Can Almond Milk Cause Diarrhea?
Almond milk is a great dairy milk alternative, with its light texture and nutty flavor. I know people often make the switch from dairy milk because dairy causes digestive issues for some people, so I wondered — can almond milk do the same thing?
So, can almond milk cause diarrhea? It depends. If you have an allergy or intolerance to almonds, then consuming almond milk can lead to diarrhea and other digestive issues. If you don’t have an allergy or intolerance, almond milk is unlikely to cause diarrhea, but it is possible.
There are a few different ways this can occur, and a few things you can do in response to diarrhea caused by almond milk.
How Almond Milk Could Cause Diarrhea
There are a few different ways that almond milk could potentially cause diarrhea. First and foremost, almond milk can easily irritate the digestive system and lead to diarrhea in people who are allergic or intolerant to almonds. (Not to mention other, more serious symptoms for those with almond allergies — if you know you’re allergic to almonds, don’t drink almond milk.)
Almond milk can still cause diarrhea in people who aren’t allergic or sensitive to almonds, however. Here are a few of the ways this can occur:
1. Fiber-based digestive issues
Almond milk is often high in fiber. For some people, this can lead to digestive issues like gas or bloating, as well as diarrhea.
2. Sensitivity to additives
Some brands of almond milk contain carrageenan, which is a food additive that has been linked to gastrointestinal problems like inflammation and diarrhea.
3. Change in diet
If you’ve recently started drinking almond milk, the sudden change in your diet may be what’s causing your diarrhea. This is especially true if you’re not used to consuming a lot of fiber.
It’s important to remember that not everyone reacts to almond milk in the same way. Some people can drink it with no problems at all, while others may find that it does cause digestive issues. If you’re concerned about how your body will react to almond milk, it’s always best to talk to your doctor before you start drinking it.
What to Do If Almond Milk Causes Diarrhea
If you find that almond milk does cause diarrhea for you, there are a few things you can do in response.
1. Cut back on the amount of almond milk you’re consuming
If you’re drinking a lot of almond milk, especially if you’re new to it, try cutting back to see if that helps. Too much of even a good thing can wreak havoc on your digestive system, almond milk included. If you don’t notice an improvement after reducing the amount you’re drinking, cut it out altogether until you can talk to a doctor.
2. Choose a different almond milk brand
Some brands of almond milk contain carrageenan, which has been linked to gastrointestinal problems. If you’re having digestive issues after drinking almond milk, try switching to a brand that doesn’t contain this additive.
3. Make your own almond milk
If you’re concerned about additives in store-bought almond milk, you can always make your own at home. It’s pretty easy to do, and you can control exactly what goes into it.
4. Talk to your doctor
Digestion issues can sometimes be helped by seeing a professional. If almond milk is causing you a lot of discomforts or your diarrhea isn’t going away, make an appointment to see your doctor and see if they have any suggestions. They may want to test you for allergies or recommend a brand of almond milk that doesn’t contain carrageenan.
How to Avoid Getting Diarrhea From Almond Milk
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” as the saying goes, and this is certainly true when it comes to almond milk and diarrhea. Here are a few things you can do to avoid getting diarrhea from almond milk in the first place:
1. Start slowly
If you’re new to drinking almond milk, start by consuming only a small amount at first. See how your body reacts before you start drinking it more regularly.
2. Choose a brand without carrageenan
As mentioned above, some brands of almond milk contain carrageenan, which has been linked to gastrointestinal problems. Choose a brand that doesn’t use it to avoid the possibility of being irritated by it.
3. Make your own almond milk
Making your own almond milk is a great way to entirely avoid additives and other ingredients that you may be sensitive to. Just make sure you still add it to your diet slowly.
4. Work with a nutritionist
If you’re trying to incorporate almond milk into your diet for health reasons, it’s always a good idea to work with a qualified nutritionist. They can help you figure out the best way to do it without upsetting your stomach.
Almond milk is a delicious and nutritious alternative to cow’s milk. However, some people find that it can cause digestive problems like diarrhea. If you decide to make the switch to almond milk, add it to your diet slowly, be picky about the type of almond milk you drink, and talk to a professional.
The Benefits of Drinking Almond Milk
Don’t let the possibility of getting diarrhea deter you from drinking almond milk. In addition to being a great alternative for people who are lactose intolerant, it has several other benefits that make it worth considering.
– Almond milk is low in calories.
If you’re watching your weight, almond milk is a great choice. A cup of almond milk has only 30-40 calories, while a cup of cow’s milk has around 150.
– Almond milk is rich in vitamins and minerals.
Another great benefit of almond milk is that it is a good source of vitamin E, which is an antioxidant. As well as calcium and magnesium.
– Almond milk is dairy-free.
For people who are allergic to dairy or who follow a vegan diet, almond milk is a great choice.
– Almond milk is easy to digest.
Almond milk is easier to digest than cow’s milk because it doesn’t contain the protein casein. This makes it a good choice for people who have trouble digesting dairy.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious alternative to cow’s milk, almond milk is a great choice. Just be aware of the possibility that it may cause digestive issues like diarrhea in some people — start slowly to avoid any problems.
Related Questions
Is almond milk safe for children to drink?
Yes, almond milk is safe for children to drink. In fact, it can be a good alternative for children who are allergic to cow’s milk or who are lactose intolerant. Talk to your child’s doctor if you’re concerned about giving them almond milk and they can help you determine if it’s right for them. They may also have some suggestions on how to avoid any digestive issues.
Is almond milk lactose-free?
Yes, almond milk is lactose-free. Lactose is a sugar found in milk, and since almond milk doesn’t contain any cow’s milk, it doesn’t contain any lactose either. This makes it a good choice for people who are lactose intolerant or who have trouble digesting lactose.
Is almond milk good for people with diabetes?
Yes, almond milk is a good choice for people with diabetes. It doesn’t contain any lactose or cholesterol, and it’s low in calories. Plus, the unsaturated fats in almond milk can help to lower cholesterol levels. However, you should still talk to your doctor about whether or not almond milk is right for you.
