Can milk help acid reflux
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Can Milk Help Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux (GER), is a common condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing discomfort and potential damage to the esophageal lining. Various dietary interventions, including the consumption of milk, have been explored to manage this condition. This article synthesizes research findings on the impact of different types of milk on acid reflux.
Breast Milk vs. Formula Milk and Acid Reflux in Infants
Breast Milk and Shorter GER Episodes
Research comparing breast-fed and formula-fed neonates has shown that breast-fed infants experience significantly shorter episodes of gastroesophageal reflux during active sleep. This is attributed to the lower median pH values in breast-fed infants, which may stimulate peristalsis and limit the duration of reflux episodes.
Formula Milk and Increased GER Duration
In contrast, formula-fed neonates tend to have longer GER episodes. This difference is not due to the volume of milk consumed or increased movement but is likely related to the slower gastric emptying associated with formula milk.
Cow's Milk Allergy and Acid Reflux
Increased Weakly Acidic Reflux
In children with cow's milk allergy (CMA) and suspected gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), exposure to cow's milk significantly increases the number of weakly acidic reflux episodes. This suggests that cow's milk can exacerbate reflux symptoms in this subgroup of children.
Diagnostic Use of Cow's Milk Challenge
A study involving a cow's milk challenge during esophageal pH monitoring identified a subgroup of infants and children with severe GERD and cow's milk hypersensitivity. These children exhibited a higher reflux index compared to those with primary GERD, indicating a potential causative relationship between cow's milk hypersensitivity and GERD.
Thickening Milk and Acid Reflux
Ineffectiveness of Starch-Thickened Milk
Thickening human milk with precooked starch has been evaluated as a method to reduce gastroesophageal reflux in preterm infants. However, studies have shown that this approach is ineffective in reducing both acidic and buffered reflux episodes.
Fortified Human Milk and GER
Fortifying human milk to meet the nutritional needs of preterm infants can influence gastroesophageal reflux. While higher protein content in naive human milk may reduce acid reflux, standard fortification can increase nonacid reflux indexes, potentially worsening GER symptoms.
Antacid Properties of Milk
Cold Milk as an Antacid
Cold milk has been shown to have significant antacid properties in an artificial stomach model. It demonstrated a high acid-neutralizing effect, comparable to commercial antacid preparations like ENO and sodium bicarbonate. This suggests that cold milk can help alleviate hyperacidity and soothe the stomach lining.
Conclusion
The impact of milk on acid reflux varies depending on the type of milk and the individual's specific conditions. Breast milk appears to be beneficial in reducing the duration of GER episodes in infants, while cow's milk can exacerbate reflux in children with CMA. Thickening milk with starch is not effective in reducing reflux, and fortification of human milk may worsen nonacid reflux. Cold milk, however, shows promise as a natural antacid. These findings highlight the importance of personalized dietary interventions in managing acid reflux.
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