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If you have ever experienced acid reflux or a burning sensation in the chest after a heavy or spicy meal, you will understand the desperation to resolve the feeling as soon as possible.
Many people follow home remedies such as drinking cold milk, eating ice cream, chewing digestive aids such as fennel seeds, eating cucumber, or drinking peppermint tea. (1)
One fairly popular remedy is also drinking milkshakes with certain fruits such as banana, and some people do report feeling better.
How Do Banana and Milk Help?
Banana is considered a low-acid fruit and can improve heartburn or acidity by neutralizing the stomach acids and coating the stomach lining to reduce irritation. In addition, it contains a soluble fiber called pectin, which can absorb excess acid to prevent its backflow into the food pipe. (2)
Milk, on the other hand, is a rich source of calcium. Most antacids contain salts of calcium to neutralize and reduce the backflow of acids.
Calcium can also improve the muscle tone of the food pipe while also increasing peristalsis, the movement that pushes the food down into the stomach. This movement allows the acids to move back into the stomach, preventing heartburn. (3)
Studies have also shown that people who consume milk or dairy products did not experience acid reflux, making milk a preferable choice to reduce acidity. (4)
How to Make a Banana Milkshake
A banana shake is easy to make. Just blend together:
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 cup cold milk
Avoid the addition of any sweetener as the ripe banana will lend enough flavor.
Contradictions
While banana and milk are useful for reducing acid reflux and its combination seems effective, there is some indication that continuous use of this blend can be damaging.
According to the principles of Ayurveda, milk and banana are considered incompatible together and can reduce metabolic fire. A reduced metabolism can lead to indigestion and flatulence and can even contribute to weight gain.
Animal studies done to prove this theory found changes to major organs such as the heart, spleen, and liver, whereby there was an increase in liver enzymes and urea. The study suggested continuous consumption of banana milkshakes can be mildly toxic. (5)
Expert Recommendation
You can consume a banana milkshake if you experience severe acid reflux, but do not make it part of your daily diet. You may consume either banana or milk when you get acidity following a meal or due to an empty stomach.
Most-Asked Questions About Banana Milkshake
Is banana milkshake safe to drink?
As discussed, banana milkshakes can lead to mild toxic implications as observed from changes in the liver, spleen, and heart. In addition, this drink can be calorically dense and can lead to weight gain if consumed regularly.
You can consume this drink once in a while, but make sure you do not make it a regularity.
Can I give this mix to children?
If children experience acid reflux, you can give them a banana or milk separately to avoid its implication in children.
Can banana milkshakes cause gas?
Bananas can cause bloating in some people due to their fiber and sugar content. However, since bananas are blended for a milkshake, the fiber is broken down, making it easier to digest than the whole fruit and reducing its chances of causing gas.
Are banana milkshakes easy to digest?
A banana milkshake is a nutrient-dense food and is not digested quickly. Some people may experience some discomfort if they are prone to issues with bananas or milk.
In short, a banana milkshake is moderately easy to digest.
Final Word
Banana milkshake is a popular beverage around the world. It is a nutritionally rich combination that not only provides nutrients such as calcium, soluble fiber, potassium, and energy but can also provide relief for symptoms of acidity or heartburn.
However, as the principles of Ayurveda suggest, the combination of banana and milk is incompatible and is not recommended for regular consumption. You may consume either banana or milk to experience relief from acidity symptoms as each individually is very effective as well.
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