A healthy diet plays a big role in keeping gastritis under control.
You know you can’t drink cow’s milk, but is almond milk good for gastritis? Or you should give up any milk substitute?
Let’s find out can this plant-based milk be a good substitute for milk that won’t worsen your gastritis.
IN THIS ARTICLE:
Gastritis – Burning Sensation
Almond milk has become a staple in many households since it’s an excellent substitute for cow milk. In the USA, almond milk is the most used plant-based milk. People who can’t tolerate lactose and vegans prefer using almond milk.
This milk has a watery texture and a bit of nut flavor. It is nutrient-rich and palatable milk which many people prefer over other plant-based kinds of milk.
But first, let’s mention some information about gastritis.
Gastritis is actually a general term for a group of conditions that have one thing in common – lining stomach inflammation. That inflammation is caused by stomach lining damage.
Unfortunately, that condition can become worse because of irritants from the food people eat. Therefore, people who struggle with this condition should be careful about their food choices. There is a lot of food that will worsen the symptoms.
Causes Of Gastritis
There isn’t only one factor that will cause gastritis, so, let’s mention some of them:
- Heliobacter pylori – It’s the most common cause of gastritis. Many people have this bacteria in their intestines, but they don’t necessarily have gastritis.
- Bad lifestyle habits – These include alcohol consumption, smoking, and long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Autoimmune disorders
- Chron’s disease, etc.
Symptoms Of Gastritis
If you suspect you have gastritis, you should call your doctor and make an appointment.
Symptoms that indicate gastritis include discomfort and pain in the abdomen, decreased appetite, nausea and vomiting, bloating, weight loss, blood in the stool, abdominal cramps, shortness of breath, fatigue and others.
Can Almond Milk Help With Gastritis?
Almond milk is low-fat milk that contains (in 3.5 ounces/100 grams) 15 calories, 0.6 grams of sugar, 0.3 grams of fiber, 1.2 grams of fat, vitamins A, E D and minerals like potassium, calcium and phosphorous.
However, many manufacturers add vitamins and minerals and enrich almond milk.
Almond milk provides many health benefits, has anti-inflammatory properties and contains fiber.
That means, it is a good choice for people with gastritis because it will ease gastritis symptoms. It is a healthier alternative to cow milk and the best-tolerated milk option.
However, when buying almond milk, you should be aware that many commercial almond milk brands aren’t good for you.
Many manufacturers add additives and chemical preservatives that contain artificial flavors, soy lecithin, sugar gum and carrageenan.
These agents can irritate the stomach lining and even worsen your condition to mild or chronic gastritis distress.
Before buying it is necessary to check the label and ingredients list. You should avoid processed almond milk that contains vitamin D2, vitamin A palmitate, carrageenan and a lot of sugar.
Ingredients in Almond Milk That Worsen Gastritis Symptoms
Some ingredients aren’t good for your health and can make your gastritis even worse.
- Vitamin D2 – Taking vitamin D2 for an extended period can worsen your stomach inflammation. In almond milk, there is artificial vitamin D2 which is harmful to your health.
- Vitamin A palmitate – This is a synthetic form of vitamin A, which will give you zero benefits. If consumed in excess, it can lead to hypervitaminosis and result in stomach bloating and pain.
- Synthetic vitamin E – Some brands add this ingredient to almond milk. It causes stomach cramps, inflammation, diarrhea, etc.
- Carrageenan – Many people experience stomach pain after consuming almond milk with this ingredient.
Of course, you can find brands that don’t put these ingredients in their almond milk. Or you can make your own almond milk at your home.
Homemade Almond Milk
It will be better, safer and tastier than commercial almond milk, so give it a try!
Add almonds to a bowl and cover with enough water to submerge. Soak for 6-8 hours or overnight.
In the morning, drain almonds from their soaking water and rinse them in a colander.
Add soaked almonds and 4 cups of fresh filtered water to a high-powered blender. Add in vanilla, honey and salt.
Blend on high speed for 1 minute, adding 30 seconds more if you feel it necessary to blend.
Place your nut milk bag over a large bowl or pitcher.
Pour the almond milk into the bag and strain the liquid into the bowl, using your hands to wring out all of the milk.
Pour the almond milk from the bowl into glass jars. Almond milk will keep in the fridge for up to a week. Enjoy!
Ingredients
Directions
Add almonds to a bowl and cover with enough water to submerge. Soak for 6-8 hours or overnight.
In the morning, drain almonds from their soaking water and rinse them in a colander.
Add soaked almonds and 4 cups of fresh filtered water to a high-powered blender. Add in vanilla, honey and salt.
Blend on high speed for 1 minute, adding 30 seconds more if you feel it necessary to blend.
Place your nut milk bag over a large bowl or pitcher.
Pour the almond milk into the bag and strain the liquid into the bowl, using your hands to wring out all of the milk.
Pour the almond milk from the bowl into glass jars. Almond milk will keep in the fridge for up to a week. Enjoy!
How Much Almond Milk To Drink?
If you take a small amount of almond milk, that may provide you with the vital nutrients it contains.
However, excess intake can lead to bloating, nausea, stomach ache, indigestion and constipation. So, you should take it in moderation. Recommended daily intake is 1 cup (240ml) a day.
However, if you are allergic to nuts, then almond milk isn’t an option for you. Check out other options you have.
Besides Almond Milk, What Are Other Milk Options?
Here we’ll suggest other milk options you can take into consideration if struggle with gastritis.
- Soy milk
- Oat milk
- Rice milk
- Goat’s milk
- Walnut milk
- Hemp milk
- Cashews milk
Other Food That Helps With Gastritis
Eating anti-inflammatory food can help lower inflammation.
Choose food that contains polyphenols, such as flavonoids and anthocyanins (for example berries).
Low-glycemic index carbs such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains can also be helpful.
You should limit saturated fat intake and opt for healthy fats that can be found in fatty fish, nuts and seeds.
Probiotic food will support the stomach ulcers’ healing and improve overall gut health.
Avoid spicy food, coffee, alcohol and acidic fruits.
To Wrap It Up
Among the many plant-based kinds of milk, almond milk is very nutritious-rich and very healthy. Is almond milk good for gastritis? Yes, it is. But only if you know how much you can drink per day and where to purchase it. It’s always best to make homemade.
