milk during loose motion - #16102
I am really confused about this whole thing with milk during loose motion. Got hit with some bad stomach bug a few days ago and let me tell ya, it was not pretty. I started feeling awful with all the loose motions, and yesterday my family suggested drinking milk to help calm my stomach or something. Like, I get that milk is supposed to be soothing sometimes, but I remember my grandma always saying, “never have milk during loose motion.” Now I’m stuck here worried like, am I making it worse if I drink milk during loose motion? I’ve read a few things online, and they kinda contradict each other. Some say it might help, while others say it’ll totally mess me up, like why? Also, is it just regular milk or should I be looking at something like buttermilk? Do I even want to be mixing any dairy when I’m dealing with this? Because honestly, the last thing I want is to end up on the toilet even more! Anyway, could it be safe to have milk during loose motion or should I just avoid it altogether? Any thoughts on what’s really going on here would be super helpful!
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Doctors’ responses
Drinking milk during a bout of diarrhea might not be the best idea. In cases of loose motion or diarrhea, your gut becomes more sensitive as the lining can get irritated or inflamed. For some people, especially those who might be temporarily lactose intolerant due to the infection, consuming milk can worsen symptoms because of lactose, the sugar found in milk. When your body’s already dealing with a digestive upset, it might not produce enough lactase, the enzyme needed to break down lactose. This can lead to more gas, bloating, and indeed, more diarrhea. Typically, it’s recommended to steer clear of dairy, including milk, during this time. If you’re considering something like buttermilk, it can be a bit different. Buttermilk is often easier to digest because the lactose is partially broken down through fermentation, and it contains probiotics which might help restore gut health slightly. However, even buttermilk may not be suitable for everyone with diarrhea, particularly those with lactose intolerance. So, in the thick of a stomach bug, sticking to clear fluids like oral rehydration solutions, broth, or clear soups combined with a bland diet (like bananas, rice, applesauce, toast – the BRAT diet) might be more beneficial in providing nutrients without aggravating symptoms. If you notice no improvement or develop additional symptoms like blood in your stool, severe dehydration, or high fever, it would be wise to seek medical attention.
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