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Cow and goat milk in erosive gastritis with hyperacidity
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025

Milk is a product designed by nature to feed newborn babies as a means of prolonging life on Earth. It is produced by female mammals, including humans, and contains nutrients that provide everything necessary for the growth and development of offspring. The production of the product has long been put on an industrial basis and plays an important role in human nutrition. The chemical composition of cow's milk, which dominates in retail chains, contains more than 50 minerals. Of these, the main macroelements can be distinguished: calcium, potassium, magnesium, chlorine, phosphorus, sodium, sulfur and microelements: copper, zinc, iron, manganese, iodine, fluorine, aluminum and many others. This convinces us of the usefulness of milk, but is it indicated for everyone and can you drink milk with gastritis?
Indications
Gastritis is an inflammatory process of the gastric mucosa. This is a general name for various pathological conditions characterized by increased or decreased acidity, the presence of erosions, superficial damage to the mucosa or deeper, local or extensive, suddenly appearing or constantly occurring. Any of these conditions requires a certain diet and the place of dairy products in it is different. Let's consider some of them and indications regarding milk:
- milk for gastritis with high acidity - the pathology is accompanied by intensive synthesis of hydrochloric acid, which leads to inflammatory processes of the mucous membrane. In this case, milk is a means of neutralizing acidity;
- milk for erosive gastritis - the disease manifests itself by the formation of defects on the surface of the stomach lining and is a more complex form that can lead to serious complications - gastric bleeding. The reason for this is an aggressive environment, including a violation of secretory processes. The problem requires long-term treatment and strict adherence to a diet. Milk must be present in the patient's diet;
- milk in atrophic gastritis - this type develops against the background of reduced production of hydrochloric acid, the glands that produce gastric secretion are replaced by connective tissue, and peristalsis of the organ decreases. Food that stimulates its production is necessary, and milk does not belong to it;
- milk during exacerbation of gastritis - occurs as a result of improper nutrition, poisoning, injuries. In the first few days of exacerbation, milk is prohibited, with improvement and absence of diarrhea, small portions of fresh goat milk are allowed;
- milk in acute gastritis - occurs suddenly, manifested by pain during palpation in the epigastric region, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, weakness. This condition is caused by damage to the sinewy apparatus, sometimes its deep layer and requires the first two days of complete refusal to eat, then a strict diet in which there is no place for milk. When the condition stabilizes, you can start adding it to tea, cook porridge on it.
Benefits
For a sick stomach, it is important to eat gentle food that would simultaneously provide the nutrients necessary for life. It contains not only vitamins and microelements, but also easily digestible protein. In the case of gastritis with high acidity, the benefit of milk is that it envelops its walls with a thin film, thus creating a barrier for the acidic environment, prevents inflammation, relieves pain, protects against pathogens, and normalizes digestion processes. For this purpose, it is best to use whole homemade fatty milk.
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Contraindications
Whether milk is useful or contraindicated for gastritis depends on the type of pathology, which only a doctor can determine as a result of examination. Gastritis with low acidity, atrophic are prohibited from fatty whole milk, but allow the preparation of porridge on diluted milk. In the acute period, milk is contraindicated in all cases.
Complications
Each person's reaction to milk is individual. Possible complications in the form of allergic reactions: itching, swelling, skin rashes are associated with intolerance to the product. Lactose intolerance can cause flatulence, stomach upset, and the lactose sugar in it can lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels.