Does Rice Milk Increase Phlegm?
Cow’s milk is generally considered healthy for children and adults, although it can lead to allergic reactions, lactose intolerance and possibly increased phlegm production. Consequently, some people switch to alternative sources such as soy, almond or rice milk. Rice milk is a nondairy beverage that causes fewer negative symptoms than those associated with cow’s milk. There are no studies that link increased phlegm production with the consumption of rice milk.
RICE MILK
Rice milk is a nondairy product, so a more appropriate name is probably rice beverage, although it’s meant as a substitute for cow’s milk. Rice milk looks like low-fat cow’s milk, but it doesn’t taste quite the same. Rice milk is processed from rice, usually brown rice, by dissolving the crushed grain in hot water and then filtering it. Compared to cow’s milk, rice milk contains a higher percentage of carbohydrates, but fewer minerals and vitamins, and no lactose or cholesterol, according to the “Encyclopedia of Human Nutrition.” In order to compensate for its relative lack of nutrients, most brands of rice milk are fortified with calcium, B vitamins, vitamin D and iron. Furthermore, most varieties of rice milk are unsweetened, but some brands are sweetened with sugarcane syrup or other sugars.advertisement
ALTERNATIVE TO COW'S MILK
Rice milk is often consumed by people who are lactose intolerant or allergic to some component of dairy or soybean products. Strict vegetarians avoid all dairy products, and sometimes they use rice milk as a dairy substitute in their coffee or on their cereal. People on low-fat or low-cholesterol diets may also opt for rice milk. Furthermore, some people avoid cow’s milk because it is widely believed that it increases phlegm production, which may aggravate lung congestion and trigger bouts of coughing.
COW'S MILK AND PHLEGM
Phlegm is produced by the mucus membranes that line your mouth, throat, lungs and intestines. Phlegm is important for trapping pathogens and debris, which are then removed through the stool or coughed up and expelled. However, overproduction of phlegm occurs with many diseases, such as pneumonia and bronchitis, and is associated with congestion, breathing difficulties and chronic bouts of coughing. Many people perceive that milk consumption increases phlegm production, but scientific research indicates that this is not the case, according to the “Textbook for Functional Medicine.” Researchers claim that nasal secretions do not increase with milk drinking, nor does it increase coughing or congestion. Researchers suggest that perhaps the consistency and texture of milk create a perception of more phlegm production.
RICE MILK AND PHLEGM
Despite the anecdotal claims that cow’s milk increases phlegm production, no such reactions are commonly reported with rice milk consumption. Allergies to rice or other components of rice milk exist, although the allergic symptoms do not include increased phlegm production, according to “Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine.” However, allergic reactions to rice products are much less common compared to dairy products, so if you experience negative reactions to cow’s milk, consider switching to rice milk and note any changes in your symptomatology. Consult with an allergy specialist if you experience negative reactions after drinking cow’s milk or rice milk.