How many people are accustomed to drinking a glass of milk before going to bed, thinking that it can help sleep and replenish calcium? It's true that milk is called a "natural sleeping pill", but are you really drinking it right? In fact, there are a lot of misconceptions about milk, and drinking it wrong is not only ineffective, but may also bring a burden to the body. Today, let's talk about those things about drinking milk at night, and by the way, remind you to avoid 2 common misunderstandings!

Is drinking milk at night really good for the body?

1. The effect of sleep aid varies from person to person

Milk contains tryptophan, a substance that helps the brain synthesize melatonin and promotes sleep. However, it is important to note that the sleep aid effect of milk is not effective for everyone. If you have poor sleep quality or severe insomnia, a glass of milk alone may be limited.

2. A good time to supplement calcium

Evening is the peak period of calcium absorption in the human body, and the calcium in milk is easy to be absorbed and utilized. For people with calcium deficiency, drinking milk at night is a good choice, especially middle-aged and elderly people and teenagers.

3. Relieves hunger

If you are hungry at night but are afraid that eating too much will affect your digestion, a glass of warm milk can help you relieve your hunger pangs without putting too much burden on your stomach.

2 misunderstandings about drinking milk, have you been tricked?

Myth 1: The thicker the milk, the better

Many people think that the thicker the milk, the more nutritious it is, but this is not the case. The "thick milk" on the market may have added thickeners or sugar, and drinking too much will increase calorie intake and even affect blood sugar. When choosing milk, give priority to the ingredient list and choose pure milk with simple ingredients and no additives.

Myth 2: Drinking milk on an empty stomach is more nutritious

Drinking milk on an empty stomach will quickly break down the proteins in the milk, resulting in a waste of nutrients. Moreover, drinking milk on an empty stomach may stimulate gastric acid secretion and cause gastrointestinal discomfort. It is advisable to eat a little carbohydrate, such as a slice of whole wheat bread, before drinking milk, which is more conducive to nutrient absorption.

How to drink milk at night to be healthier?

1. Choose warm milk

Iced milk may irritate the stomach and cause discomfort. When drinking milk in the evening, it's best to warm it up to a warm state, which is more easily absorbed by the body and can also help relax the body.

2. Control the amount, don't buy the cup

The amount of milk drunk at night should not be too much, generally 250-0ml. Drinking too much will increase the burden on the stomach and intestines and affect the quality of sleep.

3. Serve with a little snack

If you're worried about the discomfort of drinking milk on an empty stomach, you can pair it with a little digestible food, such as oatmeal, bananas, or nuts, which can increase satiety and improve nutrient absorption.

Who is not suitable for drinking milk at night?

1. People who are lactose intolerant

If you are prone to bloating and diarrhea after drinking milk, it may be lactose intolerant. This group of people can choose low-lactose milk or yogurt to avoid the discomfort caused by drinking milk at night.

2. People who have too much stomach acid

The protein in milk stimulates gastric acid secretion, and people with excessive stomach acid may aggravate symptoms such as acid reflux and heartburn when they drink milk at night.

3. People with renal insufficiency

Milk has a high protein content, and people with renal insufficiency may increase the burden on their kidneys when drinking milk at night, so it is recommended to consult a doctor before deciding whether to drink it.

Tip: Alternative options for milk

If you're not comfortable with milk, or want a change of taste, try these alternatives:

Drinking milk at night is indeed good for the body, but the premise is to drink it in the right way and avoid misunderstandings. If you have lactose intolerance, excessive stomach acid, etc., you can choose other alternatives. Remember, the key to healthy eating is that it varies from person to person, and finding what works for you is the most important thing!

Do you have a habit of drinking milk at night? Have you encountered any minor problems? Feel free to share your experience!

Tips: The medical science knowledge in the content is for reference only, does not constitute a medication guideline, does not serve as a basis for diagnosis, do not do it yourself without medical qualifications, if you feel unwell, please go to the hospital in time.