10 Milky Mysteries Unveiled: The Sneaky Suspects Behind Lactose Intolerance

6. Crohn's Disease and Other Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD)

Beyond just bacterial overgrowth, inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can be sneaky culprits. These chronic conditions cause inflammation and damage to the lining of the digestive tract, including the small intestine where lactase is produced. This direct damage can significantly impair the body's ability to produce sufficient lactase, leading to secondary lactose intolerance. For individuals with IBD, managing their underlying disease is critical, but a temporary or long-term lactose-free diet might also be necessary to alleviate persistent digestive discomfort.