Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest, typically felt behind the breastbone. It often occurs after eating, during the night, or when you are lying down. Heartburn can be managed with various home remedies, including drinking milk. But is milk really effective in soothing heartburn?

Does Milk Relieve Heartburn?

Heartburn is a common condition that anyone can experience. It happens when stomach acid flows back into the throat, causing pain and a burning feeling in the chest.

Many home remedies are believed to help relieve heartburn, milk being one of them. However, reactions to milk can vary from person to person, depending on the type of milk consumed. Some individuals find relief after drinking milk, while others may experience worse pain.

The Role of Calcium and Protein

According to Healthline, some studies suggest that the calcium and protein in milk may help in relieving heartburn. Calcium carbonate, commonly used in supplements and antacids, has a neutralizing effect on acid.

A cup of cow's milk (245 ml) provides about 21-23% of the daily calcium requirement, depending on whether it’s whole milk or low-fat. Due to its high calcium content, drinking cow's milk is thought to reduce the risk of stomach acid rising into the throat.

Calcium also plays a key role in muscle function. Heartburn occurs when the sphincter muscle in the lower esophagus weakens, allowing stomach contents to rise. Calcium intake may help improve muscle function, potentially reducing the likelihood of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).

Milk is also rich in protein. A study indicates that eating protein foods at night may lower the risk of heartburn. Protein promotes the release of gastrin, a hormone that helps empty the stomach, reducing the amount of food available to move back up.

However, gastrin can also stimulate stomach acid production. Additionally, milk is often high in fat, which can trigger acid reflux. If you want to relieve heartburn by drinking milk, opt for low-fat and calcium-rich milk. If milk exacerbates your heartburn, you should stop drinking it.

Natural Remedies to Relieve Heartburn

Milk is just one of many home remedies that can be tried to ease acid reflux. However, because milk contains fat, it can also increase stomach acid production. Along with milk, here are other remedies you can try to relieve heartburn:

• Drinking herbal teas like ginger or chamomile.

• Consuming a spoonful of apple cider vinegar mixed with water.

• Eating alkaline foods like bananas, melons, and almonds.

• Drinking a baking soda solution mixed with water.

• Chewing sugar-free gum.

• Quitting smoking.

• Avoiding lying down immediately after eating.

• Wearing loose clothing.

For some people, milk may worsen heartburn, while for others, it may provide relief. The type of milk and individual responses to it play a big role.

If heartburn persists despite trying home remedies, it’s important to consult a doctor. You can also use the consultation feature on the Ai Care app, available for download from the App Store or Play Store.

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