Can Lactose Intolerant People Take Probiotics?
Summary
Many people rely on dairy-based fermented foods like yogurt and kefir to get their probiotics, but this poses a challenge for those who are lactose intolerant or sensitive to dairy. Dr. Berg outlines simple, dairy-free alternatives that still deliver a wide range of beneficial bacteria.
Key Takeaways
- People who are lactose intolerant or dairy-sensitive do not need to rely on dairy-based probiotic sources
- Fermented vegetables are a natural, dairy-free way to obtain beneficial bacteria
- Effective Microbes (EM) products are a non-dairy probiotic option worth exploring
- EM products contain multiple strains of microbes, making them a diverse probiotic source
- Dairy-free probiotic products can be found by searching specifically for “effective microbes” or “EM” products
Details
The Problem with Dairy-Based Probiotics
Common probiotic sources such as yogurt, kefir, and other fermented dairy drinks are problematic for individuals who are lactose intolerant or have a sensitivity to milk products. Despite their popularity, these sources are not the only — or even necessary — way to support gut microbiome health.
Dairy-Free Probiotic Alternatives
1. Fermented Vegetables Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and other fermented vegetables provide naturally occurring beneficial bacteria without any dairy content. These are a straightforward, food-based option for maintaining healthy gut flora.
2. Effective Microbes (EM)
- Dr. Berg specifically recommends looking into products labeled “Effective Microbes” or “EM”
- These are commercially available, non-dairy microbial products
- A key advantage is that they contain a wide variety of different microbial strains, which can support a more diverse gut flora
- These products can be found by searching “effective microbes” online