is milk good for gastritis? - #12840
I am really confused about what to eat since I've been diagnosed with gastritis a couple of weeks ago. I keep hearing mixed things about dairy, and I'm just wondering, is milk good for gastritis? My doctor suggested avoiding spicy foods, which makes sense, but when I asked about milk, he said it depends. I tried having a small glass of milk the other day after a meal because I thought it might help soothe my stomach. But then I read online that some people say milk can actually make it worse later on. It’s like, how can something that feels so soothing be bad? I was feeling a little bloated anyway before I tried the milk, and I’m not sure if that was connected. Is milk good for gastritis or does it just mask the symptoms for a bit? I really don’t want to make my condition worse, but I also miss having some dairy. My friends say yogurt can help, but should I consider that too, or is milk better? I guess what I’m really asking is whether I should be avoiding it altogether. Should I stick to non-dairy alternatives, or can I indulge a little? Thanks!
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Doctors’ responses
The relationship between milk and gastritis can be a bit tricky. While milk is often thought to soothe the stomach by coating it, it can sometimes actually lead to an increase in stomach acid production later on, potentially exacerbating gastritis symptoms. This is because the relief it provides is temporary, and the proteins and fats in milk can stimulate your stomach to produce more acid, which might lead to feelings of discomfort or worsening symptoms after initial relief. The bloating you experienced could indeed be related, as dairy products can cause gastrointestinal issues for some people, particularly if you’re lactose intolerant or sensitive. When deciding whether to include milk in your diet with gastritis, it’s crucial to pay attention to how your body reacts. If you find that milk consistently causes discomfort, it might be worth avoiding it or substituting it with lactose-free milk or non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk. When it comes to yogurt, it could potentially be more beneficial due to the presence of probiotics, which may help with digestion and maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria. However, opt for plain, unsweetened varieties to avoid irritating your stomach with added sugars or artificial sweeteners. Test small amounts to see how you tolerate it. Overall, diet for gastritis should focus on minimizing foods known to increase stomach acid or irritate the stomach lining. These typically include spicy, acidic, or fried foods. Think about keeping a food diary to track which foods may trigger your symptoms, observing patterns over time. Staying hydrated, avoiding large meals, and eating smaller, more frequent ones can also help. If your symptoms persist or worsen, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider to discuss further dietary modifications or consider evaluation for other underlying issues.
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