8 Signs Your Body Might Be Telling You’re Lactose Intolerant (Page 2 ) | March 29, 2025

2. Diarrhea or constipation: intestines in distress

Lactose intolerance means that your body doesn’t produce enough  lactase , the enzyme needed to digest lactose. As a result, this undigested sugar ferments in your intestines, causing  diarrhea  or, conversely,  constipation .

If you experience digestive problems after consuming milk or cheese, it may be time to review your diet.

3. Bloating: When your stomach says stop

Do you often feel like  your stomach is bloated  after a meal? Undigested lactose is  fermented by intestinal bacteria , leading to excessive gas production and an unpleasant feeling of bloating.

Tip  : Write down what you eat and watch for  signs of bloating after consuming dairy products

4. Muscle and joint pain: a warning signal?

We rarely think of linking  joint or muscle pain  to a food intolerance. However, poor digestion of lactose can lead to  generalized inflammation  in the body. The result: diffuse pain and  persistent fatigue .

If you’re experiencing muscle soreness for no apparent reason, try eliminating dairy and see what it does to your body.