(HealthDay News) -- If you're lactose intolerant, you may not need to stop drinking milk completely, experts say.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics offers this advice for lactose-intolerant people who don't want to give up on dairy:

• Try consuming just a small amount of foods that contain lactose. If you tolerate them, you can try gradually increasing the portions.
• Choose whole-milk products, which can help slow down the digestion process.
• Try yogurt, kefir or buttermilk with active cultures, which can help you better digest lactose.

If you do avoid dairy products, be sure to eat other calcium-rich foods, including leafy dark-green vegetables and fortified cereals and breads.