Dairy products do not cause intestinal ulcers. If you have an intestinal ulcer, consuming diary products may cause some symptoms to subside temporarily, according to MayoClinic.com. Ulcers are open sores in the lining of your digestive system that become painful when your stomach is empty because they are exposed to digestive acids. If you experience digestive complications, such as abdominal pain, bloating and gas, you may have another condition unrelated to an ulcer.
Intestinal Ulcer Causes
Ulcers were once thought to be caused by stress and eating too many spicy foods. FamilyDoctor.org explains that ulcers are not caused by eating certain foods, but rather an intestinal infection caused by the H. pylori bacteria, consuming too much alcohol, smoking and daily use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Eating spicy foods, highly acidic foods and fried foods may cause pain if you have intestinal ulcers. Dairy products may coat the lining of your digestive system, protecting the open sores from exposure to digestive acids.
Treatment
Treatment for intestinal ulcers is determined by your medical doctor. Not all ulcers are treated with the same medications or lifestyle modifications. A blood test can confirm the presence of H. pylori in your body, which is primarily treated with triple antibiotic therapy. Pronton pump inhibitors, antacids and H-2 blockers are other common medications prescribed by physicians to treat intestinal ulcers. Your doctor may also recommend avoiding tobacco, caffeine, alcohol and certain pain relievers until your symptoms subside.
Milk Allergy
If you notice that you develop severe stomach pain and other symptoms from consuming milk, you may have a milk allergy. Kids Health states that milk is a common food allergen that can cause a wide range of gastrointestinal symptoms. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, abdominal cramping, diarrhea and an upset stomach. Milk allergies are incurable and will require that you implement a dairy-free diet. Avoidance is the most effective way to prevent milk allergy symptoms.
Lactose Intoelrance
Another common condition that you might confuse with symptoms from an intestinal ulcer is lactose intolerance. Lactose is a complex sugar found in milk that the body cannot absorb without breaking it down into galactose and glucose, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. If you lack the lactase enzyme, the lactose will remain undigested until it reaches the colon. In the colon, harmless bacteria interact with the milk sugar, causing excessive gas, bloating and diarrhea.
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