Almond milk is packed with nutrients that can help manage weight gain and improve heart health. It is also highly nutritious and perfect for people with dairy allergies. Despite these many benefits drinking almond milk can cause diarrhea.
It is almost impossible to think that the almond milk you had during breakfast is the reason for your stomach upset. But you shouldn’t doubt it because no milk is perfect, not even this very popular non-dairy, vegan milk.
Despite its nutritional value and health benefits, almond milk has its share of drawbacks which I’ll be discussing in this article.
Can almond milk cause diarrhea?
Yes, it can. Too much consumption of almond milk can cause diarrhea in adults, toddlers, and babies.
Commercial almond milk contains an additive called carrageenan. This plant-based ingredient – a red seaweed extract – functions as a thickener in almond milk.
On the flip side, carrageenan is an indigestible carbohydrate that increases bowel movement by pulling more water into the intestines.
The digestive system cannot tolerate carrageenan, especially when you have had too much almond milk.
In addition, diarrhea that results from drinking almond milk may also be a sign of an allergy to tree nut milk. Therefore, before you conclude why you are diarrheic after drinking almond milk, confirm your allergy to almonds.
In toddlers and babies, too much magnesium, water, and fiber ingested through almond milk can also cause diarrhea, if they are not allergic to tree nut milk.
Can unsweetened almond milk cause diarrhea?
Yes, it can.
Almond milk causes diarrhea because of carrageenan, an additive, not because of its sugar content. So, sweetened and unsweetened almond milk will result in diarrhea if you consume too much of either milk.
What other side effects does almond milk cause?
Allergy
If you have a tree nut allergy, you will experience certain side effects after drinking almond milk. The symptoms – hives, nausea, vomiting, and swelling of the lips – manifest a few hours after drinking almond milk.
Almond milk can increase sugar levels
You may not experience this side effect if you always drink homemade almond milk. But commercial almond milk contains more sugar and sometimes than cow milk.
Drinking too much store-bought almond milk can increase your blood sugar levels.
It affects the thyroid
When you take in too much almond milk, it irritates the thyroid gland and induces swelling. Moreover, almonds affect iodine assimilation in the body and can result in goiter.
Therefore, you should avoid taking too much almond milk if you have a family record of low thyroid function or goiter.
Breathing difficulties
Almond milk can lead to breathing difficulties, especially in asthma sufferers. If you have previous asthma history or naturally have breathing difficulties, stay off almond milk or drink it in small amounts.
You may get a cold
In some people, drinking almond milk may leave them with symptoms of a cold. This side effect is more manifest in people with a tree nut allergy and sometimes in people with a cold allergy.
People with any of these allergies should stay off almond milk or drink it in small amounts.
How do you know you’re allergic to almond milk?
If you’re allergic to almond milk, you should experience two or more of these signs:
- Hives
- Difficulty in breathing
- Wheezing
- Itchy skin
- Swollen, watery, and itchy eyes
- Runny nose
- Vomiting
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Lightheadedness
- Anaphylaxis (in severe allergic reactions)
Does almond milk cause gas?
Commercial almond milk may make you gassy if it contains additives that naturally cause gas.
Emulsifiers, thickeners, or sweeteners are types of additives that can cause gas. If almond milk makes you gas, it could be a sign of intolerance of the additives or previous tree nut milk allergy history.
Will expired almond milk cause diarrhea?
Yes. Significant amounts of expired almond milk will cause diarrhea. Spoiled milk contains a lot of harmful bacteria that can trigger stomach upset and diarrhea.
Therefore, before you go ahead to down that old carton of almond milk you found in the pantry, check for the expiration date. Also, be sure that the seal is still intact. Otherwise, do not drink it, throw it away.
How long does almond milk last?
Homemade almond milk will last five days if you keep it in the refrigerator. Refrigerated packs of store-bought almond milk will last 7 to 10 days in the refrigerator.
If you find shelf-stable almond milk, you can store it for up to two months in a cool, dry place in the pantry. Most importantly, know how long you have had a pack of almond milk and check for its expiration or best-by date before you drink it.
Also, carefully examine the pack of milk for signs of spoilage. If you notice that the pack is swollen, the milk may have gone bad.
In addition, pour out the milk into a glass cup. Carefully check for signs like clumps or slime, a foul or sour smell, and an off taste. If you notice any of these signs, throw the milk away.
What do you do when almond milk makes you diarrheic?
Stop drinking almond milk if you feel diarrheic afterward. To be safer from carrageenan, make a homemade almond drink.
Homemade almond milk recipe
This recipe makes 8 cups of almond milk.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of raw almonds
- 5-6 cups of water
- Salt to taste
- Vanilla extract for flavor (optional)
- Honey for extra sweetness (optional)
Instructions
- If you have not soaked the nuts, soak them in a bowl of water for 6-8 hours or overnight
- When the nuts are soft enough, drain off the water and rinse them
- Then, pour the soaked nuts, 5 cups of water, salt, and any additive into the food processor
- Blend on high speed for at least 60 seconds
- When it is smooth enough to your desire, turn off the power
- Arrange a nut milk strainer or thin dish towel over a clean mixing bowl
- Afterward, pour the milk into the strainer or towel, gather the corners together and strain the liquid into the bowl
- Use your hands to gently squeeze the bag or towel to get all the liquid out
- You may discard the pulp or preserve it. They are good for making crackers and other baked goods
- After, transfer the almond milk into a clean glass jar or a bottle with a lid
- Serve chilled or refrigerate it for 4 to 5 days if you’re not consuming it all in a day
FAQs
Is almond milk inflammatory?
No, it is not. Almond milk should not cause inflammation as long as you do not have a nut allergy.
Is almond milk good for IBS?
Almond milk may be tolerable for IBS sufferers if they drink it in moderate amounts.
It is lactose-free and a good option for IBS, which is triggered by lactose.
Is almond milk better than dairy milk?
Almond milk is not better than dairy milk nor is it worse.
While it is a better option when considering certain factors, it is not as good as dairy milk when you consider other factors.
For instance, almond milk and other plant-based milk are low in protein when compared to cow milk. But when you consider the calories and carbs content, almond milk is a better option than dairy milk.
Also, it is a healthy alternative for people with dairy allergies and lactose intolerance.
Conclusion
In summary, almond milk can cause diarrhea. Carrageenan is an additive present in almond milk that causes this bowel discomfort.
However, do not mistake the sign of an allergy to almond milk for a reaction to carrageenan.
Drinking almond milk will result in diarrhea when you have too much of it. It should stop once the milk is out of your system. But, if it persists, you should go see a doctor.
Thanks for reading.
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