If you have gastroenteritis, a term for intestinal inflammation, avoid dairy products until your symptoms improve. The only dairy products that are recommended by the University of Wisconsin Health Services are cultured dairy products, such as cottage cheese, yogurt and kefir. Gastroenteritis is commonly caused by a bacterial, parasitical or viral infection. The most common type of gastroenteritis is viral, also called the stomach flu. If you experience vomiting and diarrhea for more than two consecutive days, call your doctor.
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is another name for an upset stomach caused by an infection. The linings of your stomach and intestines become inflamed, leading to nausea, vomiting, cramping, abdominal pain, chills, fever, loose stools, headache, body aches and an increased number of stools. Gastroenteritis has no cure except diet modification, increased liquid intake and rest. The condition is preventable by washing your hands often, staying away from people who appear to be sick and disinfecting public items.
Dairy Avoidance
If you're diagnosed with gastroenteritis, your doctor will recommend that you eliminate and avoid certain foods that can further aggravate your condition, such as dairy. When the lining of your digestive system is inflamed, dairy can further aggravate your system. Avoid regular milk, cheese, half and half, cream, ice cream, custard and cream sauces. Eat foods that are simple and bland that will help calm the stomach and promote normal bowel movements, such as white bread, white rice and bananas.
Cultured Dairy Inclusion
Cultured dairy products are recommended to treat diarrhea and an upset stomach, according to MayoClinic.com. Cultured dairy products contain live and active cultures, also called probiotics. Your gut contains helpful bacteria that keep your digestive system functioning normal. When you develop stomach inflammation, your good bacteria can decrease significantly, promoting loose stools. Cultured dairy products contain probiotics that can restore the bacteria lost during the illness.
Considerations
Certain digestive conditions caused by drinking milk can cause gastroenteritis symptoms but is not gastroenteritis. Gastroenteritis is an isolated illness and is not triggered by drinking milk. If you develop an upset stomach after drinking milk, you may be lactose intolerant. Lactose intolerance will cause gas, bloating, diarrhea and cramping because your digestive system cannot digest the sugar found in milk. A milk allergy can also cause gastric symptoms. A milk allergy is not as common but can cause significant complications.
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