Is It Safe to Drink Milk on an Empty Stomach? Debunking Myths

Is it okay to drink milk on an empty stomach?

Milk is not harmful to healthy individuals.
There was a news report about an 85-year-old doctor who has been drinking milk with every meal since he was 45, and he remains healthy and fit.
However, there are conflicting opinions online regarding whether it is advisable to drink milk on an empty stomach.
Some doctors warn that drinking milk on an empty stomach or mixing it with acidic juices can be harmful to the stomach.
The nutritional value of milk is high, and consuming it daily can indeed be beneficial for health.
However, there are claims circulating online that one should drink plain water immediately after consuming milk to avoid throat irritation.
Doctors have dismissed this rumor as unfounded but advise against drinking milk on an empty stomach.
Additionally, they recommend not consuming acidic juices, such as orange juice, immediately after drinking milk, as this can also irritate the stomach.
Many people, in a rush to get to work or school, often substitute breakfast with a glass of milk.
This practice of drinking milk on an empty stomach, followed by acidic juices, is considered incorrect by medical professionals.
It can stimulate gastric acid secretion and lead to bloating and gastrointestinal discomfort.
Dr.
Huang Li-chi, an endocrinologist at Cathay General Hospital, explains that milk can stimulate gastric acid secretion, which may cause discomfort for some individuals.
When gastric acid is secreted, it can combine with milk to form curds, potentially leading to bloating and gastrointestinal issues.
It is generally accepted that drinking milk on an empty stomach is not problematic unless one has lactose intolerance, which causes discomfort after consuming milk.
When the stomach is empty, there is little gastric acid present.
Upon drinking milk, gastric acid is secreted to partially digest the protein, and this process stimulates further gastric acid secretion for protein digestion, which is a normal digestive function.
However, gastric acid secretion is not limitless; it will cease when the pH level drops below 2.5, so there is no significant risk of developing gastric ulcers in healthy individuals.
Furthermore, the notion that milk rapidly enters the colon and produces toxins is unfounded.
Everyone has a long small intestine, and milk is emptied from the stomach into the small intestine, where proteins undergo further digestion and absorption.
Only undigested remnants eventually reach the colon.
Rapid intestinal motility on an empty stomach refers to certain reflexes, such as the gastrocolic reflex, which means that food in the stomach promotes faster movement in the colon, leading to the urge to defecate, but it does not imply that recently ingested food is expelled immediately.
There are also claims that drinking milk can acidify the body, releasing calcium ions from bones to maintain acid-base balance, leading to osteoporosis.
This is also unfounded.
The body's acid-base balance primarily involves bicarbonates and phosphates, and calcium is not necessary for this regulation.
Moreover, milk contains not only protein but also water, carbohydrates, vitamins, and fats, so having only milk for breakfast does not lead to nutritional imbalance.
In conclusion, for healthy individuals, drinking milk on an empty stomach is not an issue.

tza, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/11/13

Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

1.
Milk is highly nutritious, containing proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and calcium as supplements; however, some individuals may experience bloating and acid reflux after consuming milk.

2.
It is acceptable to drink milk on an empty stomach, but individuals with lactose intolerance or gastrointestinal issues should avoid consuming cold and large amounts of milk on an empty stomach.
The casein and fat content in milk may be related to digestive discomfort.

3.
Clinically, excessive consumption of milk and calcium carbonate antacids can lead to hypercalcemia, impaired kidney function, increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), and hypophosphatemia, resulting in metabolic alkalosis, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, weakness, and thirst.
In severe cases, it may lead to ectopic calcification, altered mental status, weakness, and kidney stones, known as milk-alkali syndrome.
Discontinuing milk and antacids can lead to improvement.
Wishing you health, Dr.
Lin Ming-Hui, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.

Reply Date: 2010/11/13

More Info

Drinking milk on an empty stomach is a topic that has garnered mixed opinions, and it's essential to clarify the facts based on nutritional science and gastrointestinal physiology.
First and foremost, milk is a nutrient-rich beverage that provides essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium, vitamin D, protein, and B vitamins. For many individuals, especially children and adolescents, milk can be a significant source of these nutrients, contributing to overall health and development. The notion that drinking milk on an empty stomach is harmful is not universally applicable.
For most healthy individuals, consuming milk on an empty stomach is generally safe. The stomach naturally produces gastric acid, which aids in digestion. When milk is consumed, it can stimulate the secretion of gastric acid, which helps break down the proteins and fats present in milk. This process is a normal part of digestion and does not typically lead to adverse effects unless the individual has specific conditions, such as lactose intolerance or a milk allergy.

Lactose intolerance is a common condition where individuals lack sufficient levels of lactase, the enzyme required to digest lactose, the sugar found in milk. For those with lactose intolerance, consuming milk—even on an empty stomach—can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, including bloating, gas, and diarrhea. In such cases, it is advisable to opt for lactose-free milk or other calcium-rich alternatives, such as fortified plant-based milks, yogurt, or cheese.

There are claims that drinking milk on an empty stomach can lead to increased stomach acid production, potentially causing discomfort or bloating. While it is true that milk can stimulate gastric acid secretion, this is a normal physiological response. The stomach's acid production is regulated and will not lead to excessive acidity under normal circumstances. Furthermore, the idea that milk can cause "toxic" effects in the intestines is unfounded; milk is digested in the stomach and small intestine, where nutrients are absorbed before any waste products reach the colon.

Another concern raised is the combination of milk with acidic beverages, such as orange juice. Mixing these can lead to curdling in the stomach, which may cause discomfort for some individuals. However, this reaction is not harmful; it simply means that the milk proteins are coagulating in the presence of acid. If you enjoy both milk and acidic juices, it may be best to consume them separately to avoid any potential gastrointestinal discomfort.

Moreover, the myth that milk consumption leads to an acidic environment in the body, causing calcium leaching from bones, is not supported by scientific evidence. The body maintains a delicate acid-base balance through various mechanisms, and dietary calcium is not mobilized in response to dietary acidity. In fact, milk is an excellent source of calcium, which is vital for bone health.

In conclusion, for most healthy individuals, drinking milk on an empty stomach is safe and can be part of a balanced diet. It is a good source of nutrition, especially when other food options are limited. However, individuals with lactose intolerance or specific gastrointestinal issues should be cautious and consider alternatives. If you have concerns about your diet or specific health conditions, consulting with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian can provide personalized guidance tailored to your needs.

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