Answer:

Yogurt is rich in nutrients and provides many beneficial bacteria that help balance the intestinal microbiota. These probiotics inhibit harmful bacteria, such as H. pylori bacteria, a common cause of stomach ulcers. The lactic acid in yogurt, after being metabolized, helps suppress the growth of pathogenic bacteria and supports the healing of mild ulcers. Consuming yogurt can also help reduce symptoms like bloating and indigestion, allowing the stomach to process food without excessive exertion.

Additionally, the amount of acid in yogurt is negligible compared to the natural acidity of stomach acid, so it does not harm the stomach as some believe. Yogurt helps regulate bowel movements, minimize the accumulation of gas or food, thereby preventing constipation and improving the overall digestion process.

People with stomach pain should not eat yogurt on an empty stomach. Photo: Bui Thuy

However, individuals experiencing stomach pain should avoid eating yogurt on an empty stomach. It is best to consume yogurt about one to two hours after a main meal. At this time, the stomach acid concentration has been diluted by food, creating an ideal environment for beneficial bacteria to survive and exert their positive effects.

Furthermore, do not eat yogurt that is too cold immediately after taking it out of the refrigerator. It should be left at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before consumption to prevent stomach spasms.

When choosing yogurt, prioritize plain varieties with low sugar or no sugar. Limit yogurts that contain too many artificial flavors or chemical colorings. It is also advisable not to eat yogurt with processed foods like sausages and bacon, as these combinations can lead to digestive disorders. Limit consumption to only one to two containers per day.

Doctor Ha Hai Nam

Deputy Head of Gastrointestinal Surgery Department 1, K Hospital (Hanoi)