A Gut Feeling: A Father’s Dramatic Advice After His Son Discovers He’s Lactose Intolerant

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

By a Proud, Empathetic (and Slightly Dramatic) Dad

It starts, as many turning points do, with a glass of milk.

For years, my son drank milk like any other growing boy. It was part of the routine — poured over cereal, mixed into coffee, blended in shakes. But now, after peeling back the layers of his own health and finally tuning in to the whispers (or rather, the gurgles) of his gut, he’s made a revelation that stopped me in my tracks: he’s lactose intolerant.

Not allergic.

Not in danger.

But definitely in discomfort.

When he first told me — bloating, bathroom trips, a belly that ballooned after just a small cup of dairy — I couldn’t help but smile. Not because I found it funny, but because he had finally reached a moment every parent quietly waits for: the moment when your child really begins to listen to his body.

And so, as a father, I did what any concerned (and deeply reflective) dad would do:

I turned this revelation into a life lesson. A dramatic one, of course.

Milk: The Childhood Staple Turned Gut Enemy

“Dad,” he said, “I didn’t even notice the bloating before. I just thought it was my belly.”

That hit me. Because it wasn’t just about digestion — it was about transformation. As his body changed, as the extra weight disappeared, as he tuned into the signals he once ignored, he started seeing the truth. The culprit had been there all along, disguised as something familiar. Milk — the symbol of health and strength — was now his dietary adversary.

The result? He’s giving it up. No more milk.

And I say: good call, son.

Knowing when to walk away is a sign of maturity. Sometimes, the hardest breakups are with things that once comforted us. But your gut knows better now — and your decision to honor that is something I applaud.

The Cheese Clause: Negotiating with Dairy

But before you grieve the loss of dairy, know this: cheese remains a loyal friend.

What he discovered — and what many people still don’t realize — is that cheese, especially the hard and aged kinds, contains little to no lactose. That means the cheddar on your sandwich, the parmesan on your pasta, the gouda in your grilled cheese — they can all stay. In moderation, yes, but they’re safe to love again.

And that’s a comfort not just for your gut, but for your soul. Because a world without cheese is a little too dark, even for the most dedicated health warrior.

Risk Management: When the Bathroom is Worth It

Perhaps the most hilarious — and honest — part of my son’s revelation was this line:

“If I feel like something is worth a trip to the bathroom, sure, I’ll risk it.”

I laughed out loud. Because there it is — the great balancing act of adulthood: what are we willing to endure for the things we love?

It’s a bold philosophy. And one I respect.

But my advice? Use that risk sparingly. Life is full of indulgences — save those calculated gambles for something truly memorable. Let that dessert be so good it’s worth the rumble.

Lactose Intolerance ≠ Allergies: A Crucial Clarification

Here’s where many get it wrong. Lactose intolerance is not a food allergy.

It won’t send him into anaphylaxis. There’s no EpiPen needed. But that doesn’t mean it’s not serious. It’s discomfort that affects quality of life — and more importantly, signals how your body wants to be treated.

Understanding the difference is key. And acknowledging that difference with pride, not shame, is part of what makes my son’s discovery so empowering.

My Final Advice: Listen, Adapt, Thrive

To my son — and to anyone else on the same path — here’s my closing thought:

“Your body is wiser than you think. When it speaks, listen. When it resists, don’t punish it — adjust. And when you feel like giving up your comfort zone (or your comfort food), remember this: growth doesn’t always come from adding more, but sometimes from removing what no longer serves you.”

Give up milk if you must. Keep your cheese if you can.

Risk the bloat when it’s really worth it.

And most of all — honor the journey of knowing yourself.

Because discovering you're lactose intolerant isn’t a setback — it’s an upgrade.

And I couldn’t be prouder.

— Dad

About "WazzupPilipinas.com"

WazzupPilipinas.com is the fastest growing and most awarded blog and social media community that has transcended beyond online media. It has successfully collaborated with all forms of media namely print, radio and television making it the most diverse multimedia organization. The numerous collaborations with hundreds of brands and organizations as online media partner and brand ambassador makes WazzupPilipinas.com a truly successful advocate of everything about the Philippines, and even more since its support extends further to even international organizations including startups and SMEs that have made our country their second home.