Is lactose intolerance reversible? A new treatment may help

Lactose intolerance is a widespread disease that affects millions of people worldwide. For those experiencing symptoms such as bloating, diarrheaAnd stomach cramps after consuming dairy products, life can seem quite limited. While dietary changes And supplements are the traditional solutions of choice, a new treatment method is raising eyebrows and offering potential relief.

Functional neurology, treatment focused on improving the brain-gut connectionis now emerging as an innovative approach to help people struggling with lactose intolerance. Could this be the breakthrough that will change everything?

Functional Neurology and Lactose Intolerance: A Potential Change

Functional neurology is a treatment strategy that combines the principles of neurology with an understanding of how nerves control bodily functions, including digestion. While conventional treatments for lactose intolerance typically involve dietary adjustments and use of enzyme supplementsmany patients continue to experience severe symptoms despite these interventions.

This has led some researchers to explore alternative methods, with functional neurology receiving particular attention. A recent study focused on improving the body’s ability to process lactose using specific neurological exercises and reflex adjustments to optimize communication between the brain and gut.

How does functional neurology work?

Basically, functional neurology aims to identify and correct system disturbances communication between the brain and the gut it can affect digestion. In people with lactose intolerance, the body’s ability to break down lactose is impaired, usually due to insufficient production of lactase, the enzyme responsible for digesting the sugar found in milk. Functional neurology therapists use a variety of techniques to help restore balance.

These include movement-based tasks, reflex adjustmentsand other methods that encourage the nervous system to send the right signals for healthy digestion. By improving this communication, the body could process dairy more comfortably and efficiently.

What does the study show so far?

In the recent study conducted by Professor Vicente Javier Clemente Suárez and his team, some participants showed improvement in their symptoms after following functional neurology sessions. Many reported feeling less bloating and fewer trips to the bathroom.

However, experts point out that although these changes were promising, signs of lactose malabsorption were still visible in laboratory tests. This indicates that although functional neurology may reduce the severity of symptomsit doesn’t completely address the underlying cause: an inability to break down lactose. Despite these initial results, the therapy is considered a potential complementary treatmentrather than a cure.

The role of genetics in lactose intolerance

Lactose intolerance isn’t just about digestion; Genetics also plays a major role. Many adults around the world, especially those living in areas with a long history of dairy consumption, have no problems with milk, thanks to the genetic adaptation known as lactase persistence. For these individuals, the gene responsible for lactase production remains active throughout adulthood, allowing them to comfortably digest lactose.

For a large part of the world’s population, this genetic trait is absent and, without lactase, the body has difficulty digesting dairy products. This genetic divide helps explain why some people can easily drink milk while others dealing with severe discomfort after just one drink.

A possible breakthrough, but more research is needed

If functional neurology offers new hope to people with lactose intolerance, it is not without raising skeptics. The concept of retraining the brain and nervous system to improve digestion is still relatively new and requires further exploration.

Bigger, more rigorous studies are needed determine whether these therapies have lasting effects and whether they can be reliably integrated into current treatments for lactose intolerance. Professor Suárez he himself acknowledged that while the therapy has shown promise in relieving symptoms, it may not address the root causes of lactose intolerance, such as low lactase levels.

Therefore, although functional neurology might provide relief for some, it is likely to complement rather than replace traditional treatments.

Combining traditional and new approaches

Given the mixed results of current studies, it is likely that a multi-pronged approach to manage lactose intolerance will emerge. Traditional methods like enzyme supplements And lactose-free diets will likely remain essential for many people, but functional neurology can offer an additional level of support.

By combining the two, individuals may be able to further reduce their symptoms, thereby improving their overall quality of life and allow them to enjoy dairy products again without as much discomfort. In cases where standard treatments fail, functional neurology could provide a much-needed breakthrough.

The future may offer new possibilities for people with lactose intolerance. In the meantime, integrating new neurological treatments into existing dietary strategies could help millions of people manage their symptoms more effectivelythereby improving their general well-being and food freedom.

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