A: When a person is lactose intolerant, it means they don't have enough of the digestive enzyme lactase. Lactase is the enzyme that breaks down lactose, the type of sugar that's found in dairy products. Since there isn't enough lactase, the additional lactose accumulates in the colon.

Here's the good news: You may not have to give up milk products altogether. While some sufferers experience problems when they down milk all by itself, drinking it with a meal or snack may change the situation entirely. Pouring milk on your cereal and enjoying it with some fruit and toast may be tolerable. The amount of milk you can comfortably enjoy varies from person to person. So start with a small amount and gradually increase it to find your "comfort" level. You could also have milk that already has lactase added to it. Sometimes, 100% of the lactose has already been broken down, so you can enjoy it symptom-free. Also, some brands of yogurt containing active cultures come with their own lactose-eating bacteria right in the container. The bacteria will do some of the work that your body can't. Yogurt topped with cereal is another quick morning starter. Also, aged cheeses such as cheddar and Swiss have less lactose and may be tolerable in small amounts.

You might want to consider getting lactase supplements in your local drug store to take before you eat a meal that contains dairy products. These supplements help your body break down the lactose in food. Of course, you should always consult your healthcare provider about specific recommendations regarding diet and over-the-counter supplements.

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