Acid reflux is becoming a common factor in the current generation. The stressful life, food habits, and the increase in the use of processed food are all the reasons apart from hiatal hernia, which is the primary source for the cause for acid reflux. Other than processed foods, milk can also trigger the symptoms of acid reflux.
Can Milk Give You Acid Reflux?
Certain foods and drinks are responsible for causing acid reflux or increase the symptoms. The best example that we can take here is milk. Milk is a good source of vitamins D and calcium. However, it does have its side effects on people who are suffering from acid reflux due to the amount of fat present in it. Milk is also harmful to those who are lactose intolerant. It not only eliminates acid reflux but also creates heartburn sensation.
Removing milk is good option for people who are experiencing symptoms of acid reflux. However, make it a point to remember that lactose intolerance alone does not directly indicate the presence of acid reflux. The cause of acid reflux is due to wide range of digestive problems.
Milk has probiotics that support digestion. It is similarly rich in calcium, which is an essential element of the skeletal structure. Yes, excluding milk completely will have its side effects in the long term which are visible when a person reaches 40 or the 50-year-old bracket. However, you do not have to put down the glass yet if you are lactose intolerant. There are separate ways through which you can induce the probiotic content of the body so that you can improve the digestion without increasing acid reflux.
What Research Says?
According to research carried out and published in a leading journal, there is a strong relationship between acid reflux and cow’s milk. Out of the total 81 participants, 70 reported the symptoms of digestive problems including acid reflux. All the participants were then given a medication in order to reduce the stomach acid. Out of these, 27 still experienced acid reflux symptoms. Researchers eliminated milk from the diet and continued the examination. The result was positive, and the participants showed negative signs of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Although most of the people do not have lactose intolerant, consuming dairy products, such as milk, has no side effects. However, it can show allergy, especially in children, and cause severe side effects. If you are suspecting such a situation, it is preferable to seek immediate medical attention. The severe allergic condition shows sign of skin rashes, swelling of the lips, difficulty in breathing, dizziness, stomach pain, vomiting and wheezing.
What are the Substitutes for Milk?
If milk is the reason behind your acid reflux, you have the opportunity to replace it by considering dairy alternatives. The added advantage that you receive is that these substitutes are healthier and offer all the nutrients necessary for the body. Furthermore, the percentage of calories and fat are also less in comparison to the dairy products with no sign of cholesterol. However, make sure to check the labels before picking up a substitute. Most of the substitutes contain the following contents:
- Soy
- Cashew
- Almond
- Rice
- Coconut
- Hemp
Maintaining a food diary is a good way to sense whether milk is the reason behind for the occurrence of acid reflux. If you are finding a relationship between certain dairy products, you can quickly eliminate them from your acid reflux diet and check for the improvement. If there is no change, seeing a doctor is the right way to find the reason and choose the right treatment option.
