buttermilk side effects - #15774
I am really confused about the whole buttermilk side effects thing. I started drinking buttermilk a few weeks ago because I read it was good for digestion and I was hoping it would help with my bloating issues. At first, it seemed like it was working, but now I’m not sure if it was a good idea. Lately, I’ve been having weird stomach cramps, and sometimes I just feel nauseous after drinking it. I thought buttermilk was supposed to be gentle on the stomach, but could it actually have some serious buttermilk side effects? I mean, I’m not lactose intolerant, or at least I didn’t think I was, but could I be having an allergy or something? It’s just hard to tell because I also changed my diet a bit at the same time. Decided to try some new recipes and added a bunch of different veggies and stuff so now I'm questioning everything! Does anyone know how common buttermilk side effects are? Should I stop drinking it altogether or is it possible that the cramps are from something else? I'm just really not sure and could really use some guidance here. Any advice would be great!
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Doctors’ responses
Buttermilk is generally considered a soothing drink that’s easy on the stomach, largely because it contains probiotics which can support digestion. However, like anything, it might not sit well with everyone, and side effects aren’t impossible. Since you mentioned lactose intolerance, it’s worth noting that buttermilk has much less lactose than regular milk, but it still contains some. Even if you haven’t noticed problems with lactose before, it’s possible that your body is handling it differently now. Buttermilk can also occasionally cause digestive issues for some people, including cramps, bloating, or nausea, though this isn’t overly common. The symptoms you describe could potentially point to lactose sensitivity or intolerance, or even a mild allergy. Allergy symptoms often include digestive discomfort, but they could be accompanied by other signs, like skin reactions or respiratory issues, which you haven’t mentioned. On the other hand, since you’ve made several changes to your diet recently, the culprit might not be buttermilk at all. The combination of increased dietary fiber, from more veggies, and introducing new foods can also lead to digestive upset as your system adjusts. The first step is to try eliminating buttermilk for a period—two weeks is often suggested—while maintaining the rest of your new diet. Observe if your symptoms improve; this will help determine if buttermilk was the cause. If symptoms do continue, consider consulting with a healthcare professional, especially if they worsen or don’t improve, to ensure there’s not an underlying condition at play. Keeping a food diary during this time might help you identify any other potential triggers as well. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a doctor for any sudden, severe, or worsening symptoms, as these could be a sign of a more serious issue.
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