milk for acid reflex

milk for acid reflexAcid reflux also referred to as acid indigestion is one of the most common problem. According to recent survey almost half of the Americans face this problem at some point of their lives.

Esophagus is the food pipe that carries food from mouth to the stomach. LES is located at the entry point of the stomach and controls the flow of food from esophagus to the stomach. It control valve and contracts immediately when food enters into the stomach.

When the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) fails to contract, it allows digestive acids to travel backward from the stomach to the throat, causing burning sensations in the chest. This is what’s known as heartburn, or in more severe cases, acid reflux. Other symptoms include bloating, burping, and gas.

There are plenty of commercial antacids available over the counter, but their effects are short-lived and they contain chemicals and preservatives that may exacerbate the problem. Don’t waste money on those. Instead, try milk. It’s a simple, natural, effective home remedy for acid reflux, and we’re about to tell you exactly how to use it. But first, we’ll tell you why it works.

Does Milk Help with Acid Reflux?

  • Milk coats the inner linings of the esophagus and digestive tract, minimizing irritation caused by stomach acids.
  • Milk is rich in calcium and other vitamins and minerals the digestive system needs to function properly.

How to Use Milk to Treat Heartburn and Acid Reflux:

1. Goat’s milk

Goat’s milk is very low in fat and is very easy for the body to digest. Search your area for a local goat farmer from whom you can buy organic, unprocessed goat’s milk, and make sure to drink at least 8 ounces cool milk per day.

2. Skim Milk

If you can’t find or can’t afford fresh, organic goat’s milk, try using skim milk. It provides the same nutrients as full fat or 2% cow’s milk without the harmful excess fat. Drink a cup of cool milk to soothe burning sensations in the chest and throat.

3. Milk and Cinnamon

  • Mix 1 teaspoon of fresh ground cinnamon powder in half a glass of skimmed milk.
  • Store in the refrigerator and have few sips to prevent heart burn.

4. Milk and Green Cardamom

  • In a blender, or with a mortar and pestle, grind 2 pods green cardamom into powder.
  • In a sauce pan, warm half a glass of goat’s milk or skim milk over low flame and stir in cardamom powder.
  • Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and let steep 10 minutes.
  • Let cool to room temperature, then pour into container with lid and store in refrigerator.
  • Consume 2 tablespoons cardamom milk every 3 hours.

5. Milk and Honey Sorbet

Honey is naturally antibacterial and it soothes the throat and digestive tract.  

  • In a sauce pan, boil 2 cups of goat’s milk or skim milk.
  • Stir in 1 teaspoon gof reen cardamom powder, 1 cup of plain oatmeal, and ½ cup of raisins.
  • Reduce heat and simmer until oats are cooked to desired consistency.
  • Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon raw of honey.
  • Let cool to room temperature, then freeze.
  • Eat once a day.

6. Milk and Banana Smoothie

Bananas serves as a natural antacid as it contain tons of potassium.

  • In a blender, mix 2 cups of chilled goat’s milk or skim milk, 1 ripe banana, 1 teaspoon of green cardamom powder, and 2 tablespoons of raw honey until smooth.
  • Add ½ cup crushed ice and blend again until smooth.
  • Drink once a day.

Does Milk Cause Acid Reflux?

Some believe that milk causes heartburn and acid reflux, but this is not the case when milk is consumed in moderate amounts, and when you use goat’s milk or skim milk rather than full fat cow’s milk. When you first start treating heartburn with milk, the fats may trigger acid production in the stomach, but for many people, this reaction subsides with regular use. Milk is also rich in calcium and protein, which keep bones healthy. Do not drink more than 225 ml (8 floz) of milk at a time. If milk is the reason behind the your acid reflux then avoid using milk as treatment.

Tips and Precautions:

For best results, follow the advice below when using milk to treat and prevent heartburn and acid reflux.

  • Drink goat’s milk or skim milk rather than full fat cow’s milk.
  • Drink only 8 ounces of milk in one serving. Drinking more than this may cause you to feel over-full, a condition which triggers heartburn and acid reflux.
  • If you are lactose intolerant, don’t use milk to treat your heartburn.
  • Don’t blend citrus fruits with milk when making smoothies as this may cause curdling. Instead, try strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries.
  • Always drink organic, minimally processed milk that is locally produced.
  • Make sure milk is fresh. Once it passes its expiration date, milk can cause food poisoning.
  • Lack of sleep contributes to heartburn. Make sure to get 8 hours a night.
  • Excess weight contributes to heartburn. Make sure to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet and get regular exercise.
  • Stress contributes to heartburn. Try meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises to promote relaxation.
  • If symptoms do not improve, consult your doctor.
  • Before starting regular milk treatments, consult your doctor to find out they’re right for you.

Have you tried treating and preventing heartburn and acid reflux with milk? Do you know of any methods or recipes we haven’t mentioned? Share your experience with us!

3 comments
  1. Hi
    Felt the need to comment here. I followed this advice for a year and a half as I had terrible GERD at night. I tried zantac, omeprazole, Dexilant, pepto bismol, TUMS. I went glutton free, and slept with 8 pillows, didn’t eat after 6 pm. Sometimes I would drink milk at night and it initially helped but the burn would return before morning. Finally I figured out that it is dairy that is causing all my GERD issues. Apparently as we age, (Im in my late 40’s) the composition of our acid may change and it is not uncommon to either develop a milk allergy or have decrease in production of the enzyme needed for milk. I no longer take anything for my stomach and I avoid all dairy. I am back eating glutton and feeling fine. Thanks!

  2. I used to hate milk except for something sweet but the burning in my esophagus and stomach after it started with acid from fruit and then it got to be everything I drink milk a glass of milk with all my foods and I have no problem. Tums does not help at all. Without milk I don’t know what I would do I try fat free 2% 1% any even whole milk helps. Been doing that since the 1990s

  3. I find a common garden banana milkshake, stops the terrible pain in minutes and it often solves the problem for weeks at a time.

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