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Helping Your Elderly Loved One Cope with Lactose Intolerance

Elderly Care in Southwest Ranches FL

Lactose is a milk sugar that occurs naturally in milk and in dairy products. Cheese, yogurt, and even ice cream all contain a certain amount of lactose. Some people are intolerant of lactose, which means that their body cannot handle even a little bit of lactose and they experience discomfort or even more severe symptoms.

Talk to Your Loved One’s Doctor

If the lactose intolerance comes on suddenly, definitely make it a point to talk to your loved one’s doctor before trying anything else. He can rule out medication interactions or other changes in her health that could be causing the intolerance. From there, you can work out a plan to deal with the dietary changes, whether they’re temporary or permanent.

Read Ingredient Labels Carefully

Milk and milk products are in a lot more items than you realize until you or someone you love has a lactose intolerance problem. Look for foods that are clearly labeled “milk free” or “lactose free.” Even “low lactose” items can be enough if your loved one is merely sensitive to lactose. It’s a good idea to read the complete ingredient list for every item until you’re familiar enough with the product to be comfortable. If you don’t feel that the label is thorough enough, feel free to contact the manufacturer. They can clear up any misinformation or unclear labeling so you can be sure what your loved one is eating or drinking.

Look for Recipes that Don’t Contain Milk Products

Enough people in the world are affected by milk allergies or by lactose intolerance that there are quite a few recipes and sources of information out there with alternative recipes. You can also try talking with your loved one’s senior care providers about suggestions. They have a lot of experience with helping loved ones with all kinds of food allergies and intolerances, so they can help you to find recipes that will work.

Try Substitutions

Another idea is to look for substitute products. Soy or rice milk can be an excellent substitute, but it’s a good idea to talk to your loved one’s doctor first. Some medication can interact with soy, so it’s best to have clearance from your loved one’s doctor. You can also contact a dietitian for ideas for substitutions that won’t aggravate your loved one’s lactose intolerance.

Once you know how to cope with lactose intolerance, you can help your loved one to avoid those types of triggers in the future.

If you or a family member near Southwest Ranches, FL are in need of elderly care services, call the caring professionals at Star Multi Care today at (954) 870-4770. Providing Service in Ft. Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Pompano Beach, Delray Beach, Coconut Creek, Taramac, Margate, and surrounding Florida cities.

 

Stephen Sternbach

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