Your registered dietitian may gradually increase fiber and milk products in your diet according to how well you handle them. Fermented milk products,such as buttermilk,acidophilus milk,sour cream,and yogurt,usually are easier to handle than whole milk. You also can buy low-lactose milk or use liquid drops or caplets that helps break down the lactose in milk and other dairy products. Lactose is often used as a filler in many products such as instant coffe and some medicines. Carefully read labels on commercial foods to see if they contain lactose or any milk products or milk solids.
Lactose tolerance varies from person to person.
Ask your doctor or registered dietitian about choosing allowed foods and about low-lactose dairy products that you can buy at the grocery store. Your doctor may recommend decaffeinated coffe or tea. If you cannot get enough calories and protein from your diet, commercial nutrition supplements, such as formulas and instant breakfast powders, may be helpful. There also are products that can be added to any food or beverage to boost calorie content. These supplements are high in protein and calories and have extra vitamins and minerals.