Ask VideoMD.com: Does milk improve the symptoms of reflux- heartburn? Milk contains protein and fat which both decrease the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter- which prevents acid from refluxing back from the stomach to the esophagus. This will actually cause an increase in the amount of acid reflux, and worsen your heartburn symtpoms. Question from HealthEagle.com-Your Resource for Health Knowledge.