06/01/2026
Lactose intolerance – what parents should know
Lactose is a sugar (a disaccharide) made up of two simpler sugars: glucose and galactose. It occurs naturally in the milk of mammals and is one of its main components.
To be properly digested, an enzyme called lactase is required.
Lactose intolerance occurs when there is too little lactase or when the enzyme is absent altogether. In such cases, lactose is not properly digested or absorbed, which can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms such as:
•bloating
•abdominal pain and cramps
•gas
•a gurgling sensation in the abdomen
•diarrhea (often green, foamy stools)
To help relieve symptoms, gentle abdominal massage may be beneficial. Parents can learn these techniques during sessions with me at Red Panda Therapy .
In infants, the most common form is secondary lactose intolerance. It is usually temporary and results from reduced lactase activity, for example:
following acute gastrointestinal infections
due to food allergies
as a side effect of certain medications
If you would like to book a session, feel free to message me.
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With care ,
Monika
Instructor & Founder of Red Panda Therapy
