Can People with Erosive Gastritis Drink Yogurt?

Understanding the Relationship Between Yogurt and Erosive Gastritis

Many individuals suffering from erosive gastritis often wonder whether it's safe to consume yogurt. The good news is that yogurt can actually be beneficial for those with this condition. As a semi-fluid fermented dairy product, yogurt contains lactic acid, which gives it a mild sour taste. More importantly, it supports better digestion and helps the body absorb essential nutrients from milk.

From a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) perspective, yogurt has a sweet taste and cool nature. It's known for its ability to nourish yin and generate body fluids, making it particularly suitable for people experiencing stomach yin deficiency or excessive internal heat. Since the stomach thrives in a moist environment and dislikes dryness, foods and medicines with cooling and hydrating properties are generally more appropriate.

The Best Time to Consume Yogurt for Optimal Benefits

It is typically recommended to drink yogurt after meals rather than on an empty stomach. This is because the pH level of the stomach during fasting is usually below 2, while the ideal environment for the growth of live lactic acid bacteria found in yogurt is above a pH of 5.4. Consuming yogurt on an empty stomach may destroy these beneficial bacteria, significantly reducing the nutritional and health benefits of the yogurt.

By choosing to consume yogurt after eating, you help preserve the live cultures, allowing them to reach the intestines where they can support gut health, aid digestion, and potentially reduce symptoms associated with erosive gastritis.