Lactose intolerance is a condition that affects people who are unable to digest lactose, the main sugar in milk and dairy products. It is caused by a deficiency or absence of the enzyme lactase, which normally produces in the small intestine. Symptoms of lactose intolerance include bloating, gas, diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain after eating dairy products. Calcium and other nutrients from dairy sources can also be absorbed differently by lactose intolerance.
With direct primary care (DPC), patients have direct access to their primary care physician without having to deal with insurance companies or other third parties. In a DPC, patients pay a monthly or annual fee that covers all or most primary care services, including consultations, exams, lab tests, prescriptions, and referrals. Primary care providers who specialize in DPC typically have fewer patients, which allows them to spend more time with each patient and provide more personalized care.
For patients with lactose intolerance, DPC may be the best choice for their primary care needs. Here are some of the advantages of DPC:
Any questions or concerns you may have about your condition can be addressed by your DPC provider via phone, email, or video chat.
Your DPC provider can help you diagnose the cause and severity of your lactose intolerance, monitor your symptoms, adjust your diet, and prevent complications.
Saving money and reducing financial stress can be achieved by having lower or no out-of-pocket costs for your primary care services.
Scheduling your appointments more conveniently can help you fit your health care into your busy schedule.
It can be more comfortable and supportive for you to manage your condition if you feel more continuity and trust in your relationship with your DPC provider.
Your health and well-being can be improved by choosing a DPC provider for your primary care needs:
DPC providers can help you treat the underlying cause of lactose intolerance, whether it is genetic, acquired, or related to another condition, to improve your physical health. If necessary, your DPC provider can also provide you with appropriate medications and supplements to help manage the symptoms of lactose intolerance, as well as refer you to a specialist or nutritionist if necessary.
DPC providers can help you cope with emotional or psychological challenges caused by lactose intolerance, such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or social isolation. When necessary, your DPC provider can refer you to a therapist or counselor.
By providing you with guidance, education, resources, and support, your DPC provider can improve your quality of life. Your DPC provider can also help you improve your lifestyle habits by encouraging you to eat a balanced diet that meets your nutritional needs while avoiding dairy products that trigger your symptoms. DPC providers can also suggest alternative sources of calcium and other nutrients that are essential for bone health.
Each individual with lactose intolerance has a unique set of needs and preferences. Because of this, DPC providers offer a variety of services and options tailored to meet the needs of each patient. Patients with lactose intolerance may be eligible to receive personalized services from DPC providers, such as:
Testing in the lab: Your DPC provider can perform this test at their office or send you home with a kit so you can do it yourself at home.
Lactose intolerance medication management involves prescribing and adjusting medications to reduce symptoms or improve lactose digestion. Lactase enzyme supplements, which break down lactose before it reaches the colon, or probiotics, which enhance gut flora and help digest lactose, may be included in these medications.
Nutritional counseling: This involves providing dietary guidance and recommendations to ensure that calcium and other nutrients are adequately consumed while avoiding dairy products that cause problems. In addition to recipes, meal plans, shopping lists, and tips on how to read food labels, your DPC provider can also help you identify hidden lactose sources.
It involves providing information and education about lactose intolerance, its causes, how it affects your health, and how to manage it. As well as answering any questions you may have about your condition, your DPC provider can dispel any myths or misconceptions you may have.
By selecting a DPC provider for your primary care needs, you can have a trusted partner who can help you improve your health, well-being, and quality of life.
Known as the great physician, William Osler once said, “The good physician treats the disease; the great physician treats the patient who has the disease.” If you suffer from lactose intolerance, you need a physician who can treat you as a whole individual, not just a diagnosis. That’s what we offer at DPC.
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