can i drink milk in loose motion - #17284
I am really worried about my stomach issues. For the last few days, I’ve been dealing with loose motion, like, way too often and it’s driving me crazy! Everything I eat seems to set it off. I went to the doc, and they said it’s probably a stomach bug, but I’m not feeling too sure about it. Here’s the kicker: I love my morning coffee with milk, but now I'm thinking, can I drink milk in loose motion? Like, will that make things worse? I’ve heard mixed things from friends. Some say dairy is a no-go when you’re dealing with loose motion, while others think it might help settle the stomach. I had a little bit of yogurt yesterday because my sister said probiotics could help, and I’m, like, totally confused. Is milk okay, or will it just make my loose motion more frequent? Should I just stick to water and bland food for now? It’s hard to think about dropping my favorite beverages, but I can't handle this much longer! Anyone got some solid advice or experiences to share?
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Doctors' responses
When you’re dealing with loose motions, it’s usually becomes advisable to avoid milk and dairy products. The reason behind this is that your gut may temporarily become lactose intolerant during and even after a bout of diarrhea. What happens is that during diarrhea, the lining of the intestine can be damaged, resulting in the reduced production of lactase – the enzyme necessary for milk digestion – which can lead to trouble handling lactose, potentially making your symptoms worse. So, if you’re drinking milk, it could exacerbate the diarrhea, leading to more frequent trips to the bathroom. However, not all dairy is created equal. You mentioned having yogurt, and that’s actually a bit different; yogurt often contains probiotics which can help in restoring the natural balance of bacteria in your gut. Just make sure it’s plain and without any added sugars or artificial sweeteners.
If you’re really looking to stabilize your digestive system while dealing with this, try sticking to clear fluids to stay hydrated, such as water or oral rehydration solutions. Electrolyte balance is crucial, especially since dehydration is a major concern when you’re experiencing frequent loose stools. It seems difficult to step away from coffee too, but skipping it (and anything caffeinated) while you’re recovering could be beneficial since caffeine can irritate the digestive tract.
For the time being, balance your meals with bland foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, commonly called the BRAT diet. These are easier to digest and can help firm stools. Keep an eye on your symptoms – if they persist for more than a couple days, or are accompanied by severe symptoms like a high fever, blood in stools, or extreme abdominal pain, it’s best to seek more direct medical guidance.
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