Many people drink milk as part of a healthy diet. The beverage contains calcium and other essential nutrients to help build strong bones. However, some dairy products can cause bladder irritation and result in frequent urination for people with interstitial cystitis or other bladder issues. If you are experiencing frequent urination after drinking milk, try changing the liquid you consume. You should also consult with a dietitian to discuss your individual dietary needs and find alternative non-dairy resources for the nutrients you are missing.
Why Does Milk Make Me Pee A Lot?
Your bladder is a balloon-like organ that collects your urine until you need to empty it (pee). Urine is made up of the liquid waste filtered by your kidneys from the food and drinks you eat. Your bladder gets irritated by certain foods and drinks, such as acidic fruits and vegetables like oranges, grapefruits and clementines. The same goes for caffeine and sugar. Those things stimulate your bladder to urinate more frequently.
Some people are lactose intolerant to the enzyme in milk that breaks down dairy sugars so they can be absorbed into the bloodstream. Undigested lactose gets trapped in the large intestine, which can lead to gas, bloating and diarrhoea.
Research shows that full-fat milk produces less urine than water. Some researchers even claim that cola and orange juice are more hydrating than milk, which doesn’t make any sense to us. If you’re looking for a drink that won’t make you run to the restroom every 20 minutes, try a green smoothie or plain, unsweetened non-dairy milk options.