Due to the presence of proteins, calcium, minerals, and vitamins almond milk has gained a lot of importance since ages. It is prepared by finely blending almonds in water to get a nutty and creamy beverage.
It is mostly preferred by people who have lactose intolerance or are allergic to soy milk. Apart from being a beverage, it is also being used for cooking and baking.
However, not everyone would find drinking almond milk effective due to its side effects. Some of them are mentioned below.
Almond Milk Side Effects
1. Tree Nut Allergy
People with tree nut allergy could have severe side effects after consuming almond milk. Symptoms typically manifest two hours after consumption.
They can range from mild hives to severe choking, swelling of tongue and lips, and loss of consciousness.
2. Thyroid Problems
Almonds are goitrogenic, which means, they contain substances that irritate your thyroid glands. When consumed in larger quantities, almonds could induce swelling in the thyroid glands affecting iodine assimilation.
Therefore, people who are at a risk of low thyroid function should avoid almond milk.
3. Abdominal Pain And Bloating
People with lactose intolerance can sometimes show similar (but not severe) symptoms after consuming almond milk as well.
The lining of their stomach gets irritated causing abdominal pain. This might lead to bloating and discomfort, reducing food intake. In severe cases, nausea is also evident.
Commercially available almond milk might contain additives like soy lecithin, guar gum, and carrageenan which could cause gastrointestinal distress. People with irritable bowel syndrome should, therefore, strictly avoid almond milk.
4. Migraine
The presence of amino acid tyrosine in almonds triggers or elevates a migraine in some people. Though this amino acid is essential for overall functioning of the body, higher levels of it could worsen the condition.
Therefore, if you have had migraine attacks in the past, it is advisable to consult a doctor before you consume almond milk.
5. Spiked Sugar Levels
Naturally made almond milk would not have large amounts of sugars or carbohydrates in it.
However, the ones commercially available are laden with sugar during processing, to enhance their taste. This leads to a sudden spike in the sugar levels as soon as you consume it.
6. Not Fit For Babies
Nothing can replace the goodness of breastmilk. Replacing breastmilk with bottled almond milk could cause malnutrition in the baby.
Also, the baby’s stomach is still not equipped to digest the plethora of amino acids, minerals, and vitamins present in almond milk. You can make a gradual transition from breastmilk to cow’s milk to almond milk as your baby grows.
However, it is always recommended that you feed your baby with equal volumes of cow and almond milk in order to meet its nutritional needs.
7. Anaphylactic Shock
Soon after consuming almond milk, some people might sense a strange metallic taste in their mouth, accompanied by itching and tingling sensation.
This needs to be brought to medical attention immediately since an anaphylactic shock is one of the fatal side-effects of almond milk. The symptoms could range from low blood pressure and choking, to passing out.
Almond milk has various health benefits, provided, it is consumed in moderation. Replacing cow’s milk with almond milk completely could be a bad idea.
In any case, before including it your regular diet, it is best to discuss with your doctor on the possible complications you could face consuming almond milk.
