Hi Sue,

If a person has a stomachache without reason, should I give him or her some milk to drink? If so, what kind of milk? Thank you for your reply.
--Blue Chen

Dear Blue Chen,

Stomachaches can come in all shapes and sizes, and can exist for a multitude of reasons. It is rare that a cause can be identified (only about five percent of cases). If the stomac ache is persistent, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, fever or severe abdominal pain, it is important to see a doctor. However, if you are concerned about an occasional stomachache, and the best way to treat it, than there are a couple of things that may be helpful.

First, begin by examining your diet. It may be missing adequate fiber, fluids, or a regular meal schedule. Inadequacy of any of these three may cause stomach distress. Stick to a regular eating schedule so that you do not over or under consuming at any one time. Keeping meals of normal, easy to digest size is important. Too little fiber can be slowing digestion, as can too little fluid.

Secondly, be sure you are eating under a relaxed and stress free environment. Emotional stress is a common cause of stomach upset. Try eating a banana. Studies have shown that bananas help to ease indigestion. Stay away from foods that are apt to cause stomach upset or gas. They include, coffee (regular and decaf) broccoli, baked beans, onions, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, chocolate, fried foods, fruit juices, and carbonated beverages.

I suggest that you stay away from milk in case the cause is a lactose intolerance, an inability to digest the naturally occurring milk sugar, lactose. If you find that your stomachache is closely associate with consumption of dairy products, particularly milk, than you should talk to your doctor about the possibility of a lactose intolerance.

Years ago, milk was thought to help stomach upset caused by ulcers, because it appeared to coat the stomach lining and neutralize stomach acid. However, research in 1976 proved clearly that just the opposite was true. Patients with and without ulcers were fed either skim, low fat, or whole milk. In all cases, stomach acid levels rose far above normal, but rose highest in those with the ulcer! Then in 1986, more research showed ulcer patients who drank milk healed more slowly and less completely than those who avoided it. Interestingly, the milk drinkers indicated a relief of pain, despite the lack of healing. This lack of pain, may have helped perpetuate the myth that milk is a good treatment for stomach ailments caused by ulcers.

Another well-known treatment for stomachaches due to nausea is ginger. Try some flat ginger ale, a few ginger snaps, or 1/3 tsp. of powdered ginger mixed into a little warm herb tea. A small meal of ginger tea and a baked banana sprinkled with a small bit of brown sugar may be helpful. Also, a hot water bottle place on your tummy and some relaxing "down" may give you relief.

Hope these suggestions help! Thank you for writing.

Sincerely,
Sue Gilbert

RESOURCES:

• Got a question or comment for Sue? Post it on the Eating for Good Health message board.
• Are you getting enough fiber?
• Are you getting enough fluids?
• Enjoy these great ginger recipes:
  • Ginger Squares
  • Gingered Pork and Peaches
  • Banana Ginger Brulées