When experiencing stomach pain, bloating, or acid reflux, most people will likely choose to take antacids to relieve their symptoms. However, many people who are reluctant to take medicine will try various "home remedies" or "alternative treatments." While some of these remedies have merit, others are simply myths; their effectiveness varies, yet many remain widely circulated today.
Today, we will debunk one of the most widely known alternative treatments:
"Can drinking milk really soothe stomach discomfort?"
Where Did This Idea Come From?
Enter the "Sippy Diet"
The notion that "milk is a good remedy for stomach protection" is not merely an old wives' tale; it was once a renowned treatment in the medical community. In 1915, American gastroenterologist Bertram W. Sippy introduced the "Sippy Diet" to manage severe stomach discomfort1. It required patients to drink a small amount of milk and fresh cream every hour, combined with antacid powder, to treat their stomach discomfort.
Stomach discomfort often worsens when the stomach is empty. Regularly consuming milk and fresh cream provides a continuous feeling of fullness, which temporarily masks the discomfort. This creates the illusion that the method effectively soothes stomach pain. As a result, for the next few decades, the public revered milk as an effective remedy for relieving stomach discomfort.
However, by the 1960s, the "Sippy Diet" was proven to be a medical misjudgment: following this diet not only failed to cure stomach issues, but long-term adherence also increased the risk of developing cardiovascular problems due to the massive intake of saturated fats2.
The "Sippy Diet" was phased out in the 1980s. Scientists eventually proved that severe stomach discomfort is often caused by bacteria and the side effects of certain medications3.
Why Milk Actually Makes Things Worse
Setting aside the potential cardiovascular risks of long-term, excessive consumption, drinking milk during stomach discomfort triggers a series of physiological responses that can worsen symptoms:
Acid Rebound Effect:
Milk is rich in fat, protein, and calcium. The feeling of fullness when consumed gives the illusion of symptom relief. Once this temporary soothing effect fades, the stomach is forced to secrete even more stomach acid to digest the milk. This leads to an "acid rebound," making your acid reflux or indigestion even worse than before you drank it4.
Lactose Intolerance:
As we age, our ability to digest lactose gradually weakens. Many adults experience "lactose intolerance" after drinking milk, which causes bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea. This condition is particularly prevalent among Asians. Therefore, drinking milk when experiencing stomach discomfort will very likely add new symptoms on top of your existing ones5, further aggravating your condition.
Delayed Digestion:
Conclusion
If you want to properly care for your stomach health, in addition to paying attention to your daily lifestyle habits, remember not to blindly try home remedies when experiencing stomach discomfort. Avoid dairy products and opt for reliable, registered medicine that has been scientifically verified.
Protecting Hong Kong's stomachs for over 65 years and reigning as the No. 1 selling antacid for 12 consecutive years, Weisen-U is the best choice you can depend on.
Weisen-U is a dry-coated tablet consisting of an inner core and an outer layer:
The strong antacid in the outer layer dissolves quickly after intake and neutralizes excessive gastric acid, relieving stomach pain.
Afterwards, the Methylmethionine Sulfonium Chloride (Vitamin U) contained in the inner layer penetrates the damaged sections of the stomach, quickly treating the affected areas, and promoting the recovery of the gastric mucosa.
Available across Hong Kong—check our store locator.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Stomach pain can have many causes, some of which may be serious. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment, especially if symptoms persist or worsen. The distinctions here are general guidelines based on common patterns and should not be used for self-diagnosis.
References:
- 1 Wikipedia: Bertram Welton Sippy
- 2 Circulation (American Heart Association): Myocardial Infarction in Patients Treated with Sippy and Other High-Milk Diets
- 3 Medicine LibreTexts: Nutrition and You - The History of Ulcer Treatment
- 4 WebMD: Best and Worst Foods for Stomach Ulcers
- 5 Medical News Today: 7 Best Foods to Eat with an Upset Stomach (and Some to Avoid)
