Yes, unsweetened almond milk is generally good for diarrhea because it's lactose-free, dairy-free, and often low-FODMAP, making it easier to digest than cow's milk, which can worsen symptoms, especially for those with lactose intolerance or IBS. It provides hydration and nutrients without the dairy sugars that can upset your stomach, but ensure it's unsweetened and doesn't contain additives that might irritate your gut.
There is a common belief that dairy products should be eliminated during episodes of diarrhea. However, evidence does not support the need to eliminate dairy completely. Rather, it is generally advised to consume milk products as tolerated and to favour options that are low-fat or contain probiotics.
Almonds are a good source of both insoluble and soluble fiber, so eating an excessive amount of almonds may lead to the watery stools that are common with diarrhea.
Full fat cow's milk can trigger acid reflux. Additionally, many people have trouble digesting it. Certain types of non-dairy milk can help provide relief. For instance, almond milk is alkaline, so it can lower stomach acidity and ease symptoms.
For kids' diarrhea, the main goal is preventing dehydration with frequent small sips of oral rehydration solutions (ORS), breast milk, or formula, avoiding sugary drinks and plain water; continue a normal diet if tolerated, offer bland foods, and never give anti-diarrheal medicines without a doctor's advice, as they can be harmful. See a doctor for signs of severe dehydration or if the child is very young.
Don't give kids with diarrhea sports drinks, soda, or full-strength (undiluted) juice. They have too much sugar and can make some symptoms worse. Also, don't give water alone. In some cases, kids with severe diarrhea may need to get IV fluids (given into a vein) at the hospital treat dehydration.
To stop diarrhea fast, focus on rehydration with electrolyte drinks, eating bland foods like bananas, rice, and toast (BRAT diet), using over-the-counter (OTC) meds like Imodium or Pepto-Bismol (if no fever/blood), avoiding triggers (spicy, fatty, caffeine), resting, and consider probiotics or herbal teas (chamomile) for relief, but see a doctor for severe symptoms or if it persists.
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.
High amounts of lactose can often lead to diarrhea and other IBS symptoms. If dairy and cow's milk products tend to trigger your symptoms, try replacing them with dairy-free alternatives. For example, drink coconut milk or almond milk instead of cow's milk. Replace butter with olive oil or avocado oil.
While it's easier on the stomach compared to dairy, it's still not the best milk for gut health. Almond milk lacks the fiber necessary for optimal gut health. Additionally, it's often low in protein and other essential nutrients unless fortified.
To harden stool, focus on bland, low-fiber foods like the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast), white pasta, potatoes, and cheese, as these help bind stool by being easily digestible and low in residue, with options like crackers, oatmeal, and smooth peanut butter also working well.
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Avoid fruits and vegetables that can cause gas, such as broccoli, peppers, beans, peas, berries, prunes, chickpeas, green leafy vegetables, and corn. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks. Limit or cut out milk and other dairy products if they are making your diarrhea worse or causing gas and bloating.
And, if you have issues processing lactose (a sugar found in milk that gives lots of people tummy troubles like gas, constipation and diarrhea), lactose-free milk offers all the good stuff that's found in regular milk but without the stomach pain.
Young children with acute diarrhoea, typically due to infectious gastroenteritis, may temporarily stop producing lactase, the intestinal enzyme that digests lactose. This means they may not digest lactose, the main sugar in milk, and this may worsen or prolong the diarrhoeal illness.
The bottom line
The best things to drink when you have diarrhea are clear liquids (like water), electrolyte drinks, and soup broth. Avoid caffeinated drinks, sugary drinks, and alcohol when you have diarrhea.
If dairy worsens your diarrhoea, consider these alternatives3: Lactose-free milk: This milk has had lactose removed, making it easier to digest while still providing essential nutrients. Plant-based milk: Options such as almond, soy, and oat milk do not contain lactose.
avoid foods that are hard to digest (like cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, beans and onions) avoid products containing a sweetener called sorbitol. ask a pharmacist about medicines that can help, like Buscopan or peppermint oil.
To stop diarrhea, focus on bland, binding foods like the BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast), lean proteins (chicken), boiled potatoes, crackers, and probiotic yogurt, while avoiding high-fiber, greasy, spicy, or dairy-heavy foods, and staying hydrated with water or broth to help bind stools and restore electrolytes.
Low in sugar and saturated fats, Alpro Almond drinks are also dairy and lactose free, making them suitable if you're following a vegetarian or vegan diet. They're also gluten free. If you think you might have an allergy or intolerance to dairy, lactose or gluten, always consult a healthcare professional for advice.
Almond milk has a gentle, slightly nutty taste, and certain brands seek to amp this flavor up by adding sugar to their drink. But sometimes, the amount of sugar can be pretty surprising. In some cases, each cup of almond milk you consume can have roughly 13 grams of added sugar, according to The Daily Meal.
Unsweetened soy milk is the closest match nutritionally, plus you get a few grams of healthy fats that you won't get from skim milk. Almond milk — while not unhealthy — is less nutrient dense, especially in terms of its limited protein content.
Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, drinks with electrolytes, tea, and even nonfat chicken broth. Avoid caffeine and alcohol as these can dehydrate you more. Eat the BRAT diet, which includes bananas, (white) rice, applesauce and toast. These foods help firm up your stool.
Knowing what to say when you're sick with diarrhea can be tricky. Neither you nor your boss want to discuss the details of your bowel movements. A good way to phrase this is: “I have a GI bug, and I won't be able to come to work.” If the diarrhea is related to a known food poisoning, you can bring this up, too.
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