Food Allergies and Food Sensitivities – Does Lactose or MSG affect You?

Lactose is the sugar found in Milk and all dairy products made from milk. The enzyme lactase is needed to breakdown lactose in the small intestine so the lactose can easily be absorbed. When the enzyme is deficient in the system, the lactose passes directly into the large intestine. The bacteria present in the large intestine break it down into lactic acid.

Lactic acid causes irritation to the bowel resulting in a laxative effect resulting in changes in bowel movement and all symptoms such as Bloating/swelling, gagging, vomiting, nausea, wind, tummy pain, cramps, diarrhoea, back pain, congested sinuses . The degree of severity varies for everyone depending whether you are born with this deficiency or it is as a result of bacterial infection, stress or toxin damage. You may have only some or all of these symptoms making it difficult for medical diagnosis resulting in people suffering for many years without knowing what’s the cause of the problem.

Read labels at all times of processed products: such as canned, dried soups/sauces, ready dinner mixes, prepared vegetables, microwave/oven ready dishes and products using the term ‘cream of’ or ‘creamed’, oh and chocolate!

Look out for key words either in the product name or ingredient listing the Allergen information should state key words such as This product contains Milk or Dairy. Some other descriptions are whey, skimmed milk powder, Buttermilk, Cream and many others.

You can eat freely all other products that do not contain dairy such as fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts, meat and fish. Lactose free milk and other products are now available in supermarkets and health food shops.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is another major irritant to the digestive health of man, thus congests the liver and can cause weight gain/loss, headaches, tiredness and lots more!. It is widely found in your Friday night Chinese takeaway, your crisps, snacks, sauces and lots more.The following are six additives with names that clearly indicate that they contain processed glutamic acid (MSG):

E620 Glutamic acid,E621 Monosodium glutamate,E622 Monopotassium glutamate

E623 Calcium diglutamate,E624 Monoammonium glutamate, E625 Magnesium diglutamate. Avoid and cut out of diet where possible.

I work with clients to support and promote long-term resilience and natural healing of the intestines, digestive tract and immune system – contact me if you need assistance.  Advice, care and elimination of lactose/msg from the diet are also very important to ensure relief and speedy recovery.