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Does Milk Break a Fast?

Published in Fasting and Diet 1 min read

Yes, consuming milk will end your fast. Milk contains calories, carbohydrates, and proteins which will all trigger digestion and break your fasting state. This is because the primary goal of fasting is to achieve ketosis, where your body shifts from burning glucose to burning fat for energy.

Why Milk Breaks a Fast

The following reasons explain why milk breaks a fast:

  • Caloric Content: Milk has calories that your body will process for energy, stopping the process of burning stored fat.
  • Carbohydrates: The carbohydrates in milk, particularly lactose, are converted into glucose, thus shifting the body away from a state of ketosis.
  • Protein: The protein content in milk also initiates digestion and provides your body with energy, disrupting the fasting state.


Nutrient Impact on Fasting
Calories Provides energy, ends fast
Carbohydrates Converted to glucose, ends ketosis
Protein Starts digestion, ends fast


Therefore, if you are fasting for the purpose of entering ketosis, drinking milk is not recommended. Instead, choose options that contain no calories, such as water, black coffee, or herbal tea.