Since dairy products, and especially milk, are the primary sources of calcium in our Midwest diet, totally avoiding these foods could contribute to very low calcium intake. This, in turn, greatly increases the risk of developing osteoporosis, the condition of severe bone brittleness which causes dowager's hump and contributes to hip fractures in older people. Many people with lactose intolerance can consume some lactose-containing foods. Some studies suggest that gradually increasing the amount over several weeks improves the ability to tolerate them. Lactose-containing foods include cow and goat milk, ice cream, sherbet, puddings, processed cheese, frozen yogurt, cream soups and gravies.
Some people can tolerate non-frozen yogurt.
The following strategies can help you avoid the nasty side effects of lactose intolerance without limiting calcium intake. Strategy Pointers Use non-dairy beverages to replace fluid milk. Purchase Lactaid drops at a drugstore and add to milk you purchase. Purchase Lactaid 100 or Dairyease 100 brands pre-treated milk in the grocery store dairy case. Take lactase tablets prior to eating or drinking foods containing lactose.