A couple of weeks ago, I introduced you to my new series, Things That Keep Me Up at Night.
It all began when one fateful night at precisely 11:37pm, I found myself Googling lice, cold and flu germs, common warts, strep throat, pink eye, and pretty much everything else that can be passed from child to child at an alarming rate. And now that Ryder is attending school, he’ll be susceptible to the germ-fest (and slinging around some of his own, I’m sure). Case in point: Ryder, Reid and Mommy have taken turns being sick for the last 30 days.
(Send tea. And maybe whiskey.)
And so over the next few weeks, I’ll discuss some common childhood complaints (and my resulting insomnia from thinking about them) plus showcase sanity-saving products that you should keep in your medicine chest (or at the very least, keep on your radar) should you ever need them. Today, rather than tackle on one of the heavy hitters, I’d like to talk about a food allergy that some children pick up in their school years – not by way of direct contact, of course – but something that can affect the quality of their classroom life just the same.
Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest a sugar called lactose that is found in milk and dairy products.
Normally, when a child eats something containing lactose, an enzyme in the small intestine called lactase breaks down lactose into simpler sugar forms called glucose and galactose. These simple sugars are then easily absorbed into the bloodstream and turned into energy — fuel for our bodies.
Children with lactose intolerance do not produce enough of the lactase enzyme to break down lactose. Instead, undigested lactose sits in the gut and gets broken down by bacteria, causing gas, bloating, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. Source: Kidshealth.org
My husband suffers from a mild lactose intolerance and I can tell you, it’s not fun. Without discussing what goes on in the bathroom, let’s just say he often regrets that slice of double-cheese pizza, often just minutes after it is consumed. For thousands of children, a lactose intolerance can cause embarrassment, frustration, and often anger – dairy foods are delicious! Who wouldn’t want to enjoy a delicious scoop of ice cream?
Sanity-Check: Children with lactose intolerance are often able to eat a small amount of dairy; the trick is to eat dairy products in combination with other foods that don’t contain lactose, and choose dairy foods that are easier to digest (such as yogurt and hard cheeses). Plus, lactose-free milks are available everywhere with many flavours and fat contents to suit your child’s preferences.
Sanity-Saver: Children’s Lacteeze chewable tablets offer a safe solution and makes dairy treats naturally digestible, preventing uncomfortable symptoms such as gas, bloating, cramps or diarrhea. Children’s Lacteeze will naturally replace the child’s supply of lactase enzyme when taken just before eating dairy based foods, allowing the child’s body to digest the lactose.
Designed for children ages 2-12 years old, it features a natural strawberry flavour and contains no preservatives, artificial flavours or colours; as well it is kosher certified, and yeast/ gluten/ dairy free.
Lactase enzymes have proven to be a safe way to help the body break down lactose in foods, and it’s great to see that there is product designed especially for children. Definitely one for the medicine chest, especially if your child shows signs and symptoms of a lactose intolerance (please see a doctor for an official diagnosis before using lactase enzymes).
Children’s Lacteeze is available at pharmacy and grocery chains across Canada including Rexall, Shoppers Drug Mart, and Walmart. The MSRP is $17.99 CDN.
So, another childhood ailment, another reason to be informed and prepared. Tune in next time for new edition of “Things That Keep Me Up at Night” – with more tips for surviving stuff kids like to share – you know, icky stuff.
This post was sponsored by Children’s Lacteeze. As always, the opinions on this blog are my own.
I really enjoy these posts.
Thanks Jennifer ;)
I wasn’t aware that they made tablets for children, nice to know. My niece has it, I’ll have to check with my sister that she knows about it.
Great Huguette! They can make a huge difference for lactose-intolerant children.
I like your informational articles. Very useful.
Thanks Shirley!
Thank you for the post! Good to know that Children’s Lacteeze is available at pharmacy and grocery chains across Canada.
You’re very welcome Margaret! I’ve seen them so many times since I posted – great to know it’s readily available.
Hmmmmmmmm!
lol! You made me laugh with the husband comment. Ive had people joke that my husband is bulimic as he regularly has to be excused to the bathroom soon after eating. But he just cant stop the ice cream, cheese of what have you. Fun! :p
Hahaha we have the same husband :)
I’ve largely switched over to many non-dairy or lactose-free alternatives in the house, but products like Lacteez are still good for those moments of indulgence!
You’re absolutely right, Victoria. Sometimes, there’s just no substitution for ice cream :)
Wow. I didn’t know they had these kinds of things for children. I’m not lactose intolerant but I’ve switched from milk to almond milk but still enjoy dairy products such as cheese and ice cream…
You bet! I think it’s great that now children can enjoy dairy without gastrointestinal stress.
thanks for the article. my kids are okay for now but i’m lactose intolerant and it’s good to know what’s out there for them in case they should ever develop it!
Indeed! Thanks Angie!
I have a reaction when I eat dairy products … haven’t ever taken anything for it, yet. But, I do think that it will come to that. I just can’t resist ice-cream and cheese.
Oooh, sounds like you may have a bit of an intolerance or allergy on your hands, Patti. Hope you find relief soon!
I had no idea this product was on the market for kids! I spend a fortune on lactose-free products and it’s great to know there is something out there that can help through a meal out where you can’t control what ingredients go into the food.
You’re absolutely right, Ingrid! Sometimes dairy just can’t be avoided, particularly when you’re eating out or at a friend’s house. Love that Children’s Lacteeze is a convenient way to find relief.
This is so timely! I suspect my 10 year old is lactose intolerant so we just bought these tablets last week. They seem to work and he can drink chocolate milk again:) I didn’t know they existed either until I saw them on the shelf.
Wonderful news that he can drink chocolate milk again! Happy that he has found relief :)
We know Lacteeze well. We have a stash in the car, backpack and kitchen. My only wish is that since we are so committed to using that they sold in mega sizes to bring down the cost per unit.
Duly noted Tracy – I’ll share your thoughts with the manufacturer!
Odd, that I stumbled on this tonight. It is 10:36 PM and my 8 year old is wandering around. Having trouble sleeping, so I try to piece together the “WHYS”. I gave him some oatmeal about 1 1/2 hours ago. Have been following this regiment for the last week and he has been very restless. This might be something I should delve into more with his pediatrician. Great information, thanks.
I have slight lactose intolerance and growing up as a kid it was such a pain! Wish I had these pills at the time. At least now I’m more wary of what I eat / drink to avoid lactose as much as possible.