Heartburn and Constipation After Drinking Milk? Can Be Sensitive Cow's Milk

Heartburn and constipation are complaints that can occur to anyone. Even though the problem isn't serious, this situation can make you feel uncomfortable all day long. Several factors can trigger heartburn and constipation, ranging from eating spicy and fatty foods to consuming cow's milk.

If heartburn and constipation still occur after consuming cow's milk, you must be vigilant. You may be sensitive to cow's milk because of lactose intolerance or allergic to cow's milk content.

Causes heartburn and constipation after drinking cow's milk

Some conditions that can cause heartburn and constipation after consuming cow's milk are as follows:

Lactose intolerance

Lactose intolerance is a condition when the body cannot break down lactose, which is sugar in milk. Someone with this disease does not produce enough lactase to break down lactose into glucose and galactose. As a result, lactose is not digested properly and causes various symptoms, such as bloating, nausea, vomiting, heartburn and constipation.

Cow milk allergy

Milk allergy itself is a condition where the immune system overreacts to the milk protein content. The most common types of proteins that trigger allergies are whey and casein. People who suffer from this disease may be allergic to one or both proteins. Vomiting, stomach cramps, itching, tearing, coughing, and diarrhea are some of the symptoms of milk allergy which usually occurs after consumption of cow's milk.

Sensitivity to casein A1, beta protein

In general, cow's milk contains beta-casein protein, which consists of proteins A1 and A2. The body needs these two proteins to support the growth of muscle mass, strengthen the immune system and support the development of the digestive system in infants. However, not everyone can digest protein A1 because the digestive system reacts with beta-casomorphin-7 (BCM-7) compounds that are formed when the body digest protein A1. This compound can trigger digestive disorders, such as bloating, heartburn, constipation and diarrhea.

Prevents heartburn and constipation after drinking cow's milk
If you are one of those who are reluctant to consume cow's milk because you often feel heartburn and constipation afterwards, you no longer need to worry. There are several options for replacing cow's milk that you can consume safely, including:

Soy milk

There are many sources of calcium besides cow's milk, including soy milk. Soy milk can be an option for those who are lactose intolerant. Indeed, soy milk contains calcium as good as cow's milk.

Extensively hydrolyzed formula milk

Sufferers of cow's milk allergy can still consume cow's milk. Choose a formula that is rich in milk hydrolyzate. The content of this special formula milk protein has been broken down into smaller components, so people who are allergic to cow's milk do not react to the protein content of milk. In addition to hydrolyzed formulas, you can also choose formulas that contain amino acids.

A2 cow's milk

A2 milk can also be an option for those who have A1 protein sensitivity. According to one study, protein A2 is known to cause fewer digestive disorders. Indeed, milk containing A2 protein is not broken down into beta-casomorphine-7 compounds and therefore does not cause allergic reactions in your digestive system.

Various types of milk above can be an option for those of you who suffer from heartburn and constipation after consuming cow's milk. However, if heartburn and constipation are felt for several days and do not heal, get medical help immediately.