$Unique_ID{BRK01418}
$Pretitle{Digestive System}
$Title{Will Milk Make Heartburn Worse?}
$Subject{stomach heart burn treatment}
$Volume{I-10}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Will Milk Make Heartburn Worse?


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QUESTION:  While visiting our children for the holidays, I was taken with an
unusual attack of heart burn.  I didn't want to disturb my daughter-in-law, so
quietly asked for a glass of milk.  Of course she figured it out, but then
refused to serve me the milk, saying it would make it worse.  She offered me
some baking soda in water instead.  Can you explain her thinking for me.  The
mixture really did help.

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ANSWER:  Your daughter in law has been reading some medical tips in her
magazines, and was correct.  Heartburn, which has nothing to do with the
heart, is caused when stomach acid backs up into your esophagus.  While the
sensation of cold milk may soothe the burning for a moment or two, the extra
milk in the stomach may stimulate the stomach to produce even more acid, and
cause the situation to worsen.  The trick is to neutralize the extra acid in
the stomach.  An over the counter antacid will work nicely in most cases, but
1/2 a teaspoonful of ordinary baking soda in a glass of water will also do the
job.  These are great solutions to a disturbing problem provided it only
happens infrequently.  When heartburn persists, or recurs regularly, you would
be well advised to check with your doctor.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
