods for bloating, but one may surprise you: asparagus. This veggie is full of nutrients that can help you stay regular and prevent unpleasant water retention. Let's dive in.
Related: How Much Bloating Is Too Much? A Gastroenterologist Explains
Why Is Asparagus the Best Underrated Food for Bloating? It Contains PrebioticsAsparagus contains prebiotics, which are food for the healthy bacteria in your gut. These help promote a healthy gut microbiome and prevent unpleasant symptoms like bloating or constipation.
Namely, xylose and inulin—two bioactive compounds in asparagus—have been shown to have prebiotic effects. Studies show that thanks to these and other compounds, asparagus spears can promote the growth of certain beneficial gut bacteria, including lactobacilli and bifidobacteria.
Asparagus by-products may also benefit gut health, so researchers have been evaluating the utility of converting them into functional food ingredients. For example, a 2022 study in the journal Foods found that asparagus roots are a source of fructans with powerful prebiotic activity.
It Can Help Keep You RegularThe prebiotics in asparagus can help stave off constipation and the bloating that can accompany it. "[Asparagus] contains inulin, a prebiotic, leading to better bowel regularity," says Yoon. Some research has found that prebiotics can improve stool consistency and the number of bowel movements, as well as reduce bloating among adults struggling with constipation.
Plus, asparagus is full of fiber—another key nutrient for preventing constipation. Each cup of asparagus has 10% of the daily value (DV) of fiber! Given that constipation is linked with bloating, Yoon touts the benefits of eating adequate fiber.
It Acts As a Natural DiureticWater retention can also contribute to bloating, notes Yoon. He recommends eating potassium-rich foods (like asparagus) to prevent this. Each cup of asparagus has 271 milligrams of potassium—6% of the DV. Why does potassium help? "[High potassium foods] help in reducing retained sodium, which, in turn, reduces water retention," explains Yoon.
Studies show that asparagus has bioactive compounds (including potassium), which cause it to act as a natural diuretic. This can lead to increased urination and excretion of excess salt, which may cause bloating.
Other Good Foods to Reduce BloatingIf you don't like asparagus, don't worry. Many other foods can help with bloating. Some other foods that Yoon recommends are:
Ginger: "[Ginger] can increase intestinal transit speed, leading to less trapped gas, then less bloat," says Yoon. Studies show that ginger can help reduce not just bloating but also a few other IBS symptoms, including diarrhea, stomach pain and gas.
Peppermint: "Peppermint products like oil or even tea decrease symptoms of abdominal cramps and bloating," says Yoon. Supplements containing peppermint oil may also help, but it's best to speak with your healthcare provider before taking new supplements.
Lactose-free dairy: Yoon notes that if you have a lactose intolerance, avoiding lactose will likely help reduce your bloating since you have trouble digesting it. He suggests having non-dairy or Lactaid milk and other lactose-friendly dairy products like kefir.
Turmeric: Turmeric products may also help manage bloating, thanks to their anti-inflammatory effects. "Turmeric reduces IBS symptoms, regulates GI tract and reduces bloat," says Yoon. Some studies have found that medications containing curcumin and turmeric extract may improve IBS symptoms, especially abdominal pain.
High-potassium foods: As mentioned earlier, potassium helps your body excrete excess sodium, reducing water retention and helping you feel less bloated. Yoon recommends bananas, avocados and tomatoes, which are also potassium-rich.
High-fiber foods: Since bloating can be linked to constipation, eating enough fiber is essential for staying regular. Yoon recommends high-fiber foods like sweet potatoes, figs, apricots, apples, guava and flax seeds.
Related: The 6 Worst Foods for Bloating, According to a Dietitian
Other Ways to Manage BloatingYes, diet is important for managing bloating, but it's not the only thing. How you eat along with other health-promoting behaviors you practice, can also impact bloating. Here are some other tips from Yoon for preventing and managing bloating:
Stay active: Yoon recommends exercise for "stress reduction, and it mobilizes gas so less remains trapped in the GI tract." It can also help prevent constipation, which could lead to a bloated feeling in your stomach.
Eat slowly: Eating slowly can prevent you from swallowing excess air, which can lead to bloating. It also helps promote good digestion, preventing excess gas.
Manage gas: Excess gas stuck in your GI tract can lead to bloating. To avoid this, Yoon recommends avoiding sugar-free candies and gums with artificial sweeteners, managing stress, limiting carbonated beverages, avoiding excessive speaking while eating, and avoiding straws when drinking fluids. These can either generate gas or cause you to swallow more air, causing bloating.
If your belly feels like a balloon of air that won't deflate, don't despair. Eating more asparagus is one simple way to get more fiber, prebiotics, and potassium, which promote bowel regularity and prevent excess water retention. Other foods that can help include ginger, peppermint, lactose-free dairy (if you have a lactose intolerance) and turmeric. Besides these dietary changes, make sure to engage in daily movement to help you stay regular and prevent uncomfortable gas buildup.
Read the original article on EATINGWELL
Lactose-intolerant People Should Drink More Milk, Expert Says
Lactose-intolerant people should drink more milk, expert saysDecember 1997
Lactose-intolerant people should drink more milk, expert saysWEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Many people who claim to be lactose intolerant really aren't, says Dennis Savaiano, dean of Purdue University's School of Consumer and Family Sciences.
The problem, Savaiano says, is that dairy foods can be difficult to digest, and people who don't eat these foods often enough haven't acclimated themselves to the foods.
According to the National Institutes of Health, as many as 50 million Americans are lactose intolerant. Although lactose intolerance itself isn't harmful -- it may result in gas, bloating or nausea -- it does affect a person's health in the long-term because avoiding dairy foods reduces calcium intake. According to Savaiano, three-fourths of all calcium in diets in the United States come from dairy foods.
Too little calcium in a diet can reduce bone growth, which can lead to osteoporosis later in life. Osteoporosis, which affects 35 million Americans, can result in weakened bones, causing fractures and injuries. Patients in the United States spend $13 billion a year on osteoporosis treatments.
A big problem with both calcium intake and lactose tolerance, nutritionists say, is that most people, especially teen-age girls, don't consume enough dairy products.
"If you only consume dairy products once in awhile, you are more likely to have symptoms from them," Savaiano says. "Also, if you consume them by themselves, as opposed to as part of a meal, they tend to be transported throughout the intestine more rapidly and are more likely to cause symptoms."
Savaiano has four tips to improve digestion of milk and dairy products. "These approaches can improve lactose tolerance to the point that people can consume diets that are quite rich in calcium and in milk and experience no difference in their symptoms from eating a diet without the milk," he says. His tips:
Lactose is a form of sugar, or carbohydrate, found in milk and dairy products. This sugar is too large to be absorbed by the intestine, and is broken down by an enzyme, lactase, produced by the body. Most adults don't produce enough lactase to completely break down the lactose. In fact, up to three-fourths of the world's population doesn't produce enough lactase.
However, Savaiano says it is possible to train one's own digestive system to break down the lactose.
"Our studies have shown a really amazing adaptation of the large intestine of humans," Savaiano says. "The large intestines contain bacteria that help digest lactose. By altering the diet over time, bacteria more effectively digest lactose, making milk better tolerated.
"The bacteria are very fastidious and very adaptable. An individual who may produce excessive gas may feel uncomfortable after eating milk products. But if they adapt to small amounts of milk for a couple of weeks, at the end of that period, they are producing far less gas than they were two weeks ago from the same amount of milk, and they tolerate dairy products extremely well."
Research studies on calcium metabolism have shown the effectiveness of this form of treatment, Savaiano says.
"We've found that if you do controlled clinical blind trials, where people don't know what they are consuming, and you take out that placebo effect, you can give subjects a glass of milk with breakfast and another with dinner and they exhibit almost no symptoms.
"Further, we just completed a study at Purdue last summer with a group of African-American adolescent girls who were part of a calcium diet study. On the first day of the study many complained about having to drink the milk -- they said they didn't like the milk and that they were intolerant. When we tested them they had only a very modest level of symptoms, though -- almost incidental. Two weeks later, after they had been consuming a dairy-based, high-calcium diet, we tested them again. Every one of these girls had absolutely no symptoms."
According to Savaiano, although many people think that some babies are lactose intolerant, actually this isn't the case. "Milk allergy is often confused with lactose intolerance, but they are physiologically different," Savaiano says. "Babies do not develop lactose intolerance until they are 3 to 5 years old. The intestinal lactase remains high in all infants, except the very rare situation where there is a genetic lack of the enzyme from birth."
Savaiano says milk allergies appears in 5 percent of newborns, but that almost all infants outgrow this allergy by their first birthday. "The best way to deal with this is to continue breast feeding," he says.
Source: Dennis Savaiano, (765) 494-8213; e-mail, savaiano@cfs.Purdue.EduWriter: Steve Tally, (765) 494-9809; e-mail, tally@aes.Purdue.Edu;Web, www.Agcom.Purdue.Edu/AgCom/homepages/tally/Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.Edu
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