Is milk good when the stomach hurts? The myth and the reality

December 28, 2025 •

3 min read

For decades, a glass of milk has been a go-to home remedy for an upset stomach, a practice rooted in the belief that it would soothe and coat the stomach lining. But with growing nutritional knowledge, the question arises: is milk good when the stomach hurts, or is this advice counterproductive?

Quick Summary

Milk offers temporary comfort for an upset stomach by coating the lining and neutralizing acid, but its fat and protein content can cause an acid rebound. For many, especially those with lactose intolerance, milk can worsen symptoms like cramps and bloating.

Key Points

Temporary Relief: The initial soothing effect of milk is short-lived, as its alkaline nature briefly neutralizes stomach acid.
Acid Rebound: The fat and protein in milk can stimulate the stomach to produce more acid, causing symptoms to return and potentially worsen.
Lactose Intolerance Risk: For those who are lactose intolerant, milk and other dairy products can cause bloating, gas, cramps, and diarrhea.
Better Alternatives: Instead of milk, opt for soothing remedies like ginger or peppermint tea, or bland, easy-to-digest foods from the BRAT diet.
Not a Cure: Milk is not a solution for underlying digestive problems and can, in many cases, make them worse over time.
Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how your body reacts to dairy, especially during times of stomach upset, as individual tolerance varies.

The Short-Lived Comfort of Milk

At first, drinking a glass of milk might feel soothing when your stomach hurts. This is because milk has a pH slightly above neutral, which temporarily buffers and reduces the acidity in your stomach. This initial effect can provide a brief sense of relief, particularly from heartburn or indigestion caused by excess stomach acid. The liquid also provides a coating effect on the stomach lining, which feels comforting. For this reason, it was once a commonly recommended treatment for stomach ailments. However, modern medical understanding reveals that this relief is often fleeting and can be followed by a more severe return of symptoms.

Why Milk Can Make It Worse

Despite its initial buffering action, milk is not the long-term solution for a stomach ache. The very components that make milk a nutritious food—its fat and protein—are what can cause problems for an already sensitive digestive system.

Increased Acid Production

The protein and fat in milk stimulate the stomach to produce more gastric acid to aid in digestion. This can lead to an 'acid rebound,' where the stomach becomes even more acidic than it was before you drank the milk. This effect makes milk an unsuitable remedy for conditions like acid reflux, where controlling stomach acid is the primary goal.

The Problem with Lactose Intolerance

One of the most common reasons milk can worsen stomach pain is lactose intolerance, a condition affecting approximately 65% of adults worldwide. Lactose is the sugar found in milk. Individuals with lactose intolerance do not produce enough of the enzyme lactase to properly break down this sugar. When undigested lactose reaches the large intestine, gut bacteria ferment it, leading to a host of uncomfortable symptoms, including:

Bloating
Gas
Stomach cramps and pain
Diarrhea

These symptoms can appear anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours after consuming milk products, making it a poor choice for anyone with existing digestive issues.

Better Alternatives for an Upset Stomach

Instead of turning to milk, consider these proven and gentle alternatives to soothe a stomach ache:

Clear Fluids: Dehydration can worsen digestive problems, so sipping clear fluids is crucial. Options include water, electrolyte-rich sports drinks, clear broth, or watered-down fruit juices like apple or grape.
Herbal Teas: Certain teas are well-known for their stomach-soothing properties. Peppermint and ginger tea, for example, can help calm nausea and relax stomach muscles. Chamomile tea also has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce cramping.
The BRAT Diet: This diet, consisting of Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast, is excellent for a sensitive stomach. These bland, low-fiber, and starchy foods are easy to digest and can help bind stools in cases of diarrhea.
Plain Low-Fat Yogurt: Unlike milk, plain, low-fat yogurt with active cultures can be beneficial. It contains probiotics, which are healthy bacteria that can help restore balance to your gut microbiome. However, start with a small amount to see how your stomach reacts.

Milk vs. Alternatives for Upset Stomach


Feature	Cow's Milk	Ginger Tea	BRAT Diet Foods
Primary Effect	Temporary acid buffer	Anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea	Binding, easily digestible
Long-Term Effect	Can increase acid production	Soothes and calms digestion	Provides necessary nutrients without irritation
Digestion Difficulty	High fat and lactose can be hard to digest	Easy on the digestive system	Very easy to digest
Best For	Not recommended for upset stomach	Nausea, motion sickness	Diarrhea, general stomach upset
Primary Ingredient	Dairy	Ginger root	Bananas, rice, applesauce, toast

Conclusion: A Matter of Misguided Tradition

While the idea that milk is good when the stomach hurts has persisted for generations, it's a piece of folk wisdom that doesn't hold up under modern scrutiny. The temporary relief it provides is quickly overshadowed by its potential to increase stomach acid and exacerbate symptoms, especially for the large portion of the population that is lactose intolerant. For a healthier and more effective approach, stick to clear fluids, the BRAT diet, or proven herbal remedies like ginger and peppermint tea. If stomach pain is severe or persistent, always consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. For more information on dietary choices for digestive health, you can consult resources from the Cleveland Clinic on foods to eat and avoid for an upset stomach.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, whether warm or cold, milk can still worsen stomach pain in the long run. The fat and protein content still prompts the stomach to produce more acid, regardless of its temperature.

The initial relief you felt was likely due to milk's mild alkaline properties, which temporarily neutralize stomach acid and coat the stomach lining. This comfort is temporary and gives way to the negative effects of the fat and protein stimulating further acid production.

For heartburn, clear fluids like water or an antacid medication are better options. Herbal teas like chamomile or ginger can also help soothe indigestion. The fat in milk can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, making reflux worse.

Plain, low-fat yogurt with active cultures might be tolerated better than milk because of its probiotic content, which can help gut health. However, introduce it slowly and in small quantities to see how your stomach reacts, as it still contains lactose.

Lactose-free milk removes the issue of lactose intolerance, but the fat and protein can still trigger an acid rebound. It is a better alternative than regular milk for those who are lactose intolerant, but other foods may be more soothing.

Avoid fatty, spicy, and acidic foods. This includes fried foods, citrus juices, caffeine, and alcohol, as they can all further irritate your digestive system.

If your stomach pain is severe, persistent for more than a couple of days, or accompanied by symptoms like fever, vomiting blood, or changes in bowel movements, you should see a doctor.