Can Almond Milk Cause Constipation? (We Find Out)

If digestion is a concern, you may be asking, can almond milk cause constipation?

Commercially processed almond milk can cause constipation because they contain additives, thickness and preservatives which interfere with digestion. Homemade almond milk is less likely to cause constipation because of the lack of additives and high fiber content.

As a Certified Health Coach many people ask me about almond milk. It’s a popular topic and I’ve done much research about it. Keep reading to find out what there is to know about almond milk and constipation.

Almond Milk and Constipation

Constipation occurs when one has difficulty emptying their bowels ¹. A person with constipation may poop less than three times per week. Several dietary-related factors cause this condition, the primary cause being a low fiber intake ².

Almond milk doesn’t make you constipated because of its high fiber content ³. However, some store-bought almond milk brands may trigger stomach upsets, including constipation, due to the various additives in the end product, e.g., thickeners and artificial flavors ⁴.

Here are five reasons why commercially processed almond milk may trigger constipation:

1. Some commercially produced almond milk brands are fortified with calcium carbonate to boost calcium naturally present in animal-based milk but significantly low in plant-based milk alternatives. Although the calcium carbonate helps mimic regular milk, most manufacturers go for cheap calcium carbonate often highly concentrated. 
2. A high calcium intake can interfere with the digestive system causing constipation, bloating and kidney stones, among other gastrointestinal issues ⁵.
3. Artificial flavors added to enhance the almond milk’s flavor cause digestive issues linked to constipation.
4. Given that almond milk is made from almonds, individuals with nut sensitivity can get constipation from its consumption.
5. Some brands contain questionable ingredients like carrageenan obtained from red algae. Such components are linked to gastrointestinal issues, including constipation. Therefore, it’s advisable to read the ingredients list on the packaging before getting a certain almond milk brand from the stores ⁶.

Side Effects of Almond Milk

In addition to constipation, does almond milk have side effects? Almond milk has the following four side effects:

1. Allergic reactions: If you’re sensitive to tree nuts, this milk is likely to trigger allergic reactions in your body.
2. Sugar-laden: Some commercially processed brands contain artificial sweeteners to boost their flavor, which increases the milk’s sugar content. Consuming sweetened almond milk can put you at risk of diabetes, weight gain or tooth cavities.
3. Affect thyroids: Almond’s nutty flavor may irritate thyroid glands when consumed in large quantities. This irritation may cause swelling of the thyroid glands, which interferes with the absorption and assimilation of iodine in the body.
4. Migraines: Almond milk contains amino acid tyrosine which can trigger or increase migraine attacks in highly sensitive individuals.

If you have any questions to ask me about this article don’t hesitate to comment below or email us. You can find an email on our contact page.

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1. National Institute of Diabetes, and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Symptoms & Causes of Constipation[↩]
2. National Center for Biotechnology Information: Medical Management of Constipation[↩]
3. National Center for Biotechnology Information: Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Chronic Constipation[↩]
4. Frontiers in Pediatrics: The Role of Carrageenan and Carboxymethylcellulose in the Development of Intestinal Inflammation[↩]
5. National Institutes of Health: Calcium[↩]
6. National Center for Biotechnology Information: Digestive fate of dietary carrageenan: Evidence of interference with digestive proteolysis and disruption of gut epithelial function[↩]