Is Doodh soda good for digestion?

Does doodh soda help digestion?

Nothing we could find shows that it does. Doodh soda is a cold drink of milk, sugar and soda (often a lemon-lime soda such as 7Up), served over ice. In a Dawn report on Rawalpindi shops, several customers said it is easier to digest and some older people prefer it, but the article gives no scientific or medical evidence. Those remarks are traditional opinion, so do not use the drink to treat indigestion or any stomach condition.

What is in doodh soda?

• Milk, cold or, in winter in some places, hot.
• Sugar or a flavored syrup such as rose syrup.
• Soda water or a lemon-lime soda.
• Plenty of ice.

Because fizzy soda is usually sweetened, a glass can contain a fair amount of sugar. The amount varies by recipe and soda brand, so check the soda label if you count sugar.

Who should be careful?

Lactose intolerance. The US National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases says many people with lactose intolerance can handle about 12 grams of lactose (roughly 1 cup of milk) with no or mild symptoms, and suggests small amounts with meals, adding dairy gradually and trying lactase products. A large glass of doodh soda is mostly milk, so watch how you feel.

Reflux or a sensitive stomach. Carbonation makes some people feel bloated or gassy. If a drink makes you uncomfortable, skip it.

How to make it lighter

• Use less sugar or a smaller serving of syrup.
• Use plain soda water instead of a sweetened soda.
• Use a smaller glass and sip it slowly.
• Use lactose-free milk if regular milk upsets you.

When to see a doctor

Frequent pain, bloating, diarrhea or other digestive trouble is a reason to talk to a doctor or dietitian, not to try a new drink. This page is general information, not medical advice.