Lactose Intolerance Diet

DEFINITION

The aim of this diet is to avoid all foods which contain lactose whilst maintaining an adequate nutritional intake, especially of calcium. Some people with lactose intolerance may tolerate small amounts of lactose whilst others may also have a secondary sugar or sucrose intolerance.

DIET SHOULD BE HIGH IN

Alternative forms of calcium. Sources of calcium which do not contain lactose include:
-Green vegetables such as broccoli, Chinese greens and cabbage.
-Oysters.
-Fish with edible bones such as sardines, herrings and salmon.
-Soy dairy products and tofu.

DIET SHOULD ELIMINATE

All milk that contains lactose, evaporated milk, condensed milk, goats milk, breast milk, baby formulas(unless lactose free), yoghurt, cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, cream, cream cheese spreads, cheese spreads, cream cheese, sour cream, ice-cream, ice confections unless milk free, custards, dairy desserts, whey, whey powder, non-fat milk solids, milk powder, some powdered beverages and whiteners. CHECK ALL INGREDIENT LABELS.

SAMPLE MEAL PLAN

The following diet has been suggested for this condition.

BREAKFAST

One or two glasses water on rising.
1. 1-1 1/2 cups rolled oats porridge or high fibre cereal (no yoghurt-covered dried fruits) with soy milk or 2-3 slices wholemeal or grain bread with jam or honey or peanut paste or 1-2 slices wholemeal toast with 1/2 cup baked beans or scrambled egg.
2. One piece fresh fruit.
3. Tea or coffee with soy milk.

MORNING TEA

1. 2-4 rye crispbreads with lactose-free cheese, tomato or small packet corn chips and salsa dip.
2. One piece fresh fruit.
3. Tea or coffee with soy milk.
Two glasses water.

LUNCH

1. Two to four slices wholemeal bread or 1-2 bread rolls with a little butter or steamed rice or noodles.
2. 1-2 slices lean cold meat with mayonnaise or salmon or tuna.
3. Salad as desired.
4. One piece fresh fruit.
Two glasses water.

AFTERNOON TEA

1. 2-3 rye crispbreads with salmon and tomato or one piece home-made sponge cake or bran loaf.
2. Tea or coffee with soy milk or glass of soy milk.
Two glasses water.

DINNER

1. 100-150g lean red meat or chicken, pork, veal or diet mince or vegetarian meat substitute or 180-250g grilled or baked fish. Low fat flavourings (check labels for sources of lactose).
2. Steamed jacket or mashed potato with soy milk or rice or noodles.
3. Plenty of fresh vegetables or salad.
4. Fruit crumble with soy milk custard or baked egg custard with soy milk.
Tea or coffee with soy milk.

REMEMBER

1. Substitute soy milk wherever you would use cows milk.
2. Ensure that adequate calcium has been added to the soy milk.
2. Avoid all sources of lactose and read ingredient labels for minor sources of dairy foods.

NOTES

Commercial preparations of lactase are available in most areas. The preparation is added to milk before consumption and 'digests' the lactose. Pre-treated milk is also available.