For the most part, lactose intolerance is something that develops naturally over time. After you reach the ripe old age of two years, your body will begin to produce less lactase. For some people, this lactase reduction develops quickly, while for others experience no symptoms for many years. All together, between 30 and 50 million Americans have some degree of lactose intolerance. People of European descent have the lowest incidence of the condition.
All dairy products contain lactose.
The best way to treat lactose intolerance is, as you might have guessed, to avoid eating foods that contain lactose. However, you can also get your hands on lactase itself. It comes in liquid and tablet forms. A few drops of the enzyme added to milk will reduce its lactose content. Take lactase pills before eating ice cream or yogurt, and your body should be able to digest the food.