Drinking alcohol can harm the stomach, but often it is unavoidable. In these cases, it is advisable to eat something before drinking to line the stomach and minimize the damage to the stomach caused by alcohol. Drinking milk is a good option, but which type of milk is better: regular milk or yogurt?
Is it better to drink yogurt or regular milk before drinking alcohol?
For those who are lactose intolerant, drinking yogurt is a better choice. Drinking milk before consuming alcohol helps protect the stomach by forming a thin film on the stomach lining, reducing the damaging effects of alcohol. It also helps dilute the concentration of alcohol. Therefore, both drinking yogurt and milk before alcohol have the same benefits. However, milk contains lactose, which can cause discomfort for those who are lactose intolerant. In such cases, it is recommended to drink yogurt.
Benefits of drinking milk before alcohol
Drinking milk before consuming alcohol not only forms a protective film on the stomach lining but also has other stomach-nourishing effects. Milk contains a significant amount of protein, which can neutralize stomach acid and reduce excessive acid secretion after consuming alcohol, thus protecting the stomach.
Benefits of drinking yogurt before alcohol
In Asian populations, lactose intolerance is prevalent, causing symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea after consuming milk. Therefore, many people cannot drink milk. However, yogurt can effectively solve this problem. The lactose in yogurt has been fermented into lactic acid, which does not harm those who are lactose intolerant and also provides protective effects on the stomach lining.
Drawbacks of drinking yogurt before alcohol
After consuming alcohol, the stomach becomes acidic, and consuming yogurt can enhance this acidity, disrupting the alkaline environment of the intestines. The intestines need to secrete a large amount of alkaline digestive fluid to neutralize lactic acid, increasing the burden on the intestines. Additionally, yogurt contains probiotics, which are unnecessary for healthy individuals and can interfere with the natural regulation of the intestinal microbiota.
Precautions when drinking alcohol
1. Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol is harmful to the body. It is important to consume alcohol in moderation for promoting health.
2. Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach is not recommended. It is preferable to eat some other food before consuming alcohol, with starchy foods like steamed buns being the best option.
3. Alcohol can stimulate the nervous system. Excessive alcohol consumption can numb the nervous system, leading to hallucinations and slowed reactions. Therefore, it is extremely important to avoid driving after drinking alcohol to prevent accidents.
