Lactase is a naturally occurring enzyme located in the small intestines. Its function is to digest lactose, the naturally occurring sugar in milk. People who do not produce enough lactase have an impaired ability to digest milk and may be diagnosed as being lactose intolerant. Approximately 20 percent of the adult population in the United States is lactose intolerant.
Lactase supplements are usually taken to treat the symptoms of lactose intolerance, such as diarrhea, indigestion, heartburn, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Because lactase is a naturally occurring substance produced by the body, little research has been conducted into the exact amount a lactase-individual should take. In addition, the degree of lactose intolerance can vary widely between people, so larger amounts may be needed by some people to ameliorate the symptoms of lactose intolerance.
Lactase drops are available at some nutrition stores and from health care providers. They are often added to milk approximately 24 hours before drinking to remove levels of lactose in the milk. Lactase capsules and tablets can also be taken orally by people immediately before a meal that contains dairy products or other items high in lactose. The amount of lactase to be taken depends on the individual's intolerance to lactose and the amount of lactose-containing foods to be eaten.
Because it is produced by the body, lactase is considered extremely safe. As of this writing, no known side-effects or drug interactions have been noted with lactase supplementation. As always, make sure to consult with a licensed health care provider before taking lactase or any other dietary supplement or herbal remedy.
References
Governor Gavin Newsom has retracted the proposed budget cuts to the Medi-Cal acupuncture program for low-income Californians for the 2024-2025 budget year. This decision marks a significant victory for health care providers and advocates who have long championed acupuncture as a vital component of comprehensive medical care.
There’s no doubt that many of your patients visit your practice because they are in pain. And there’s certainly no doubt that curcumin from turmeric (Curcuma longa) can be incredibly effective in stopping that pain, whether due to chronic conditions like arthritis or acute pain from intensive workouts. But your patients may also benefit from curcumin for other reasons.
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Fair and appropriate wages in health care are typically based on economic evaluations. A simple literature review illuminates that acupuncture is missing economic evaluations; which implies you are either underpaid or overpaid. The complexity of services provided by most American acupuncturists, which they are trained and certified to provide, must be reimbursed fairly.
