Is it good to drink milk on an empty stomach at night?

Feb 27, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
Drinking milk on an empty stomach at night is generally not advisable. When the stomach is empty, intestinal motility is relatively fast, and consuming milk can cause food to pass through the intestines too quickly, reducing the absorption and utilization of nutrients. Milk is a liquid food, and when consumed on an empty stomach, lactose may be rapidly absorbed, potentially causing lactose intolerance. Additionally, gastric acid concentration is higher in the fasting state; drinking milk may dilute the gastric acid, impairing digestive function.

Drinking milk on an empty stomach at night is generally not advisable.

In the fasting state, intestinal peristalsis is usually faster. Consuming milk under such conditions may lead to rapid transit of food through the intestines, reducing nutrient absorption and utilization, thus failing to achieve the intended nutritional benefits. Since milk is a liquid food, drinking it on an empty stomach can cause lactose to be rapidly absorbed, potentially triggering lactose intolerance symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. Additionally, gastric acid concentration tends to be higher when the stomach is empty, and drinking milk may excessively dilute gastric acid, impairing digestive function.

It's generally recommended to consume milk after eating appropriate amounts of high-starch foods, and to avoid drinking spoiled or stale milk.