Almond milk itself is generally considered anti-inflammatory due to Vitamin E and healthy fats, making it a good dairy-free choice, but store-bought versions can become inflammatory due to additives like carrageenan, added sugars, or inflammatory oils in some brands, so choosing unsweetened, additive-free options or making your own is best for avoiding potential inflammation.
Almond milk's main cons include being very low in protein compared to dairy milk, containing added sugars and additives like carrageenan in processed versions (potentially causing gut issues), posing risks for those with nut allergies, and having significant environmental concerns due to water usage. It's also not suitable for infants under one year old due to nutritional gaps.
While dairy milk can contribute to gut issues, inflammation, and other health concerns, there are plenty of. Coconut milk and hemp milk stand out for supporting a healthy inflammatory response and being nutrient-rich, while almond and hazelnut milk provide delicious, low-carb options.
“They are also a good source of antioxidant vitamin E.” Research suggests the monounsaturated fats from an almond-rich diet lower some markers of inflammation, including CRP.
In particular, experts recommend avoiding these inflammatory foods:
“Controlling weight is important in terms of reducing inflammation,” she says. Sticking to low-fat dairy choices can help control weight and help reduce inflammation. If you decide to cut back on dairy, make sure you're choosing other foods with those nutrients.
To quickly reduce inflammation, use the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) for acute injuries, combine with anti-inflammatory foods like fatty fish, leafy greens, and berries, get enough sleep (7+ hours), manage stress, and incorporate gentle exercise like brisk walking. Reducing processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats while increasing omega-3s, antioxidants, and fiber provides a powerful, faster response for chronic issues.
The 5 cardinal signs of acute inflammation, described by the Greeks and Romans, are Redness (Rubor), Heat (Calor), Swelling (Tumor), Pain (Dolor), and Loss of Function (Functio Laesa), resulting from increased blood flow, fluid leakage, and nerve stimulation, indicating the body's protective response to injury or infection.
Orange, tomato, pineapple and carrot juices are all high in the antioxidant, vitamin C, which can neutralize free radicals that lead to inflammation.
Almond milk will be a better option if you want to choose a plant-based milk option that's best for an anti-inflammatory diet. It has fewer carbs per serving than oat milk due to almonds' natural composition.
Sweet drinks are high in calories and added sugar and offer no nutritional value. Drinking too much soda, juice, or sweet tea may lead to weight gain and metabolic changes that trigger inflammation. Swap out your sweet drinks for plain water or unsweetened herbal tea so you don't aggravate your arthritis.
Almond milk can be a healthy option for many, but it's not safe for those with nut allergies or babies under 12 months old. Drinking very large amounts daily may cause digestive issues, inflammation, and more, though most people consume it in moderation without problems.
There are several common-sense things you can do to protect yourself against inflammation:
Injuries and infections typically cause acute inflammation. Environmental factors, including aspects of your daily life and exposures to toxins, are the culprits behind most cases of chronic inflammation. Common causes include: Low levels of physical activity.
Coffee has anti-inflammatory properties
Research shows that coffee consumption is associated with reduced risk of inflammation. Some compounds found in coffee such as polyphenols have been shown to have positive health effects.
Over time, the subtle signs of chronic inflammation can show up as fatigue, muscle and joint pain, digestive conditions, skin problems, and cognitive issues. It can also affect metabolism and hinder weight loss efforts.
Symptoms of dairy intolerance
Since everyone's biochemistry is different, dairy inflammation symptoms can manifest in a wide-variety of problems that can seem unrelated. Digestive distress (bloating, constipation, gas, etc.)
Feta cheese, which is made from sheeps' milk, contains a protein called histidine. When histidine is combined with vitamin B6, it undergoes a molecular process to become histamine, a compound that provides anti-inflammatory benefits.
Clinically, acute inflammation is characterized by five cardinal signs: rubor (redness), calor (heat), tumor (swelling), dolor (pain), and functio laesa (loss of function).
Good food options for an anti-inflammatory breakfast include:
And while immunologic conditions driven by aberrant inflammation require carefully calibrated therapies, exercise is yet another way to counter inflammation, the researchers said. “Our research suggests that with exercise, we have a natural way to boost the body's immune responses to reduce inflammation,” Mathis said.
Almond milk's main cons include being very low in protein compared to dairy milk, containing added sugars and additives like carrageenan in processed versions (potentially causing gut issues), posing risks for those with nut allergies, and having significant environmental concerns due to water usage. It's also not suitable for infants under one year old due to nutritional gaps.
Almonds are a rich source of antioxidants, particularly vitamin E and polyphenols. These compounds help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. Additionally, almonds are high in unsaturated fatty acids, which also contribute to lowering oxidative stress [21, 23, 33].