Preventing Reflux by Drinking Milk

Prevent Reflux by Drinking Milk Reflux disease, characterized by the passage of stomach contents into the esophagus at regular intervals causing pain and difficulty swallowing, affects 3 percent of Turkey's general population while leading to reduced quality of life, nutritional or sleep problems, chronic respiratory disease, bleeding, apnea and even developmental delays. Experts point out that regular milk consumption is necessary to protect against this disease. Identifying obesity and irregular eating habits as among the leading causes behind reflux, experts state that balanced nutrition achieved by drinking two glasses of milk daily can minimize the risk of developing reflux in later years. Prof. Dr. Neriman İnanç, Head of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at Nuh Naci Yazgan University Faculty of Health Sciences, noted that there have been different studies in recent years examining the relationship between stomach infection and reflux disease, explaining as follows: "Research results indicate that milk consumption reduces the activity of infection in the stomach and, by regulating stomach mucosa, prevents the emergence of disease symptoms. In one study, it was observed that milk showed a protective effect against stomach damage by increasing the production of mucin, which is a protective factor in the stomach.   In another study, it was found that fermented dairy products reduced the frequency of reflux symptoms thanks to the beneficial microorganisms they contain." İnanç stated that considering research results, people with reflux problems would benefit from starting with small amounts and gradually increasing the quantity of milk consumption to alleviate or reduce reflux symptoms. Prof. Dr. Neriman İnanç explained, "In a study published in the Food and Health journal in 2015, 37 patients aged 12-80 years with regular gastrointestinal complaints consumed one tea cup (100 ml/day) of milk daily for 4 weeks. Significant improvement was observed in the patients' findings compared to baseline after milk consumption. Milk aids in reducing reflux symptoms due to its protein content and being a rich source of phosphorus." İnanç also noted that people with reflux problems need to reach their ideal body weight and therefore milk, being one of the most important foods for weight loss purposes, should be consumed for this aim as well.