Myth: Having a lactose intolerance means you can’t enjoy dairy products

The science: Lactose, which is found in milk, is a carbohydrate that requires the enzyme lactase to be broken down. When a person lacks sufficient lactase, bloating, cramping and other symptoms can occur. 

The solution: Experimenting with smaller portions of dairy products or trying items that have low lactose or are lactose free can help an individual gauge their tolerance levels. In the store, look for milk, ice cream or other products labeled “lactose free” or A2, which is easier to digest. Hard cheeses like cheddar, Colby, mozzarella and Swiss have less than one gram of lactose in 1.5 ounces of product, while butter has trace amounts. Greek yogurt, which is strained and fermented, has less than one gram of lactose per ounce, and its active cultures help in digesting lactose. Individuals can also use lactase enzyme supplements to aid in breaking down lactose.