by Alisha Matthew,
Alisha Matthew
Alisha Matthew has been a practicing nutritionist since 2016. She holds a master's degree in nutrition from the University of IOWA. She is a staunch believer in improving the human health index by educating people about nutrition and the importance of nutrition in leading a healthy and happy life. Her long-term goal is to keep educating people on general health and keep herself updated with the latest trends in the field of health.
Medically verified by: Dr. Emina Ribich [MD]
Fact checked by
Dr. Emina Ribich [MD]
Emina Ribic MD graduated from Medical faculty of University of Sarajevo in 2017. She worked as a research associate at Clinical Center University of Sarajevo, where she was working on study preparations, data collection and analysis, and coauthored several scientific articles. She is currently employed as a field doctor in the Emergency medical services.
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Almonds are the richest source of several essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other nutrients that may help your body stay healthy and active.
Similarly, almond milk is one such vegan milk that may offer numerous health benefits to keep the metabolism high.
Hence, it would be best to consider consuming such beverages in your diet. But, with multiple benefits, this drink comes with a few side effects that could turn dangerous for some people.
Therefore, this article has collectively listed some of the common side effects observed due to almond milk consumption.
List of Almond Milk Side Effects
May Cause Digestive Problems
Almond milk is a highly nutritious beverage with several health benefits. But, consuming almond milk in excess may cause multiple stomach problems.
Some experts say excessive almond consumption may lead to health issues like nausea, irregular bowel movements, stomach discomfort, etc.
They believe high almond milk consumption may boost your body with a high amount of essential nutrients resulting in such stomach conditions.
Commercially, several almond milk manufacturers prefer using an additive called carrageenan. But, research[1] has shown the compound may lead to gastrointestinal distress in consumers.
Though carrageenan is a natural plant-based compound extracted from red seaweed, it may cause digestive issues.
Some research suggests that the carbohydrate addition to almond milk would make it indigestible.
May Be Problematic For People With Tree Nut Allergies
You may develop an allergy to certain substances in which your immune system may react abnormally to the unknown substance.
Similarly, some people may have allergies to nuts, especially nuts grown on trees. Here, the almond is a tree nut that may cause several severe allergic reactions in consumers.
Research[2] shows that tree nuts like almonds may cause several moderate to fatal allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).
Generally, the allergic reactions linked to almonds are hives, runny nose, nausea, lip swelling, skin itching, rashes, tightening of the throat, etc.
But, the severity of allergic reactions may lead to difficult or noisy breathing, persistent cough, regular collapse, etc.
You may observe these symptoms within two hours of almond milk consumption. Hence, it would help if you rush to the hospital or consult any doctor for further necessary actions in such cases.
May Cause Abdominal Pain and Bloating
Digesting milk isn’t an easy task for every individual. You may know that some people resist the consumption of milk.
(Video) Almond Milk For Babies; GOOD or BAD 🤔 By Dr Brajpal | बादाम के दूध के फ़ायदे | Almond Milk benefitSome companies use compounds like soy lecithin, guar gum, etc., that may cause digestive issues[3] like irritable bowel syndrome.
May Elevate Blood Sugar Level
Almond milk is a healthy beverage with multiple benefits. The drink contains numerous vitamins and minerals essential for various metabolic activities in the body.
The naturally or unsweetened form of almond milk does not contain any added sugars or carbohydrates, hence, it is excellent and safe for diabetic and healthy consumers.
But, commercially prepared almond milk may contain sugar or carbs to enhance the flavor.
Sweetened almond milk may have a similar nutritional value, but the sugar content would make it unsafe for diabetic or sugar-sensitive consumers.
Hence, consuming sweetened almond milk or sweetened beverages may cause a sudden spike in blood sugar levels, which could harm several diabetic individuals, as per this study[4].
May Be Harmful To Thyroid Gland
Multiple studies have revealed that switching from cow to almond milk may cause thyroid issues.
Almond milk consumption may lead to decreased thyroid hormone production in healthy individuals and hypothyroidism patients.
The paper[5] shows that iodine is an essential micronutrient that helps the well-being of the thyroid gland and its functions. Moreover, the crucial element also works as an effective disinfectant in the body.
Hence, scarcity of iodine in the body may lead to reduced thyroid hormone production and other metabolic activities.
Almond milk supplies a comparatively lower amount of iodine to the body resulting in a reduced thyroid function, as per the study[6] conducted on different milk alternatives.
Moreover, immediate switching from cow milk to almond milk may cause a significant drop in iodine levels resulting in a harmful impact on thyroid health.
May Not Suit Babies And Children
Some parents prefer switching from breastmilk to almond milk at the infant stage of their baby. But, it’s never a great idea to do so, as breast milk is sufficient for an infant to grow and meet its nutritional needs.
Some experts[7] suggest that replacing breast milk with almond milk may lead to malnutrition and weakness in the baby.
Moreover, at the infant stage, the baby isn’t ready to digest multiple vitamins, amino acids, and minerals like an adult, hence, feeding them almond milk may cause digestive issues.
Here, mothers may prefer a smooth transition as the baby grows, like switching slowly from breast milk to cow milk and then almond milk.
A notice issued by the FDA[8] mentioned that children consuming almond milk may not observe significant benefits.
Moreover, almond milk may cause further complications at a later stage in their life. But, it isn’t a proven fact, hence, additional studies are required.
May Cause Health Issues During Pregnancy
Consuming almond milk during pregnancy may cause several health issues and complications.
Some research has shown that women drinking almond milk during pregnancy may experience an accumulation of fat that could lead to obesity.
(Video) Coconut Milk Benefits and Side Effects for Health - Is Coconut Milk Good for You?Hence, obesity in a pregnant woman may lead to several other unwanted health conditions like gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, preeclampsia, etc.
Sweetened or commercially manufactured almond milk may increase the blood sugar level during pregnancy.
On the other hand, unsweetened almond milk is a low-calorie beverage whose consumption may not meet the immediate calorie requirements[9].
Hence, consuming almond milk may lead to fatigue and low energy in pregnant women. Therefore, a pregnant woman must consider consulting a dietician before including almond milk in the diet.
May Cause Cold-Like Symptoms
Almond milk might be a great drink to empower your body with sufficient essential nutrients. But, you must consume it carefully if you get any cold-like symptoms like coughing, sneezing, running nose, etc.
Several experts suggest that almond milk may cause the production of phlegm, a thick and sticky mucus-like substance dripping down the throat.
The production of phlegm could be a symptom of cough and cold. Generally, the cold-like symptoms are prominently visible in people with almond allergies.
But, healthy people may also experience cold-like symptoms due to almond milk consumption.
Hence, if the symptom persists every time you consume almond milk, you should immediately stop drinking it and contact any healthcare expert for the best advice.
May Cause Some Skin Conditions
Generally, you may find almonds cause[10] skin problems like rashes, itching, eczema, hives, etc., in people with existing nut allergies.
But, the condition may also occur in healthy individuals due to some naturally existing compounds. The skin problems due to almond milk aren’t permanent as they may vanish within a day.
However, this condition may occur within 10-60 minutes of almond oil consumption. Some studies have also shown that almond milk consumption may cause acne in some people.
At the same time, some extended studies have revealed that non-dairy milk may primarily cause acne in people with oily skin.
But, you may consume almond oil in limited quantities to get other health benefits.
May Lead To Breathing Problems
Drinking almond milk may cause some breathing and respiratory problems in consumers.
Several people have reported difficulty breathing after drinking almond milk due to multiple obstructions in the respiratory pathway.
The common issues faced after drinking almond milk are wheezing, stuffy and runny nose, chest congestion, etc.
In a few instances, almond milk may cause blockage in the lungs, resulting in an inability to breathe properly. The condition may last up to a few hours, but it may turn fatal if left unnoticed.
Almond milk could harm[11] asthma patients as it may cause severe complications with the existing condition. Hence, asthma patients must consult any expert before adding almond milk to the diet.
May Cause Migraine
Almond milk may enhance migraine conditions in several people. Some surveys have revealed that people consuming almond milk with existing migraine issues have worsened their situation.
(Video) Is almond milk an anti inflammatory ? | Good Health for AllAlmond milk contains an amino acid called tyrosine, the primary cause of triggering or elevating migraine issues in people.
But, consuming tyrosine in limited amounts may not cause significant problems in people as it has several essential roles in human metabolism.
Hence, you should not excessively drink almond milk to avoid increased tyrosine concentration in the body. Moreover, you must consult doctors before consuming almond milk if you have migraine issues.
Conclusion
A bunch of health benefits of almond milk masks some of the common side effects of the drink. But, you must be aware of such side effects for the safe consumption of the beloved beverage.
You should go through the above-mentioned possible side effects of almond milk for secure intake. Moreover, it would be best to control your almond milk intake to avoid adverse effects.
References/Sources
Working4Health prefers using primary and verified references. We have strict sourcing guidelines and our primary references include peer-reviewed research, academic, and medical institution studies.
- J K TobacmanReview of harmful gastrointestinal effects of carrageenan in animal experiments. Environ Health Perspect. 2001 Oct; 109(10): 983–994. doi: 10.1289/ehp.01109983
- Tamar Weinberger and Scott Sicherer Current perspectives on tree nut allergy: a review J Asthma Allergy. 2018; 11: 41–51.Published online 2018 Mar 26. doi: 10.2147/JAA.S141636
- D. Partridge, K. A. Lloyd, J. M. Rhodes, et al. Food additives: Assessing the impact of exposure to permitted emulsifiers on bowel and metabolic health – introducing the FADiets study Nutr Bull. 2019 Dec; 44(4): 329–349.Published online 2019 Nov 25. doi: 10.1111/nbu.12408
- Tung-Sung Tseng, Wei-Ting Lin, Gabrielle V Gonzalez, et al. Sugar intake from sweetened beverages and diabetes: A narrative review World J Diabetes. 2021 Sep 15; 12(9): 1530–1538.Published online 2021 Sep 15. doi: 10.4239/wjd.v12.i9.1530
- Hye Rim Chung Iodine and thyroid function Ann Pediatr Endocrinol Metab. 2014 Mar; 19(1): 8–12.Published online 2014 Mar 31. doi: 10.6065/apem.2014.19.1.8
- Kathryn Vance, Amir Makhmudov, Robert L. Jones, et al. Re: “Iodine Content in Milk Alternatives” by Ma et al. (Thyroid 2016;26:1308–1310) Thyroid. 2017 May; 27(5): 748–749.Published online 2017 Apr 14. doi: 10.1089/thy.2017.0056
- Alison Stuebe The Risks of Not Breastfeeding for Mothers and Infants Rev Obstet Gynecol. 2009 Fall; 2(4): 222–231.
- Statement from FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., on modernizing standards of identity and the use of dairy names for plant-based substitutes Content current as of:
09/27/2018 Available from: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/statement-fda-commissioner-scott-gottlieb-md-modernizing-standards-identity-and-use-dairy-names - Giorgia Sebastiani, Ana Herranz Barbero, Cristina Borrás-Novell, et al. The Effects of Vegetarian and Vegan Diet during Pregnancy on the Health of Mothers and Offspring Nutrients. 2019 Mar; 11(3): 557.Published online 2019 Mar 6. doi: 10.3390/nu11030557
- Nut allergies Reviewed on: 06-04-2022 Available from: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/nut-allergies
- Mário Bezerra, Miguel Ribeiro, and Gilberto Igrejas An Updated Overview of Almond Allergens Nutrients. 2021 Aug; 13(8): 2578.Published online 2021 Jul 27. doi: 10.3390/nu13082578
- About the Author
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Alisha Matthew Nutritionist
Alisha Matthew has been a practicing nutritionist since 2016. She holds a master’s degree in nutrition from the University of IOWA. She is a staunch believer in improving the human health index by educating people about nutrition and the importance of nutrition in leading a healthy and happy life. Her long-term goal is to keep educating people on general health and keep herself updated with the latest trends in the field of health.
FAQs
What does almond milk do to your intestines? ›
Almonds are rich in fiber, which is important for healthy digestion. Almond milk can help in reducing the problems like constipation and other intestinal issues and keep your digestive system healthy.
Does almond milk cause inflammation in the body? ›It Doesn't Cause Inflammation
Assuming you don't have an issue with nuts, almond milk does not cause this same inflammation. It is fairly soothing to the intestines, and in most cases, does not cause the consumer any negative digestive side effects.
Bottom line: Almond milk is high in vitamin E and contains healthful fats. Drinking it regularly may benefit your heart.
Can almond milk cause digestive problems? ›If you're like millions of Americans, you may have tried or regularly drink plant-based milk alternatives like soy, almond, rice or hemp. They're considered a healthier alternative, but some people may be surprised to find the beverages can upset their stomachs as much as dairy, doctors say.
Is almond milk good for arthritis? ›Almond Milk
People with low levels of vitamin D are more likely to develop arthritis. Your body makes vitamin D from the sun, but chances are you're not getting as much as you need. Vitamin D-fortified foods, including almond milk, can help fill the gap.
It can cause problems for those at risk for low thyroid function. Almonds are a goitrogenic food, meaning, when consumed in large quantities, they can suppress the function of the thyroid gland by interfering with iodine uptake, causing an enlargement of the thyroid.
What is the best milk for gut health? ›- Lactose-Free Milk. Bambu Productions / The Image Bank / Getty Images. ...
- Almond Milk. Laurie Castelli / Cultura / Getty Images. ...
- Hemp Milk. Westend61 / Getty Images. ...
- Coconut Milk. ...
- Kefir.
Almond milk is naturally dairy-free, meaning it's suitable for vegans, as well as people with a dairy allergy or lactose intolerance ( 4 ). Still, you should avoid it if you're allergic to tree nuts.
When should you not drink almond milk? ›"From a fresh product, it's very clear to tell when it's not good anymore. It definitely has a different smell and really starts to clump up," Carolyn says. This can be anywhere between five to seven days after it's been made.
Is almond milk hard on your kidneys? ›Soy, almond, and cashew milks have a high oxalate content and may be restricted if you have a history of calcium oxalate kidney stones. Consult your doctor or kidney dietitian for more information on oxalate-containing foods.
Does almond milk raise cholesterol? ›
Almond Milk: No Cholesterol, but Low in Protein
Day, who recommends almond milk to his heart patients. Unsweetened almond milk contains between 30 and 40 calories per 1-cup serving and has no saturated fat. And because it's a plant-based milk, it also contains no cholesterol.
Almond milk helps maintain a healthy heart
It also has natural omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce the risks of high blood pressure and help you maintain a healthy heart.
Furthermore, store-bought almond milk is often enriched with calcium and vitamin D to support healthy bones. As a result, this plant-based milk can be a nutritious and satisfying option for those who can't or don't want to drink cow's milk, as well as people who prefer the taste and lower calorie content.
Can almond milk cause gas and bloating? ›Many almond milk brands these days use carrageenan, a thickening agent that has been found to cause all sorts of gastrointestinal issues (as serious as stomach ulcers) and can cause bloating for many people.
What milk is good for joint pain? ›Tips: Drinking milk, which is a good source of calcium, vitamin D and protein, may help prevent gout and fight the progression of osteoarthritis (OA). Make sure you opt for low-fat milk to avoid consuming extra calories and saturated fat.
Is almond good for joint pain? ›Almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, pecans, pistachios and walnuts contain high amounts of fiber, calcium, magnesium, zinc, Vitamin E and Omega-3 fats which all have anti-inflammatory effects.
What milk is best for inflammation? ›Move over almond milk. Flax milk is a great nondairy option if you're looking for an anti-inflammatory boost, says Staci Small, a registered dietitian based in Indiana. The milk is made with flax oil, which is rich in an omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).
Does almond milk effect hormones? ›Almond. Almond milk is pretty simple—it comes from soaked almonds. It's also hormone-free and in unsweetened form, contains less saturated fat and calories than milk, explains Patel—which makes it one of the safer options in the context of hormonal disruption.
Which milk is best for thyroid? ›Drinking 1 cup of low-fat milk will meet about one-third of your daily iodine needs. Another good idea: Opt for a glass of milk fortified with vitamin D.
What nuts are good for thyroid? ›Brazil nuts, macadamia nuts, and hazelnuts are excellent sources of selenium, which helps support healthy thyroid function. Pack a small bag of assorted nuts to snack on throughout the day.
What is the healthiest milk for seniors? ›
Which type of milk is best for the elderly? Low-fat or non-fat milk is a good source of vitamin D and other nutrients. The elderly may drink fresh milk, but those who have lactose-related intolerance may choose lactose-free versions.
What is the healthiest milk to drink daily? ›Low- or non-fat dairy — Skim or 1% milk contains all the protein, vitamins and minerals that whole milk contains, but it has much less saturated fat. This type of milk is typically more heart-healthy than full-fat milk.
What should I drink everyday for gut health? ›- Ginger Tea.
- Lemongrass Tea.
- Peppermint tea.
- Fennel tea.
- Coffee.
- Water.
If you buy your almond milk, make sure to read the label and avoid any brands that contain carrageenan. This common ingredient, derived from seaweed, is frequently found in almond milk and other dairy or faux-dairy products and is used as a stabilizer and thickening agent.
Is milk good for a 60 year old? ›Whether you're 7 or 77, drinking milk at any age is important for good health. Milk is a good source of vitamin D and calcium, which older adults tend to need more of, to maintain bone strength, preserve muscle strength, and prevent osteoporosis.
Can almond milk cause kidney stones? ›Oat, macadamia, rice, and soy milk compare favorably in terms of kidney stone risk factors with dairy milk, whereas almond and cashew milk have more potential stone risk factors. Coconut milk may be a favorable dairy substitute for patients with chronic kidney disease based on low potassium, sodium, and oxalate.
Do you need to refrigerate almond milk? ›Once you open almond milk—any kind of almond milk, including homemade almond milk— always refrigerate it. If possible, keep almond milk toward the back of the fridge, where the temperature tends to be the coldest and the most stable. Avoid storing it on the door, where the temperature fluctuates.
Is almond milk good for you at night? ›Since almond milk is made from whole almonds, it may also promote good sleep. Almond milk is high in sleep-promoting hormones and minerals, including tryptophan, melatonin, and magnesium.
How long is almond milk good for in the fridge? ›As for almond milk that has already been opened, its lifespan is seven to ten days in the fridge, regardless of whether you bought it chilled or at room temperature.
Can a diabetic person drink almond milk? ›While almond milk doesn't have the same fiber, protein, and healthy fat content as whole almonds, it is still incredibly beneficial. Almond milk is good for diabetic patients. It is also a safer and healthier milk option than dairy milk. It also has low-calorie content, making it an ideal choice for diabetes patients.
Is almond milk better for your liver? ›
Experts recommend these foods in particular for a healthy liver: Almond milk or low-fat cow's milk: Dr. Delgado-Borrego says adults and children with fatty liver disease need to pay attention to calcium consumption.
What kind of milk is best for kidneys? ›Choose soy, almond, cashew, or rice milk for less phosphorus and less potassium than cow's milk. Avoid cow's milk substitutes that are "Enriched" or have the word phosphorus or "phos" in the ingredient list. For a change, try hot cereal like oatmeal, cream of wheat, cream of rice, or Malto-meal.
Which milk is the healthiest? ›Low- or non-fat dairy — Skim or 1% milk contains all the protein, vitamins and minerals that whole milk contains, but it has much less saturated fat. This type of milk is typically more heart-healthy than full-fat milk.
What are the pros and cons of almond milk? ›- 1) Almond Milk is High in Antioxidants. ...
- 2) Almond Milk is Heart Healthy. ...
- 3) Almond Milk is High in Vitamins and Minerals. ...
- 4) Almond Milk is Low in Fat and Calories. ...
- 5) Almond Milk Contains No Animal By Products. ...
- 6) Almond Milk is Not Safe for Those With Tree Nut Allergies.
Almond milk contains vitamins and minerals vital for enhancing thyroid gland function. For instance, it offers vitamin D, which elevates the mood of those with hypothyroidism. In addition, B vitamins, which are crucial for metabolism and thyroid hormone production, are also present.
What milk is best for your heart? ›AHA Recommendation. We recommend that adults and children age 2 and older use milk that's low in dairy fats. This includes fortified fat-free (skim or nonfat) milk, fortified nonfat milk powder, and 1/2 percent and 1 percent low-fat milk.
What is the unhealthiest milk? ›Among the unhealthiest: Banana milk. Super high in sugar, carbs and calories, without very much fiber and protein. Outstanding flavor: Oat milk. Creamy texture, combined with a sweet, rich but mild taste give it the perfect flavor profile.
What milk is healthier than almond milk? ›Because it comes from plants, soy milk is naturally free of cholesterol and low in saturated fat. It also contains no lactose. Soybeans and soy milk are a good source of protein, calcium (when fortified), and potassium.
Does almond milk affect cholesterol? ›Almond milk is a great choice for lowering cholesterol levels due its zero saturated fat content. For the healthiest option, people should opt for unsweetened almond milk. Unsweetened almond milk contains between 30 and 40 calories per one-cup serving.
Can almond milk lower blood pressure? ›Almond milk helps maintain a healthy heart
It also has natural omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce the risks of high blood pressure and help you maintain a healthy heart.
Does almond milk affect kidneys? ›
Soy, almond, and cashew milks have a high oxalate content and may be restricted if you have a history of calcium oxalate kidney stones. Consult your doctor or kidney dietitian for more information on oxalate-containing foods.
Is almond milk good for the brain? ›Brain Health Note: Nut milk is high in brain-healthy mono- and polyunsaturated fats as well as key nutrients like magnesium, copper, and vitamins E and B6, that are not found in cow's milk.