Acid reflux is a common digestive disorder that occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. Many people experience symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, regurgitation, and a sour taste in the mouth. While certain lifestyle changes and medications can help improve acid reflux symptoms, some people opt to drink milk to reduce their symptoms. But how much milk should you drink to get rid of acid reflux?
Lifestyle Changes
The first step in treating acid reflux is to make certain lifestyle changes. Avoiding certain trigger foods, such as fried foods, high-fat foods, citrus fruits, garlic, onions, and spicy foods, can help reduce the severity of acid reflux symptoms. Eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day and avoiding eating shortly before bedtime can also help. Additionally, avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol can help reduce acid reflux symptoms.
Medications
If lifestyle changes do not provide relief, medications might be necessary to reduce acid reflux symptoms. Over-the-counter medications such as antacids can help neutralize stomach acid and provide temporary relief. Prescription medications, such as proton pump inhibitors, can reduce the amount of acid produced by the stomach and can help reduce symptoms.
Drinking Milk to Relieve Acid Reflux
Drinking milk is a traditional home remedy for acid reflux. It is thought that the proteins and fat in milk can help to coat the stomach and relieve symptoms. However, there is little scientific evidence to prove that this is true. Additionally, milk is high in fat, which can trigger acid reflux in some people.
If you decide to try drinking milk to relieve acid reflux, it is best to do so in moderation. Small amounts of skim or low-fat milk may help to reduce symptoms, but drinking large amounts of milk can actually aggravate acid reflux. It is also important to note that if you are lactose intolerant, drinking milk may not help and could even make symptoms worse.
In general, it is best to discuss any home remedies, such as drinking milk, with a doctor before trying them. This will ensure that the remedy is safe and will not make symptoms worse. Additionally, it is important to talk to a doctor about other treatments for acid reflux, such as lifestyle changes and medications.