Good day, Mr. Pharmacist,
It seems to me that the common denominator of lactose intolerance and celiac disease is a disrupted gut microbiome, possibly coupled with the development of leaky gut syndrome. You mention that these problems are less common in breastfed children, as they have a higher chance to develop a healthy microbiome thanks to breast milk. I have personally experienced after severe stress (and certainly not a very healthy diet) the development of lactose intolerance and a casein allergy, which significantly diminished after modifying my diet (eliminating sugar, milk, gluten, and highly processed foods) for about 2 months to the point that I can occasionally enjoy a dairy product without any of the unpleasant symptoms that bothered me before. Is it possible, then, that these issues (especially if they develop in adulthood) can be alleviated/treated by changing one's diet, specifically by focusing on restoring a healthy gut microbiome? Perhaps I am oversimplifying my perspective, and I would appreciate your insight and response.
Kind regards and best wishes for a nice day.
The situation you describe occurs quite frequently in practice. Moreover, nutritional trends and health forecasts for the population indicate that the numbers will increase in the future. When addressing health issues, it always depends on the underlying cause, which then determines the targeted treatment. Damage to the mucous membrane of the small intestine due to an unsuitable diet or stress-related manifestations leads to decreased production of certain enzymes, and the digestive tract thus fails to manage some functions fully. However, once you address the issue and establish the necessary conditions, the probability of restoring the situation to its original state significantly increases. In relation to humility towards one's body and its functioning, it is reasonable to acknowledge that it is not a certainty, but "only" an increased probability.
The intestinal microbiome plays a significant role in these problems, so in addition to dietary adjustments, it also makes sense to target supportive supplementation with probiotics and prebiotics.
Questions answered by
Mgr. Martin Jelinek
Lecturer and author of the educational system
Nutrition educator, lecturer, and author of the educational system and the ZOF learning application.
Mgr. Martin Jelínek has been systematically involved in nutrition education since 1999. He is the founder of ATAC, the educational company behind NutriCourses, and the author of an educational system focused on nutrition, healthy lifestyle, and the practical application of nutrition knowledge.
He graduated from the Faculty of Science at Masaryk University in Brno. Throughout his professional career, he has combined nutrition, education, and the practical application of acquired knowledge. His educational system also includes the ZOF (Zone of Optimal Functioning) learning application, where students turn theory into practical work with meal plans.
In 2007, he launched the first intake of a six-month course focused on the education of nutrition advisors. Over time, this course became the foundation for the further development of the educational system and a range of specialised courses.