Milk is sometimes mistaken as a possible natural treatment for heartburn. Unfortunately, milk contains substances, such as fat, protein and calcium, that the stomach needs to produce stomach acid to digest properly. For those already suffering from heartburn or who are sensitive to heartburn (such as those with acid reflux), milk can actually contribute to heartburn formation. When milk heartburn hits you, there are a couple treatment options available.
Elevation
One way to reduce milk heartburn is by elevating your body. Lying down produces the least amount of resistance for stomach acid to backflow into the esophagus. By elevating your head at least 6 to 9 inches, you can use natural gravity to help keep stomach acids below the esophageal sphincter, reducing your heartburn, according to the Mayo Clinic. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse also recommends not lying down for at least three hours after ingesting a heartburn-inducing food or beverage, such as milk.
Antacids
Antacids, such as Mylanta, Tums and Rolaids, help neutralize acid in the stomach created as the body tries to break down the milk you consume. Antacids work by raising the pH of your stomach acid, making it less acidic. The less acidic the acid, the less heartburn it can cause. Antacids are only a temporary fix, but they are, generally, fast-acting.
Proton Pump Inhibitors
Proton pump inhibitors, such as lansoprazole (Prevacid) and omeprazole (Prilosec OTC), are over-the-counter medications that temporarily block the production of stomach acid by shutting down the proton pumps of the stomach. Proton pumps are cells in the stomach that replace potassium ions with the more acidic hydrogen ion, changing the overall acidity of your stomach.
H-2-Receptor Blockers
H-2-receptor blockers, such as famotidine (Pepcid AC) and cimetidine (Tagamet HB), target histamine, a body chemical that activates the production of stomach acid. H-2-receptor blockers block the production of histamine, resulting in less stomach acid and preventing heartburn. Depending on the dosage, H-2-receptor blockers can be found in both prescription and nonprescription strengths.
