Increase in allergies and intolerances
Why do you think people with allergies and intolerances to dairy products are on the rise? From the Spanish Nutrition Foundation, they explain that the lactose intolerance it is not a recent event. Lactose malabsorption occurs when the activity of the lactase enzyme in the intestinal microvilli is reduced. In populations that do not consume dairy, lactase production is usually reduced by 90% during the first years of life, and in populations where dairy consumption is maintained, lactase can be concentrated for good lactose absorption. The prevalence of malabsorption varies by ethnicity. Fundamentally, what is happening is that there is a better diagnosis today.
“In recent years we have witnessed an increase in certain illnesses, including allergies, which are likely related to the significant changes that have occurred in our lifestyle. Recent publications relate these changes to changes in our gut microbiota, known as dysbiosis, which is associated with poorer development and maturation of the immune system, ”said Rosaura Leis, adding that allergy and intolerance to food are not the same. although both are side effects. The first demonstrates an underlying immune mechanism, while the second does not. “In the case of dairy products, the allergy is caused by proteins, while the symptoms of intolerance are more often caused by lactose, the disaccharide in milk. The absorption of lactose requires an enzyme, lactase, which is found in our intestines. A high percentage of the population, variable depending on race, geographic distribution, etc., loses this enzyme throughout life. However, we have to take that into account most people with lactose intolerance tolerate the usual amounts of consumptionespecially if they are fermented dairy products such as yogurt or cheese. Therefore, once again the importance of following the recommendations of health professionals to ensure a healthy diet ”, adds the expert.