Why do I feel bloated after milk when everyone says it's healthy?
The short answer
Because most Indian adults stop making the enzyme that digests milk sugar after childhood - only around one in eight carries the variant for lifelong tolerance.The LCT gene decides whether you keep producing lactase into adulthood. In Northern Europe most people do. Across South Asia, most people do not. The bloating after the second chai is not in your head; it is the default state of the subcontinent's digestion.
This is not a reason to fear dairy. It is a reason to choose the right form. Fermented dairy - dahi, chaas - is easier because fermentation has already broken down much of the lactose.
Do this today
Swap one glass of milk for a bowl of dahi or a glass of chaas. Notice whether your afternoon feels lighter.
Genes in playLCTMCM6