Article: Can milk worsen the congestion of colds, allergies or asthma?(Ask EN)(Report)

Q. Do milk and dairy products increase mucus production and aggravate congestion? Should I avoid them when I have a cold or allergy symptoms?

A. No. There's no scientific basis for either the oft-heard notion or the advice, says a recent review of the research appearing in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition. Milk and dairy products do temporarily coat the mouth and tongue with a film, which can feel like a mucus coating. But they don't actually increase mucus production or worsen the congestion of colds or allergies.

Root of a Myth. Researchers have traced the mistaken impression that milk increases mucus secretion back to the 12th century Treatise on ...

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