Question
My baby is three years old and drinks pure milk on an empty stomach every morning, and she drinks three bottles a day. However, she always eats very little for dinner. Could this be related to her drinking milk on an empty stomach in the morning? Are there any methods to encourage her to eat dinner?
Answer
When milk is consumed on an empty stomach, some of the protein in it is used to provide energy, thus failing to fully utilize the nutritional benefits of milk. Moreover, drinking milk on an empty stomach increases gastrointestinal motility, causing the nutrients in the milk to be sent to the large intestine before they are fully digested. In the large intestine, these nutrients can be acted upon by bacteria, leading to spoilage and the formation of harmful substances. Since milk contains a large amount of water, drinking a large amount of milk on an empty stomach can dilute gastric juices, which is not conducive to the absorption and digestion of food. It is recommended to consume a diverse diet, ensuring that food is colorful, fragrant, and tasty to encourage children to enjoy their meals. You can prepare milk in a form that your child likes or have her eat with children who have better appetites. Place the milk in a less noticeable location before meals, or avoid giving children milk before meals.