Most people perceive pain in the epigastric region as temporary discomfort. It is important to understand that even mild painful sensations can be a signal from the body about the presence of some disease or malfunction of internal organs and systems. For this reason, it is recommended to consult a doctor if you have symptoms. In many cases, it is enough to adjust your diet and try to get rid of bad habits. Timely diet therapy will help prevent serious gastric pathology and complications.
Benefits and harms
Milk in most cases refers to cow's milk. It consists of 88% water and contains more than 30 minerals and their salts. Milk contains large amounts of calcium, potassium, sodium, and phosphorus. Micro- and macroelements allow you to maintain a normal balance of electrolytes and fluids, since sodium salts retain water in the body and prevent dehydration.
This is especially valuable for patients with gastritis, since insufficient fluid intake leads to drying out of the mucous membranes of the stomach and insufficient production of mucus , which envelops the walls of the organ and protects them from corrosion by hydrochloric acid and the aggressive effects of pepsin, a proteolytic enzyme that belongs to the class of hydrolases and carries out breakdown proteins to the state of peptides.
Cow's milk also contains lysozyme and peroxidase, antibacterial enzymes that destroy the membrane membrane of bacteria through hydrolysis. Antibiotics of the tetracycline and penicillin group are detected in milk in small concentrations (in very small quantities - chloramphenicol and streptomycin), so regular consumption of milk provides a bactericidal and antimicrobial effect and inhibits the growth of pathogenic colonies of Helicobacter pylori - gram-negative bacteria, the main causative agents of infectious inflammation of the stomach.
Other beneficial properties of cow's milk:
- increases bone density and prevents osteoporosis;
- normalizes the functioning of the nervous system, has a moderate sedative and calming effect;
- acts as an antispasmodic, eliminating pain caused by intestinal or stomach cramps;
- reduces the intensity of dyspeptic disorders (heartburn, nausea, flatulence).
Milk is a well-known folk remedy for fighting heartburn during pregnancy, as well as home treatment for coughs due to bronchitis or pneumonia.
Important! Why should some people not drink milk if they have gastritis, despite the large amount of beneficial substances? The fact is that fresh cow's milk contains a lot of estrogens (female sex hormones), which in high concentrations stimulate the synthesis of gastrin. This is a hormone that increases the acidity of gastric juice and provokes the growth of a malignant tumor of the stomach - gastrinomas.
What is gastritis?
Gastritis is a whole complex of ailments that can be caused by various reasons. Their external symptoms are similar and boil down to pain in the stomach area. When any such pain occurs, there is no need to self-medicate and succumb to the risk of aggravating the situation, but make an appointment with a gastroenterologist. Gastritis is primarily damage to the gastric mucosa. It is important because it does not allow gastric juice to injure its walls. The disease may appear suddenly.
The reason for this is microorganisms that enter the stomach along with food, regular consumption of sour and spicy foods, eating disorders, smoking, and stress. Gastritis can be acute, and it can be easily recognized by sharp pain in the stomach or constant pain, when inflammation of the mucous membrane turns into tissue transformation. One of the stages of treatment is diet. A doctor will help you determine whether milk can be used for gastritis, how to eat baked goods correctly, and in what form to eat eggs.
Is it possible to drink?
Gastroenterologists advise including this product in the menu for people suffering from chronic inflammation of the stomach. Milk helps relax smooth muscles, relieves spasms, and reduces the intensity of “hunger” pain. This product is great for a snack between main meals: it is easily digestible, quickly satiates, and fills the stomach.
Daily consumption of dairy products helps fight functional dyspeptic disorders, but to obtain maximum benefits, certain recommendations :
- It is not recommended to drink milk in the morning (on an empty stomach), as this can lead to increased activity of proteolytic enzymes.
- Fresh milk should be boiled, since bacteria that can be contained even in the milk of a healthy animal (for example, salmonella) can cause systemic inflammation of the digestive tract and increased growth of bacterial colonies in the stomach.
- Dairy products take quite a long time to digest, so they should be consumed separately from raw fruits and vegetables, as well as meat and fish dishes.
The milk consumption rate for an adult is 200-300 ml per day.
Treatment of gastritis with milk and honey
In folk medicine, there are many recipes for treating gastritis with milk. In combination with honey, this product provides quick and effective elimination of symptoms of the disease and relief from exacerbation.
For a three-week course of treatment, daily consumption of 1 glass of milk with two tablespoons of honey is enough. Therapy can be carried out in the absence of individual intolerance to the components of the drink.
Features of use for different types of acidity
It is important that milk (subject to adequate consumption) helps maintain a normal level of hydrochloric acid - an aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride, necessary to ensure comfortable digestion. The normal concentration of hydrochloric acid in the stomach is considered to be 0.5%. With gastritis with high acidity, this figure can increase several times. Too much hydrochloric (hydrochloric) acid in the stomach leads to corrosion of the mucous membrane and submucosal layer and the formation of local ulcerative defects and erosions.
A glass of warm milk, drunk 1-2 hours after the main meal, can reduce the concentration of hydrochloric acid and eliminate pain in the stomach caused by inflammation of the mucous membrane. antacid properties when they enter the digestive tract :
- create a thin film on the surface of the epithelial lining of the gastrointestinal tract, which prevents the effects of hydrochloric acid, pepsin and other harmful substances;
- neutralize excess hydrochloric acid, reduce the acidity of the gastric environment;
- stimulate the motility of the gastric and intestinal walls, ensuring the prevention of constipation and lazy stomach syndrome.
The antacid properties of milk do not allow it to be used for gastritis with low acidity, as this can lead to irreversible disorders of the digestive functions.
Dairy products also contain large amounts of pantothenic acid and vitamin U, which reduce the secretion of hydrochloric acid, so their consumption can lead to a worsening of the clinical picture and negative dynamics of the treatment.
Patients with antacid gastritis are recommended to include in the menu fermented milk products prepared from normalized, selected or pasteurized milk with the addition of various starter cultures: kefir, fermented baked milk, bifidok, cottage cheese, acidophylline.
Note! In case of acute inflammation, the patient is advised to complete fasting, the duration of which can reach three days in a row. Dairy products are introduced into the menu 4-5 days after an exacerbation. The rate of milk consumption during this period is 100-120 ml per day, which must be diluted with water in a 1:1 ratio.
Rules for consuming milk and its products for gastritis
Gastritis is an inflammatory pathology of the stomach. This disease can occur in two clinical forms - acute and chronic. Chronic pathology requires adherence to strict diet therapy. Moreover, the therapeutic diet for this disease depends on its stage. People suffering from chronic gastritis with increased secretion can drink milk when there is no exacerbation. At the same time, you should drink a dairy product, remembering the quantity.
People suffering from gastroenteritis should be especially careful when consuming such foods. This pathology is characterized not only by disturbances in the functioning of the stomach, but also by specific changes in the functioning of the intestines. If a person suffering from this disease develops bloating in the abdomen due to the consumption of dairy products, then in this case he should definitely seek advice from a gastroenterologist.
Some people have an atrophic version of gastritis. This pathology is characterized by a decrease in the production of gastric juice due to various reasons. Consumption of dairy products with atrophic gastritis can lead to belching and a feeling of heaviness in the stomach. If such unfavorable symptoms appear, then you should definitely consult a doctor to discuss with the doctor the possibility of further consumption of dairy products.
Polypous gastritis is another clinical form of the disease. This disease is characterized by the appearance of special growths on the gastric walls - polyps. If you have polypous gastritis, you should carefully monitor your diet. Diet therapy for this pathology allows the consumption of small amounts of condensed milk. This sweet product can be consumed for this disease only during the period of its remission.
For erosive gastritis, it is better to choose goat dairy products. The fatty components that are present in them are better absorbed by the body and, as a rule, do not cause disturbances in gastric secretion. People suffering from this clinical variant of gastritis should consume such products in small quantities so as not to harm their body.
Other types
Goat
Some people advise people with low stomach acidity to replace cow's milk with goat's milk. Goat's milk is a dietary food product: it is easily digestible, digests faster than cow's milk, contains less lactoglobulins and is a hypoallergenic product.
Another advantage of goat milk is its low lactose content, so this product can be indicated for people with lactase deficiency - a type of fermentopathy in which the body produces insufficient amounts of enzymes that break down milk sugar molecules (lactase).
You can drink goat's milk for any type of gastritis, but if the secretion of hydrochloric acid is reduced, you can include it in the diet no more than 2-3 times a week due to the increased content of lysozyme, which has antacid properties.
Soy
This is milk that is obtained from plant materials, mainly soybeans.
It is rich in vitamins, mineral salts, bactericidal enzymes, amino acids necessary for the proper functioning of the brain, heart and blood vessels. Soy milk contains little fat and is suitable for therapeutic nutrition for people with any form of gastritis, including those complicated by peptic ulcers, colitis, chronic enteritis and other pathologies of the digestive tract.
Treatment with goat milk
Some patients note that cow's milk causes them to develop bloating, flatulence, and nausea. This is due to enzymatic deficiency in the body: protein is not completely digested and affects the functioning of the digestive system. Then goat milk comes to the rescue - a product with high energy value, which is almost completely absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract.
Treatment with goat milk consists of drinking 1 glass in the morning and before bed: you need to drink in small sips. It is recommended to start with half a glass of goat milk in the morning, gradually increasing the dose to two glasses per day.
In general, milk is a tasty and healthy product that can help relieve the unpleasant symptoms of gastritis. Together with diet and comprehensive medication therapy, it will quickly eliminate pain, heartburn and lead to recovery.
Combination with tea, coffee, honey and other products
Milk can be consumed as an independent product, but more often it is used for preparing other dishes or as an additive to various drinks. If a person suffers from gastritis, it is important to know how such combinations affect the stomach and other digestive organs.
- Cereals . Combination with cereals is the most popular option for using milk. Milk porridges made from buckwheat, oatmeal, and millet have a positive effect on gastric and intestinal motility, increase the protective functions of the gastric mucosa and accelerate the regeneration of the epithelium. The only restriction for consuming milk cereals is an exacerbation of ulcerative colitis.
- Tea . Tea with milk has a pronounced diuretic effect, so its frequent use is not recommended due to a possible decrease in the production of mucus in the stomach.
- Honey _ The combination of honey and milk is one of the healthiest in cooking. This drink relieves inflammation, soothes irritated mucous membranes, and enriches the body with vitamins and minerals. For colds, a milk-honey drink successfully fights coughs and sore throats.
- Coffee . Drinking coffee for gastritis is not recommended. The exception is coffee with milk, but it should not be included in the menu more than 1-2 times a week.
Milk is a valuable nutritious product that is part of a healthy and balanced diet. For gastritis, it can also become a medicine, as it helps reduce stomach acidity and has antimicrobial and bactericidal properties. It is important for lovers of dairy products to monitor their amount in the daily diet, since in large volumes milk can lead to a significant change in the acidic environment of the stomach, flatulence and bloating - the main manifestations of any digestive disorders.
Milk dishes
There is no need to limit yourself to drinking milk only in its pure form. You can safely include various milk porridges in your diet for gastritis, but not during an exacerbation of the disease. You can also add it to tea.
During periods of remission, you can eat dumplings with cottage cheese, cheesecakes, casseroles, and lazy dumplings.
Important! The milk consumed should only be natural. Store-bought “powder” won’t do any good.
Useful properties of milk
Milk, like any liquid, is an aqueous solution of certain substances. Fresh cow's milk contains approximately 88% water. Moreover, the properties of this product are determined precisely by those percentages of other components. Treatment of gastritis with milk is effective because it contains fats, easily digestible sugar, carbohydrates, lactose, vitamins A, D and almost the entire group of B vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, chlorine, etc.
All these substances help effectively fight gastritis, as they have a beneficial effect on the digestive system. Therefore, the answer to the question “can you drink milk if you have gastritis?” definitely positive. You just need to take into account the peculiarities of consuming milk and dairy products for different forms of gastritis.
How and how much to drink milk?
If you have gastritis, you should not drink cold milk. It is optimal to drink 1 glass of warm milk on an empty stomach twice a day in small sips. To improve the taste, you can add a spoonful of honey.
Milk is a source of health, the first thing a newborn baby tastes. A glass of milk a day for a child and an adult will enrich the body with healthy proteins, enzymes and vitamins, and quench the feeling of hunger and thirst.
- September 30, 2018
- Gastroenterology
- Kira Ifeevskaya
Since nowadays a person leads an active lifestyle, he does not have time to rest enough, eats irregularly, and eats foods that have a detrimental effect on the body. All this leads to inflammation of the gastric mucosa, gastritis.
At the first symptoms of the disease, you must follow a strict diet. This is due to the fact that food entering the stomach during this disease should not aggravate the patient’s condition or provoke an exacerbation, but must have a gentle effect on him, as well as replenish vitamins and microelements.
General rules for taking fermented milk products
To achieve maximum benefits from consuming sour dairy products, follow certain rules for their consumption. Remember that with low acidity, stagnation processes begin in the patient’s stomach and intestines. Food rots, fermentation processes lead to increased gas formation and deterioration of well-being. But if you take kefir and yogurt, which already contain acid, you can eliminate the symptoms mentioned above. In addition, they eliminate pathogenic microflora.
When the acidity is low, but pain is still present, give preference to not very acidic products: natural yogurt, curd mass, fresh cream. Kefir intake is limited. By the way, the drink is contraindicated for heartburn. Erosions and ulcers heal much worse, and inflammation of the mucosal walls may worsen. One way or another, before starting to consume any dairy products or make a sudden change in diet, we advise you to discuss this issue with your doctor. Eat healthy and tasty, and wish you a speedy recovery!
Acidity and dairy products
When very little gastric juice is produced, a person begins to experience the following unpleasant symptoms:
- Heaviness in the stomach;
- Bloating;
- Belching with a rotten taste.
All this is a consequence of low acidity. Very little gastric juice is produced, which means food cannot be digested for a long time, which is why the above symptoms appear.
You can fill the missing acidity with dairy products. Kefir will cope with this task perfectly, which, as you remember, is completely prohibited if the acidity of the stomach is increased.
The reduced amount of gastric juice with existing gastritis also allows you to consume a number of dairy products. Let's list them:
- Sour cottage cheese;
- Curdled milk;
- Ryazhenka;
- Cheese (mild and low-fat varieties).
