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Will taking milk help heal an ulcer?
Milk is rich in calcium, a key component that keeps the bones healthy and strong, and reduces the risk of developing bone-related diseases. PHOTO/FILE
What you need to know:
- Milk, apart from reducing the pain caused by the ulcers has many nutritional advantages for which it may be taken.
I have been drinking milk since 2017 to relieve my ulcers to no avail. Does it really work? Benita
Dear Benita,
Peptic ulcer disease refers to painful sores in the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine, (the duodenum). These sores occur due to activity by acidic stomach contents exposed to them.
Though normally a thick layer of mucus and a strong membrane protect the stomach from the effect of stomach acids, infection (helicobacter pylori), painkillers referred to as NSAIDs (such as Diclofenac, Indocid Aspirin), or excess production of acid (Zollinger-Ellison syndrome) may reduce this protective layer, causing wounds in the said gut areas.
Rarely ulcers (curling’s ulcers) may be caused by stress. However, missing meals or eating spicy food can only make ulcers more painful, but are not a cause of ulcers. Also, foods may help ease ulcer symptoms but will not cure established peptic ulcers. For example, capsacin in pepper has been said to prevent peptic ulcers.
Treatment of ulcers includes lifestyle changes such as stopping to smoke or taking too much alcohol, stopping use of the said painkillers and eradication of Helicobacter pylori.
Because it coats the stomach lining, mixes and dilutes stomach acid, milk provides brief ulcer relief. However, in some people, it may stimulate the stomach to produce more acid and digestive juices, which can aggravate ulcers.
Prevention of peptic ulcers involves avoiding taking unprescribed NSAIDs painkillers. Washing hands thoroughly, eating food that is properly prepared and drinking water from a safe, clean source are important steps for preventing H. pylori infection and reinfection after treatment.
Milk, apart from reducing the pain caused by the ulcers has many nutritional advantages for which it may be taken. However, taking it as part of a balanced diet is alright but merely taking it to prevent ulcers may lead to among other effects, obesity.
