The link between IBS and milk
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic digestive disorder that often causes symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation or both. Many people with IBS find that after consuming dairy products, these symptoms become more severe.
According to Dr. Anupama NK, a digestive expert at Aster CMI Hospital (India), the main cause is lactose intolerance - meaning that the body does not have enough lactase enzymes to digest the lactose in milk. When lactose is not digested, it causes unpleasant symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Comparison between whole milk and low-fat milk
According to Dr. Anupama NK, whole milk contains more fat, which can slow down digestion and cause intestinal irritation. High fats can also stimulate bowel movements, causing strong cramps that lead to a rash of IBS symptoms.
Conversely, low-fat milk has a lower fat content, which is often better tolerated by people with IBS. Reducing fat helps limit bloating, indigestion and discomfort after consuming milk. Therefore, low-fat milk is considered a more suitable choice in most cases.
Should IBS completely avoid milk?
Dr. Anupama NK said that not all IBS patients need to completely avoid milk. However, if you notice that IBS symptoms increase after consuming milk, especially whole milk, consider switching to low-fat or non-lactose milk.
In addition, there are cases where patients are not lactose intolerant but still experience discomfort after consuming milk. This can be due to sensitivity to other components of milk such as protein or the fermentation process in the intestines. Therefore, monitoring the body's reaction to each type of milk is very important to find the most suitable choice for the individual's condition.
Note
Milk is an important source of calcium, protein and nutrients. However, for people with IBS, choosing the right type of milk is necessary to avoid aggravating symptoms. Low-fat milk is often a safer choice than whole milk because it is low in fat and easier to digest. However, if you are lactose intolerant or react strongly to animal milk, you should switch to plant or non-lactose milk.
Before changing your diet, consult your doctor or nutritionist to ensure long-term digestive health and nutritional balance.
