benefits of drinking buttermilk at night - #19612
I am trying to understand the benefits of drinking buttermilk at night because I’ve been having trouble sleeping lately. Like, last week I started feeling this weird heaviness in my stomach, especially after dinner, and I’m not sure if it’s what I’m eating or just my stress. A friend of mine mentioned that buttermilk is great for digestion and can even help with sleep! Kind of curious if that’s true. I’ve read somewhere that the benefits of drinking buttermilk at night could be huge for my digestion and even help me relax before bed. I’m not always sure what to eat after 7 PM since I gotta be extra careful to not feel bloated. I did try buttermilk last night, and honestly, it felt kinda soothing going down. But, can I expect more benefits of drinking buttermilk at night consistently? Like, should I make it a routine? I also worry about how it’ll mix with my medications or if it’s gonna upset my stomach. Anyone else tried this? Would love to hear your thoughts on the benefits of drinking buttermilk at night or if it’s just an old wives' tale!
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Doctors' responses
Drinking buttermilk at night could potentially offer some benefits for digestion and may help with relaxation, though it’s important to frame expectations realistically. Buttermilk is a fermented dairy product that’s rich in probiotics, which can promote gut health and improve digestion by bolstering beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract. For someone experiencing heaviness after meals, the digestive aid can come from the live cultures breaking down food more efficiently. However, expecting drastic sleep improvements might not be warranted since buttermilk does not directly contain sleep-inducing agents. That said, indirectly, improving digestion can reduce discomfort and possibly ease stress related to digestive issues, which in turn, might aid in winding down for the night. You could consider making it a part of your late-night routine, but balance and moderation are key here.
In terms of dietary impact, you might want to start with a small amount and see how your body responds, especially if you are worried about interactions with medications or if you have a lactose sensitivity. Generally, buttermilk is lower in lactose compared to regular milk, but it’s still worth approaching cautiously if you have any known sensitivities or conditions like IBS. It’s also unlikely to upset your stomach unless there’s an intolerance or an existing lactose allergy. If you’re experiencing consistent digestive discomfort at night, or if buttermilk doesn’t help, it might be worth exploring other aspects of your diet or lifestyle, such as reducing high-fat or spicy foods at dinner, or managing stress effectively. If symptoms persist or worsen, talking to a healthcare provider would be wise to rule out any underlying conditions. As always, integrating any new ritual into your routine should be done with consideration for your overall health context, so maintaining open communication with your doctor regarding buttermilk or any dietary changes is advisable to ensure compatibility with your health status and medication regimen.
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