Is there a link between milk and acid reflux?

Acid reflux is one of the most common digestive problems people face these days. From consuming oily and fried foods to obesity, many factors can lead to acid reflux. Many people believe that milk can provide relief if someone has acid reflux or heartburn. However, this may not be a permanent solution. In fact, in some cases, milk can trigger acid reflux symptoms, especially for those who are lactose intolerant. Let us understand the relationship between milk and acid reflux to better deal with the condition.

What is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux, or acidity, occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing inflammation in the chest that moves up into the neck and throat, known as heartburn. In some cases, frequent or constant acid reflux can even lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a more severe and persistent form of the condition. Its common triggers include certain foods (oily or fried foods, high-fat foods, cheese, whole milk, butter, etc.), beverages (caffeine), stress, and going to bed after meals.

Does milk cause acid reflux?

Acidity or acid reflux can arise from a variety of factors including diet, lifestyle, stress and some medical conditions. While there are many home remedies you can use to relieve acidity, milk is one of the most common remedies used to cure acid reflux. However, some people complain of experiencing worsening symptoms of acid reflux due to milk. HealthShots consulted nutritionist Dr. Rohini Patil to understand the link between milk and acid reflux.

“Milk can temporarily buffer stomach acid, providing short-term relief from acidity. However, its long-term effects may vary,” says Dr. Patil. Accordingly American College of Gastroenterology Clinical guidelines, Dairy products in the diagnosis and management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GRED) do not cause acidity and heartburn. However, high-fat dairy products such as whole milk and yogurt can lead to heartburn. In fact, another 2022 study published National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney DiseasesEating high-fat foods can trigger or worsen acid reflux.

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The link between milk and acidity

The reason milk is acidic lies in its composition. The fat in milk stimulates the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to relax, allowing stomach acid to rise into the esophagus and worsening acid reflux symptoms. Furthermore, milk proteins stimulate the production of gastrin, which increases acid secretion in the stomach. While milk provides immediate relief for some, it can lead to high acidity and reflux in others, especially if consumed in large quantities or as part of a high-fat meal.

Acid reflux and lactose intolerance

Apart from high-fat milk, the lactose (a type of natural sugar) in milk can also cause digestive problems for those who are lactose intolerant, leading to discomfort and reflux. Dr. Patil explains, “Acid reflux occurs when the amount of acid in the stomach increases, causing heartburn and a burning sensation. Lactose intolerance, on the other hand, is a sugar found in milk and dairy products, leading to symptoms such as the inability to digest lactose, bloating, gas and diarrhea. , consuming dairy can worsen acid reflux symptoms by causing stomach discomfort and increasing acid production, thereby triggering or exacerbating reflux episodes.

How to deal with acidity caused by milk?

To manage acid reflux caused by milk, remember these 5 tips:

1. Switch to low-fat milk or non-dairy alternatives (plant-based) such as almond, soy or oat milk, which are less likely to trigger reflux.
2. Reduce total consumption of dairy products to reduce risk of acid production.
3. Drink small amounts of milk to avoid burdening the digestive system.
4. Avoid lying down immediately after consuming milk to prevent acid reflux into the esophagus.
5. If you are lactose intolerant, use lactose-free milk to avoid digestive discomfort that can worsen reflux.

Remember these tips to manage acid reflux. If you still don’t get any relief, consult your health care provider for proper treatment of the problem!