Health

Can't I drink milk on an empty stomach? Also divided into people

2026-04-21   

The discussion on whether milk can be consumed on an empty stomach has never stopped on the internet. In fact, when it comes to drinking milk on an empty stomach, it's not a matter of whether it's possible or not, but whether it's suitable for you. Your stomach understands you better than the rules. Healthy people can drink milk on an empty stomach. Drinking milk on an empty stomach is completely acceptable and will not waste nutrients or harm the stomach. The saying 'you can't drink milk on an empty stomach' mainly stems from two things: lactose intolerance and concern about protein being 'wasted'. But these two principles do not apply to most healthy people. If you experience bloating, bloating, bloating, flatulence, and diarrhea within half an hour to two hours after drinking milk on an empty stomach, it is likely due to lactose intolerance. It's not that the milk has gone bad, it's that your body lacks the enzyme to break down lactose. When fasting, milk quickly enters the intestines, and lactose "rushes" to the large intestine, where it is fermented by bacteria, producing gas and water, leading to diarrhea. What should I do if I have lactose intolerance? Don't drink on an empty stomach, pair it with bread, cereal, and cookies. You can also try drinking small amounts multiple times, starting from 50 milliliters and gradually increasing the amount. Replace milk with fortified milk with added lactase, or switch to yogurt, whose lactose has been broken down by lactic acid bacteria. The "waste theory" of protein is outdated. Some people say that "drinking milk on an empty stomach will burn protein as calories and waste it". This statement is half right and half wrong. Indeed, the body prioritizes using carbohydrates and fats for energy. When fasting, if there is not enough carbohydrates and fat in the body, it is indeed possible to break down some protein for energy. But this is not called 'waste', this is called 'normal bodily regulation'. Moreover, the protein (casein) in milk is digested slowly and releases amino acids slowly, rather than being burned all at once. Drinking a glass of milk with a slice of bread for breakfast saves protein. So, it's not 'can't drink on an empty stomach', it's' better to add some carbohydrates'. It's not about 'not wasting', it's about 'being more efficient'. Milk being coagulated by stomach acid is a misunderstanding. Some people say, "Drinking milk on an empty stomach can cause stomach acid to coagulate the milk into lumps, which are difficult to digest. This is a misunderstanding of the digestive process. Casein in milk does indeed coagulate when it encounters stomach acid. But this is precisely a part of digestion - the solidified casein stays in the stomach for a longer time, digests more fully, and feels fuller. This is not a 'problem', it is a 'characteristic'. Babies drink breast milk on an empty stomach, and the casein in breast milk also coagulates in the stomach, helping babies stay hungry for a long time. So, drinking milk on an empty stomach will not "harm the stomach", but may actually "nourish the stomach". Who cannot drink milk on an empty stomach? Apart from lactose intolerant individuals mentioned earlier in the article, there are indeed some people who are not suitable for drinking milk on an empty stomach. Drinking milk on an empty stomach may worsen gastroesophageal reflux in patients. Because milk stimulates the secretion of stomach acid, it is more likely to reflux when lying down. It is recommended not to drink on an empty stomach and not to lie down immediately after drinking. Patients with acute pancreatitis and acute cholecystitis need to fast and avoid drinking milk during the acute phase. During the stable period, a small amount of skim milk can be consumed. Milk protein allergy sufferers should not touch a single bite. It's not a matter of 'fasting or not fasting', it's a matter of 'whether one can drink'. Drinking milk in this way is more scientific and efficient, with some carbohydrates added. Milk+whole wheat bread, milk+oats, milk+oatmeal, are all "golden partners". Carbon water provides instant energy, saving protein for repair. Secondly, drink it warm without being too cold or too hot. Ice milk stimulates the gastrointestinal tract, and being too hot can damage nutrition. 40 ℃ -50 ℃, the cup wall is not hot to touch, just right. Thirdly, drink slowly in small sips and not forcefully. Drink a 250ml glass of milk in 3-5 sips and give the stomach "reaction time". Fourth, drink before bedtime to aid sleep. Tryptophan in milk is the raw material for synthesizing melatonin, and calcium helps the brain utilize tryptophan. Drinking a small cup of warm milk one hour before bedtime can help with sleep. Your body understands you better than any 'health rules'. Feeling comfortable after drinking is right, feeling uncomfortable is wrong. The best time to drink milk is not in the morning, not in the evening, but when you want to drink. (New Society)

Edit:WENWEN Responsible editor:LINXUAN

Source:Beijing Youth Daily

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