Is Milk Effective to Treat Acid Reflux?

Updated on January 6th, 2020
milk for acid reflux

Acid reflux is a condition when your stomach acid returns to your throat through the food pipe. Acid reflux causes heartburn, irritation, and inflammation in your lower chest area, pain in abdomen, nausea, etc. Acid reflux is indeed quite common among several people, but if you suffer from these symptoms regularly, it is time to consult a specialist.

It can be Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD, which can be a predominant symptom of other serious diseases, like cancer or liver damage.

However, you can try certain home remedies to get quick relief. Milk for acid reflux helps treat acid reflux well and gives you comfort from those irritations. But if you have an allergy from dietary products, you shouldn’t have milk.

Did You Know!

  • If you have allergy from dairy products or are lactose intolerant, you should avoid milk as that can make the situation worse.
  • Milk allergy is more common in kids than adults. So, you should consult a doctor about it.
  • You can use almond, soy, flax, cashew, etc. as the substitute for dietary products.

The Best Milk for Acid Reflux

milk for fibromyalgia
Image: Shutterstock

According to researches, it has been proved that drinking milk(1) for acid reflux is beneficial. Usually, milk can give temporary relief from your heartburn, but it can have a rebound effect after some time, and that can be worse. Many of you believe that drinking a glass of cow milk can help you to digest food and stay away from any acidity, but that idea is not full-proof.

Contrary to this belief, experts say that milk or any dairy products can make the symptoms of GERD more adverse as it contains fat. The saturated fat in milk is said to help digest the food, but not for a long time. But, when compared to other foods, like sweets, ice-creams, citrus fruits, yogurt, caffeine, etc. milk can really be useful for treating acid reflux.

If you are seeking the best milk for acid reflux, you can go for skim milk or low-fat milk, but what you need the most is certain changes in your lifestyle. Quit smoking and drinking, avoid fatty and oily foods, and eat smaller meals.

[Also Read: Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux]

Drinks You Should Take and Shouldn’t in Reflux

If you are suffering from acid reflux, certain types of drinks can help you get relief from the ailment. Besides, you should also know which drinks to avoid. We all know milk for acid reflux has a certain positive impact on the disease, but that is temporary.

What to Drink?

1. Milk

You can have skim milk or low-fat milk(2) to get relief from acid reflux. Drinking almond milk for acid reflux can be an excellent remedy too.

2. Yogurt

Yogurt
Image:ShutterStock

You can only have it if you aren’t lactose intolerant. Try plain yogurt, and you can also add a bit honey to it.

Milk and milk products, by and large aid in curing acid reflux. However, if you are lactose intolerant, you could consult a physician before adhering to this regime. Moreover, in addition to milk in your diet, you also need to prevent the consumption of certain fluids. Read on.

[Also Read: Alkaline Foods for Acid Reflux]

Drinks You Should Avoid

1. Alcohol

The main reason for acid reflux is the increased production of stomach acids. Drinking alcohol can release more acids, making you more uncomfortable.

2. Caffeinated Beverages

When you are suffering from acid reflux, stay away from tea, coffee, or carbonated drinks as these can aggravate the symptoms more.

3. Citrus Fruit Juices

Citrus Fruit Juices
Image:ShutterStock

Fruit juices like orange, lemon, grapefruits, etc. are highly acidic. Avoid those while you have acid reflux.

4. Hot Chocolate

Though it is difficult to say ‘No’ to it, it is advisable that you abstain from it when you are suffering from acid reflux. Chocolate has cocoa and caffeine in it that increases the symptoms of GERD.

What Do You Need to Know About GERD in Kids?

Acid reflux and heartburn are quite common among kids and teenagers. When you are searching for the best home remedies, then you can count on milk for the kids and teenagers. Milk can be the best option other than consuming over-the-counter medicines. It can give both health benefits and relief from GERD to kids.

If babies have lactose tolerance, then giving them the milk is best for curing heartburn. It neutralizes the burning sensation in the stomach. But for treating this condition in babies, one should use a small amount of cold or hot milk with a teaspoon of honey. This mixture can work as an antacid in babies and help the process of digestion easily.

Hopefully, you get enough information on milk for acid reflux. Now, you can only follow this remedy if it suits you. However, if the situation aggravates, please do consult a physician.


FAQs

1. Is Milk Good for Acid Reflux?

Yes, but only if you are lactose tolerant.

2. Is Milk Bad for Acid Reflux?

No, milk isn’t bad for acid reflux, but milk only gives temporary relief.

3. Is Almond Milk Good for Acid Reflux?

Yes. If you can’t have milk to treat acid reflux, can easily rely on almond milk to get relief from the trouble.

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