Does milk have a soothing effect on the stomach? Answered by a gastroenterologist

Milk is one of the most popular beverages in the world. It is rich in calcium, protein, vitamins D and B12, and other nutrients necessary for healthy bones, teeth, muscles and skin.

Despite these benefits, consuming fermented milk product can also cause harm to the body. For instance, some people may develop lactose intolerance or an allergy to the protein components.

It has been found that about 75% of people are unable to process lactose. This condition causes unpleasant symptoms including abdominal bloating, increased gas, diarrhea and nausea.

In addition, some types of milk contain high levels of saturated fat, which in large amounts can be harmful to the heart. In cardiovascular diseases, excessive consumption of the drink should be limited, as it can increase the level of “bad” cholesterol, which can provoke atherosclerosis (deposition of cholesterol in the lumen of blood vessels).

But how does milk affect the stomach? Does it have a soothing effect?

gastroenterologist, hepatologist of Hadassah Clinic branch in the Skolkovo International Medical Cluster.

“The stomach in the norm “calm” is not necessary. When pathology appears, there are various complaints – abdominal pain, a feeling of discomfort after eating, early satiety. Each of these manifestations is caused by different diseases, so there can be no single prescription”.

According to the expert, milk cannot be used as a therapeutic drug. The opinion that you can cure an ulcer with it is nothing more than a myth. Nevertheless, in the presence of such a pathological condition as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), fermented milk product is indeed able to temporarily relieve symptoms.

The fact is that in GERD there are acid throws from the stomach into the esophagus, burning the latter. Milk washes away the acid, reducing pain, but the effect is temporary.

It should be remembered that this product also causes increased secretion of gastric juice and increased acidity, which can worsen the condition of an irritable stomach.

Given that some people have lactose intolerance, drinking the drink can provoke additional stomach problems.

Milk is a useful and tasty product, but it is wrong to treat various gastroenterological diseases with it, notes Andrei Yakushev. Nevertheless, with good tolerance against the background of a pathological condition, you can drink it without restrictions.

It is important to note that the reaction to milk and other products is always individual. What suits one person, can be harmful to another. Therefore, if you have problems with the stomach, it is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist for individual recommendations.