What are the side effects of drinking a milkshake?
A milkshake is high in sugar, fat and calories, so the main downsides are weight gain and tooth decay if you drink them often. People who cannot digest lactose may get bloating, stomach pain or diarrhea, and anyone with a milk allergy must avoid them. An occasional shake is fine for most people.
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What are the side effects of drinking a milkshake?
For most healthy people an occasional milkshake causes nothing worse than a sugar rush and a full stomach. The effects that matter come from frequency, size and your own tolerance for milk.
Sugar and calories
Shakes are made from ice cream, flavored syrup and sometimes whipped cream, so they carry a lot of sugar and energy in a drink that is easy to finish quickly. The NHS says eating too much sugar can make you gain weight and cause tooth decay. It advises adults to keep free sugars to no more than 30 g a day, and children to less (24 g at ages 7 to 10). Shake sizes and recipes vary a lot by shop and brand, so check the nutrition label or the shop’s published information; one large shake can use up most of a day’s allowance.
Saturated fat
Ice cream and whole milk add saturated fat. Health bodies generally advise limiting saturated fat in the overall diet, so a daily shake adds up. Making it with lower-fat milk and less ice cream reduces this.
Lactose intolerance
The NHS lists tummy pain, bloating, wind, diarrhea or constipation, and nausea as common signs of lactose intolerance, starting within minutes to hours of dairy. Shakes are often a big dose of lactose. The NHS says smaller portions, or avoiding lactose, prevents symptoms for most people, a lactase supplement may help some, and you should speak to a GP or dietitian before cutting out dairy yourself.
Milk allergy
A milk allergy is different and can be serious. Swollen lips or throat, trouble breathing or fainting after drinking a shake need emergency help straight away.
Brain freeze
Drinking something very cold fast can cause a short, sharp headache. It is harmless and passes in under a minute; slower sips avoid it.
How to enjoy one with fewer side effects
- Choose a small size and treat it as a dessert, not a drink with meals.
- Sip it, do not gulp it.
- Make it at home with milk and fruit, and leave out added syrup.
- Rinse with water afterward to help protect teeth.
This is general information, not medical advice. If you have diabetes, a milk allergy or a digestive condition, ask your doctor or dietitian.
People also ask
Is it bad to drink a milkshake every day?
A daily full-size shake adds a lot of sugar, saturated fat and calories, which the NHS links to weight gain and tooth decay. Smaller or homemade versions are easier to fit in.
Why does a milkshake upset my stomach?
The most common reason is lactose. The NHS lists bloating, tummy pain, wind and diarrhea as typical signs, and a GP or dietitian can help you confirm it.
What causes brain freeze from a milkshake?
Very cold liquid touching the roof of your mouth can trigger a brief headache. It fades quickly, and drinking slowly helps.
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