Which body types should not drink milk?

Nov 06, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, individuals with milk allergy, lactose intolerance, or those with a damp-heat body constitution should not consume milk. People who are allergic to proteins or other components in milk are unsuitable for drinking milk. Milk-allergic individuals may experience allergic reactions such as vomiting, abdominal pain, asthma, hives, and eczema after consuming milk, and in severe cases, it could even be life-threatening.

Generally, individuals with milk allergy, lactose intolerance, damp-heat or cold body constitution, gastrointestinal disorders, or iron-deficiency anemia should avoid drinking milk. The detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Individuals with Milk Allergy

People who are allergic to proteins or other components in milk may experience allergic reactions such as vomiting, abdominal pain, asthma, rhinitis, or hives after consuming milk. These individuals should avoid drinking milk.

2. Individuals with Lactose Intolerance

Those with lactose intolerance cannot properly digest lactose in milk and may experience symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, and stomach pain after consumption. Such individuals can opt for low-lactose or lactose-free milk alternatives, or gradually adapt by slowly increasing intake and controlling portion sizes.

3. Individuals with Damp-Heat or Cold Body Constitution

Milk is slightly cold in nature. For individuals with a damp-heat constitution, drinking milk may exacerbate internal dampness, leading to symptoms such as thick, greasy tongue coating, dizziness, and hair loss. For those with a cold constitution, consuming milk directly may impair spleen and stomach function, weakening digestive capacity and causing indigestion. These two groups should exercise caution when consuming milk.

4. Patients with Gastrointestinal Diseases

Milk can stimulate gastric acid secretion. Patients with gastrointestinal conditions such as cholecystitis, enteritis, or gastritis may experience worsened gastrointestinal discomfort after drinking milk.

5. Patients with Iron-Deficiency Anemia

Calcium and phosphorus in milk may bind with dietary iron to form compounds that are difficult to absorb, reducing iron absorption and hindering recovery in patients with iron-deficiency anemia. These individuals should avoid drinking milk during iron supplementation therapy.

Since everyone's body constitution and health status differ, dietary choices should be made based on individual circumstances and medical advice.