This is especially helpful for those with mild cases or until the underlying illness or condition, causing secondary intolerance passes. Another option is to use lactose reduced or lactose free dairy products. The only treatment for those with congenital lactose intolerance, is a totally lactose free diet, forever. There are some things you can do on your own to lessen or prevent symptoms. If your intolerance is severe, read labels carfully.
Lactose hides in the most unusual foods.
Avoid all products that contain any lactose. Eating yogurt with live and active cultures produce some lactase enzymes that help digest the lactose found in the yogurt, for those that can handle some lactose. Slowly increasing the amount of lactose-rich foods that you eat can help you build an immunity to to lactose, symptoms will decrease with time. Look for milk products that contain the betagalactosidose enzyme, this helps aid in lactose digestion. Lactase commercially produced can be added to milk products or taken in pill form, before eating lactose-rich foods.