Lactose Intolerance and Heartburn

Although in-depth scientific studies baring conclusive evidence regarding links between lactose intolerance and heartburn are scarce to say the least, there is much anecdotal evidence to suggest such a link exists.

While lactose intolerance is typically a gastrointestinal condition, and one which stays as such, heartburn is a condition which begins in the gastro area and radiates throughout the chest, reaching the oesophagus, and perhaps the throat. Heartburn is a burning sensation caused by gastric acid reflux and can be most distressing.

In those who suffer from heartburn, the ‘cardia' or ‘lower oesophagus sphincter', which is a circular muscle designed to prevent stomach contents reaching the oesophagus, may relax or ‘open' thus allowing stomach acid passage through to the oesophagus, thus causing heartburn.

As already mentioned, due to the lack of conclusive scientific evidence, a link between lactose intolerance and heartburn and an actual cause remains purely speculative and anecdotal therefore must not be taken as proof. However many people whom have suffered from heartburn for years have later been diagnosed as lactose intolerant. Once lactose has been cut out of the diet and had enough time to remove itself from the body's system completely, many people have reported their heartburn has ceased.

Many heartburn suffers have noted that drinking milk can cause severe heartburn for them whilst other foods or drinks seem to be fine. As this phenomenon has been taken into account by many heartburn sufferers to avoid milk, many are still unaware that milk, particularly lactose, is an ingredient in many other foods such as butter, bread, cheese etc. So whilst a person may cut out pure glasses of milk from their diet, they continue to consume milk in other foods without knowing, thus the continuation of heartburn symptoms continues.

If you suffer from severe heartburn, and/or any of the classic symptoms of lactose intolerance mentioned elsewhere on this website, you may want to get yourself checked out by your G.P. for lactose intolerance.