ATODA Medical - private clinic Prague 7

Many laymen, as well as doctors, confuse two different terms – lactose intolerance and allergy to cow's milk protein (abbreviated ACMP). The following article will explain the difference between them, how they manifest themselves and what their therapy is. Lactose intolerance is a condition in which the body is completely absent or has very little active enzyme, lactase, which breaks down the lactose (milk sugar) that occurs in milk and dairy products. If this enzyme does not work, then lactose accumulates in the intestines, which in turn leads to a bloated abdomen, pain, cramps and also diarrhea. Lactose intolerance affects approximately 20 % of the population and most Afroamericans and Asians. The alleviation of these problems can be solved by disposing of milk and other products that contain a high proportion of lactose. However, there are dairy products that contain less lactose because it has been broken down already during the production process. These are, for example, kefir, sour cream, whipped cream, hard cheese, etc. It is therefore good to find out what does not cause a person's digestive problems, and can thus continue to consume selected dairy products. If a person is diagnosed with ACMP, then such an individual is dependent on a strictly dairy-free diet. This means that he must completely exclude milk, dairy products and also products in which traces of milk may appear from his diet (pastries, chocolate, instant meals, etc.). Milk from goats, sheep and other animals must also be omitted, as there is also a risk of an allergic reaction. It can manifest itself in many ways – hives, eczema, abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, or there may be difficulty breathing. ACMP mainly affects infants, but in most cases their allergies disappear within three years. In an adult, such an allergy is rather rare. It is best to always consult with your allergologist or gastroenterologist to help you determine the right diagnosis and therapy.

Alcohol began to be produced in ancient times, thousands of years BC. Evidence comes, for example, from Mesopotamia, but also from Egypt. At first, alcoholic beverages were created by fermentation of various berries and honey, then vines began to be grown, and finally beer was produced. Nowadays, the selection of alcoholic beverages is really large, which may not be completely healthy. The Czech Republic is one of the leading consumers of beer, with approximately 144 liters of beer per capita per year (to 2017)! Consumption of wine per capita is approximately 19 l and spirits 7 l. This is then reflected in the health of our population. There are more and more people who are overweight and obese, diabetes, liver disease (liver cirrhosis) and in combination with smoking, cancer can occur more. It is true that some nutritional recommendations allow daily alcohol consumption – for men 20 g (0.5 l beer / 2 dl wine / 50 ml spirits) and for women 10 g (0.3 l beer, 1 dl wine, 25 ml spirits), but in the context of a healthy lifestyle and the prevention of various diseases, it is better to include alcohol exceptionally. For example, during birthday parties, weddings, etc. If you decide to indulge in a glass, choose drinks with a lower alcohol content (low-percentage beers) and a lower sugar content (preferably dry wines). Hard alcohol is mostly mixed into drinks, so you can intake more energy and sugars from juices, cola drinks, and this is again not ideal. Alcohol is very energetic – 1 gram of alcohol hides 29 kJ (7 kcal) of energy, which is more than, for example, 1 gram of carbohydrates or proteins (17 kJ / 4 kcal). So if you indulge to yourself 4 pieces of 12° beer in the evening, so you drink 2 liters of beer, you will receive as much energy in a relatively short time as if you just had a big portion of sirloin with dumplings. So it often happens that sober evening drinking increases the daily energy intake 1.5–2 times, which the body then stores in fat mass, because at ten p.m. you probably won't go running a half marathon. Not to mention that you like to eat pickled camembert, pickled sausage, or go to a fast food, which is a big calorie charge for the body. If you are trying to reduce your weight, the basis is always to abstain from alcohol. You will not consume an excessive amount of energy and alcohol will not inhibit your weight loss or impair regeneration after sports. In short, it is no sin to indulge in a glass of alcohol at a social event once in a while, but daily consumption is not entirely appropriate if you are trying to live a healthy life and keep fit.

Vitamins are needed in small doses because the body cannot produce them itself, and therefore it is necessary to take them from food. It participates in a number of metabolic reactions and also acts as protective factors against the negative effects of external factors on the organism. Fat-soluble vitamins (ie A, D, E and K) and water-soluble vitamins (ie vitamins from group B, C) are known. Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body in the liver, so at very high doses, there may be an excess of them in the body, which is not desirable. Therefore, people should not take large doses of supplements. Water-soluble vitamins have nowhere to be stored in the body, and therefore there is no risk of any negative effects, for example with higher fruit consumption. However, in both groups there is a risk of negative effects if insufficient intake of these vitamins. Vitamin A is important for proper vision and immunity. Vitamin D helps build calcium into the bones and generally promotes growth (in children). Vitamin E is a great antioxidant and vitamin K improves blood clotting function. In general, these vitamins can be obtained from dairy products, liver, fish oil, vegetable oil, eggs, vegetables and fruits, but also from other foods in small amounts. Vitamin D can also be obtained by our body from sunlight, but in our climate zone the radiation is not enough to cover daily needs. There are many vitamins from group B – B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 – folic acid and B12. If your body does not have enough vit. B2 and B6, you may experience cracked corners of the lips or other changes in the skin. Vit B9 alias folic acid is very important. It is important for the proper production of DNA, which is especially necessary during pregnancy so that the fetus can develop properly. Deficiency in general in humans can lead to anemia, as poor quality/ abnormal red blood cells form. In connection with the development of anemia, there is also a lack of vit. B12, which is responsible for well-functioning hematopoiesis. In addition, its deficiency can damage parts of the nervous system and depression or dementia can occur. Vitamin C is one of the most important antioxidants and immune boosters. Therefore, its increased intake in the winter months is widely recommended to protect the body from disease. In general, these vitamins are again found in both animal and plant products. Only vit. B12 in animal products, therefore vegans are especially endangered by its deficiency. If you eat a variety, include meat, fish, dairy products, vegetable oils, cereals, legumes, vegetables and fruits, then you are able to cover sufficient doses of vitamins for the body and there will be no deficiency. Dietary supplements are not needed in even healthy individuals.