Can people with poor gastrointestinal health drink milk, and why?

Generally, individuals with sensitive gastrointestinal systems can consume milk in moderation, but it is advisable to proceed with caution. This is because drinking milk may lead to issues such as lactose intolerance causing discomfort, increased digestive burden due to its fat content, irritation of sensitive stomachs by proteins, aggravation of gastrointestinal coldness from cold milk, and bloating due to gas production. A detailed explanation is as follows:

1. Discomfort caused by lactose intolerance: Milk contains lactose, and some individuals with gastrointestinal issues lack sufficient lactase enzyme in the intestines to break down lactose. After consuming milk, undigested lactose cannot be fully absorbed and is fermented by bacteria in the intestine, producing large amounts of gas and organic acids, which can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and intestinal rumbling, thereby increasing the burden on the gastrointestinal system.

2. Increased digestive burden due to fat content: Milk contains a high level of fat. When gastrointestinal function is weak, insufficient secretion of digestive enzymes and slower intestinal motility occur. High-fat foods require more time and digestive fluids to break down, which can increase the digestive burden and lead to indigestion, nausea, and other issues.

3. Irritation of sensitive stomachs by proteins: Milk is rich in protein. In some individuals with sensitive gastrointestinal systems, the immune system may recognize milk proteins as "foreign substances," triggering an immune response. This immune reaction can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, cause inflammation, and lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea, affecting normal gastrointestinal function.

4. Aggravation of gastrointestinal coldness by cold milk: Refrigerated milk consumed daily is at a low temperature. Individuals with gastrointestinal issues often have fragile digestive systems that are sensitive to temperature changes. Cold milk entering the gastrointestinal tract can stimulate vasoconstriction of the stomach and intestinal blood vessels, slowing peristalsis, causing indigestion, and potentially triggering gastrointestinal spasms.

5. Bloating and discomfort caused by gas production: During the digestion of milk in the intestines, some components are broken down by bacteria, producing gas. In individuals with gastrointestinal issues, intestinal function is already disturbed, and gas may not be expelled smoothly, accumulating in the intestines and causing bloating, abdominal pain, and other discomforts, which can interfere with normal gastrointestinal physiological activities.

In daily diets, attention should be paid to personal health and allergy conditions, ensuring reasonable food combinations and avoiding allergens. At the same time, maintaining a balanced diet with diverse food sources and consuming more fresh vegetables and fruits is important for promoting overall health.