It is a proven fact that milk does a body good. Loaded with calcium, protein, vitamin A, and vitamin D; drinking milk on a daily basis has many beautifying benefits. These benefits include healthy skin, strong teeth, and even weight loss as recent studies have shown.

Despite the benefits, many people simply cannot stomach this healthy beverage because of lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose and can cause uncomfortable gas and bloating.

A simple answer to this dilemma would be to take a supplement that provides the same nutritional benefits that milk provides. Wrong answer! A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine from the Women’s Health Initiative found that “calcium and vitamin D supplements provide only a modest benefit… taking supplements later in life can’t make up for not drinking enough milk at every age”.

There’s nothing like the real thing when it comes to the nutritional value of milk. Not to worry, there are some options for the lactose intolerant. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, most lactose intolerant people can drink 2 – 4 ounces of milk at one time (up to one-half cup) without having symptoms. The problems occur when larger servings (more than 8 oz.) are consumed.

Have your milk and digest it too with these gut-friendly options

• Buttermilk and cheeses (they have less lactose than milk)

• Fermented milk products, such as yogurt and kefir

• Goat’s milk (but drink it with meals)

• Lactose-free milk and milk products