These are the signs you could be lactose intolerant

Lactose intolerance is a common digestive problem that can cause bloating, nausea and abdominal pain after consuming food and drinks containing lactose.

Symptoms typically develop within a few hours of eating or drinking, and are caused because the body is unable to digest lactose properly.

What is lactose?

Lactose is a type of sugar which is most commonly found in milk or dairy products.

What are the symptoms of lactose intolerance?

Those who have an intolerance to lactose often suffer with uncomfortable digestive symptoms, says the NHS.

These symptoms may include:

wind (flatulence)diarrhoeaa bloated stomachstomach cramps and painsstomach rumblingfeeling sick

The severity of symptoms, and when they appear, depends on the amount of lactose you have consumed.

Some people suffer discomfort after just a small amount of lactose, such as milk in their tea or coffee.

Others may be able to consume more before symptoms are triggered.

Lactose is a type of sugar which is most commonly found in milk or dairy products (Photo: Shutterstock)

What causes lactose intolerance?

Lactose intolerance is caused when the body is unable to produce enough lactase - the enzyme needed to digest lactose.

The enzyme breaks lactose down into two sugars - glucose and galactose - which can be easily absorbed into the bloodstream.

However, people with a lactose intolerance don't produce enough of this to be able to break it down properly.

This means lactose stays in the digestive system where it is fermented by bacteria.

It results in the production of various gases which cause the symptoms associated with lactose intolerance.