Does milk help upset the stomach after drinking?

November 19, 2025 •

4 min read

Despite a widespread belief that a glass of milk can calm a troubled tummy, research shows that milk may provide only fleeting relief before potentially exacerbating the issue. So, does milk help upset the stomach after drinking? The answer is more complex than a simple yes or no.

Quick Summary

Milk provides only temporary relief for an upset stomach before potentially causing a rebound increase in acid production. Its fat and lactose content can worsen symptoms, especially for those with intolerance or acid reflux.

Key Points

Initial Comfort is Deceptive: The temporary soothing effect of milk is misleading, as it can lead to an increase in stomach acid shortly after consumption, worsening symptoms.
Lactose Intolerance is Common: Many people cannot properly digest the lactose in milk, leading to bloating, gas, and diarrhea, which can aggravate an already upset stomach.
Fat Content Slows Digestion: The fat in milk slows down the digestive process and can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, increasing pressure and potentially worsening heartburn.
Herbal Teas Are a Better Choice: Ginger, chamomile, and peppermint teas offer proven digestive benefits, helping to calm nausea, cramps, and inflammation.
Simple Hydration is Key: Water and clear broths are excellent, low-risk alternatives for staying hydrated and providing gentle relief without irritating the digestive system.
Consider Probiotics Carefully: While some yogurt can provide beneficial probiotics, it's not suitable for those with significant lactose intolerance and should be low-fat.

The Misconception: Why Milk Doesn't Truly Help

For generations, milk has been a go-to home remedy for an upset stomach, with many believing its cool, thick consistency could coat and soothe an irritated stomach lining. While this may provide a moment of comfort, medical experts now largely advise against it for several key reasons. The initial calm can be followed by a cascade of digestive issues that make the problem worse in the long run.

The Acid Rebound Effect

One of the primary reasons milk is a poor choice for an upset stomach is the acid rebound effect. When milk first enters the stomach, its mild alkaline nature and ability to coat the lining can buffer stomach acid and reduce immediate discomfort, much like an antacid. However, the proteins and fats in milk trigger the stomach to produce more gastric acid for digestion. This can lead to a surge in acidity shortly after, which is especially problematic for those with acid reflux or general indigestion, essentially restarting the cycle of discomfort.

The Problem with Lactose

Lactose intolerance is an extremely common digestive condition, affecting millions of people worldwide. It is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme lactase in the small intestine, which is needed to break down lactose, the sugar found in milk. When a lactose-intolerant person drinks milk, the undigested lactose travels to the colon where it is fermented by bacteria, causing a host of unpleasant symptoms. These can include:

Abdominal cramps and pain
Bloating
Gas
Nausea, and sometimes vomiting
Diarrhea

For someone already experiencing an upset stomach, adding milk can significantly intensify these gastrointestinal symptoms, turning a minor ache into a much more severe episode of digestive distress. It's a key reason why dairy products are often advised against during stomach upset.

High Fat Content and Slow Digestion

Another factor working against milk is its fat content. Full-fat milk, in particular, is harder for the body to digest than other liquids. High-fat foods and beverages slow down the digestive process, causing food to stay in the stomach longer. This prolonged digestion can lead to increased pressure and discomfort, aggravating an already sensitive stomach. Additionally, fat can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle that prevents stomach acid from flowing back up into the esophagus. For those suffering from heartburn or acid reflux, this relaxation can worsen symptoms considerably. While low-fat milk might have a milder effect, it can still trigger the acid rebound and is not a recommended long-term solution.

Better Alternatives to Milk for Soothing an Upset Stomach

If milk isn't the solution, what are the best options for a turbulent tummy? Fortunately, several effective and soothing alternatives can help calm digestive discomfort without the negative side effects.

Ginger Tea: Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties and can help speed up stomach contractions to move food through faster, easing nausea and bloating.
Chamomile Tea: A cup of chamomile tea can help relax stomach muscles, which reduces the discomfort of cramps and spasms.
Peppermint Tea: This herb can help with digestion and relax the smooth muscles of the digestive tract, which is beneficial for cramping and gas.
Clear Broths: Simple broths, like chicken or vegetable, are easy to digest, help with hydration, and provide nutrients without taxing the digestive system.
Water: Drinking small, frequent sips of water is one of the simplest and most effective ways to stay hydrated and aid digestion without causing further irritation.
BRAT Diet Foods: Bland foods like Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast are gentle on the stomach and easy to digest.
Probiotic-Rich Yogurt: For those without severe lactose intolerance, plain, low-fat yogurt with live cultures can introduce beneficial bacteria to the gut, aiding digestion.

Remedy Comparison for an Upset Stomach


Remedy	Short-Term Effect	Long-Term Effect	Suitable For?
Milk	Temporary buffering of acid	Worsens symptoms due to acid rebound and fat content	Only temporary, not recommended
Ginger Tea	Soothes nausea and inflammation	Aids digestion	Most types of stomach upset
Chamomile Tea	Calms stomach muscle cramps and spasms	Reduces inflammation	Cramps and spasms
Water	Hydration	Gentle on the stomach	All forms of stomach upset
Low-Fat Yogurt	Provides probiotics	Helps restore healthy gut bacteria	Mild digestive issues, not for the lactose intolerant

Conclusion: Reaching for the Right Remedy

When your stomach is feeling unsettled, the old adage of reaching for a glass of milk is best put to rest. While it might offer a brief moment of relief, the subsequent increase in stomach acid, combined with potential issues related to lactose and high fat, can turn a simple remedy into a more complicated digestive problem. For truly effective and lasting relief, opt for proven alternatives like herbal teas, simple broths, or water. Understanding the science behind why milk isn't the best choice is the first step toward making more informed decisions for your digestive wellness.

For more information on digestive issues and treatment, consult resources like the Mayo Clinic to ensure you are making the best choices for your health. Mayo Clinic on Lactose Intolerance

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, drinking milk can cause an upset stomach, especially for individuals who are lactose intolerant. The lactose in milk can lead to bloating, gas, and diarrhea as it is fermented by gut bacteria.

Neither warm nor cold milk is recommended for an upset stomach. Both can trigger an acid rebound effect and, for many, the lactose and fat content will exacerbate symptoms regardless of temperature.

The acid rebound effect occurs when the proteins and fats in milk stimulate the stomach to produce more acid after the initial, temporary buffering effect has worn off. This can increase discomfort and worsen acid reflux.

Effective alternatives include water, clear broths, herbal teas like ginger or chamomile, and simple foods following the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast).

For those with lactose intolerance, lactose-free milk removes the lactose issue. However, it is still a dairy product and some may find its fat and protein content still aggravates an upset stomach.

Some low-fat, plain yogurt with active probiotic cultures might help certain mild digestive issues, but it should be approached with caution. It is not suitable for those with high lactose sensitivity.

No, milk is generally not a good cure for heartburn. While it may provide momentary relief, its fat and protein content can trigger an acid rebound, potentially worsening heartburn symptoms in the long run.