As more Americans work towards living healthier lives, many are cutting out dairy products to improve their skin. Dairy alternatives like almond milk are becoming the new norm, and almost every cafe or restaurant offers vegan options.
Almonds provide numerous health benefits, and almond milk still allows you to enjoy your favorite meals without dairy. However, what effect does drinking almond milk have on your skin regarding acne, blemishes, or imperfections?
For example, millions of people are switching to almond milk, assuming it can improve their skin. However, almond milk won’t provide the same effects for everyone, making some people wonder why acne flare-ups are still present.
Does almond milk cause acne? Almonds are full of fatty acids and health benefits, but over eating anything can lead to unwanted side effects. How almond milk affects your skin is also dependent on your genetics or other ingredients in the milk.
It can be challenging to deal with blemishes or skin imperfections like acne. However, a simple diary alternative may not be the answer for everyone. Why is almond milk linked to triggering acne, and what can you do if it affects your skin?
Health Benefits Of Almonds
Almonds are a known superfood. They’re healthy fat that can be incorporated into a wide range of diets and can improve your overall health. In addition, almonds provide versatility and they can be used in various recipes or be eaten alone as a snack.
However, not everyone can tolerate eating nuts. Some people may have a food intolerance to nuts, while others have a severe allergic reaction. Those who aren’t sensitive to almonds or nuts may notice they can reap multiple health benefits.
Some common advantages include a source of vitamin E, and improved cholesterol levels and heart health.
Increases Vitamin E
Almonds are packed with an essential vitamin, vitamin E. Also, vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that can impact hair, skin, and nails. In addition, vitamin E has the power to fight free radicals and reduce oxidative damage.
Multiple studies claim vitamin E can help reduce the chances of Alzheimer’s or specific cancers. Almonds are an easy way to ensure you increase your vitamin E intake.
According to Medical News Today, “one ounce of plain almonds provides 7.27 milligrams of vitamin E, which is around half a person’s daily requirement.”
Improves Cholesterol
Most people are led to believe that fats are bad for our system and unhealthy. Almonds are high in fat, but they won’t affect you negatively because they are unsaturated fats.
Surprisingly enough, our bodies need healthy fats, and almonds can help us get our daily intake. In addition, sources of unsaturated fats like almonds can reduce inflammation and improve blood cholesterol.
Almonds are a tremendous unsaturated fat to keep our bodies healthy, help us absorb nutrients, and even shield hormones.
Heart Health
According to Medical News Today and one study, “scientists found that almonds significantly increased the levels of antioxidants in the bloodstream, reduced blood pressure, and improved blood flow.”
In addition, this can lead to overall positive effects on heart health. Vitamin E is also the main component in heart health thanks to its antioxidant benefits. A few almonds a day may potentially improve your general health.
Negatives Of Almonds
Every food can have its faults. In addition, overconsuming any food can create a negative impact. For example, while almonds are a superfood packed with nutritional components, not everyone will react the same when eating these nuts.
Unfortunately, many people can develop a severe allergy to almonds and nuts. The side effects of these reactions may include minor flare-ups or even life-threatening consequences.
In addition, almonds have been linked to causing irregular bowel movements and potentially triggering acne. Also, almonds can be a typical food that some people have a minor intolerance towards, especially if a hormonal imbalance is present.
Allergic Reactions
Surprisingly enough, nut allergies are common, especially for tree nuts.
In addition, an allergic reaction may vary from person to person. For example, some will experience nausea or stomach pain, while others feel itching or burning.
One article from Medical News Today states, “according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, 25-40% of people with peanut allergies are also allergic to at least one tree nut.”
Simple intolerances or allergic reactions can explain why you may have to deal with the adverse side effects of consuming almond milk.
Irregular Bowel Movements
Too much of a good thing isn’t such a good thing, including almonds. Of course, you don’t need to consume a lot of almonds to reap their benefits, but what happens if you eat more than the recommended amount?
Almonds are also known to be a good source of fiber. However, a fibrous food overload could lead to stomach bloating and irregular bowel movements.
Not all bodies are used to digesting large amounts of fiber or lack supporting food groups within a diet.
May Cause Acne
Almonds and almond milk may have the potential to trigger acne. This can occur if you over consume almonds or have an intolerance towards them. However, specific types of almond milk can also increase inflammation due to its added ingredients.
It may be more common to get acne from almonds or almond milk if a hormonal balance is already present, an allergy, or you over-consume almond products.
You can also benefit by consulting with a doctor or dermatologist regarding your experience with almond milk.
Why Can Almond Milk Potentially Cause Acne?
Almond milk can potentially indirectly cause acne. For example, almond milk may contain questionable ingredients that trigger inflammation, which can worsen or bring attention towards acne.
In addition, it can indicate that there may be a hormonal balance or allergy present. However, some people may not have any issues digesting almond milk, and their skin isn’t affected by this dairy alternative.
A few ways almond milk can potentially cause acne is by containing various processed oils, being high in estrogen, or affecting the balance of hormones.
High In Estrogen
Almonds can potentially be high in estrogen, affecting your hormones and triggering acne as a side effect.
According to one study, “the original sample of almonds showed the greatest estrogenic activity which was confirmed by repetition of the experiment, but subsequent studies of other samples of almonds showed no estrogenic activity.”
So, it’s still unclear whether the estrogen in almonds can trigger a response with acne, but it may affect those who already have an imbalance.
Hormonal Imbalances
We’ve mentioned hormonal imbalances briefly. Most people choose almond milk to avoid hormones often found in dairy milk. However, because almonds are potentially high in estrogen, it may imbalance hormones or trigger inflammation.
In addition, almond milk contains many filler ingredients that can also disrupt the endocrine system. So, while you may believe you’re choosing a healthier option, almond milk can potentially ignite acne for some individuals.
Processed Inflammatory Oils
What happens if you know you’re not sensitive toward almonds? Surprisingly enough, almond milk can still contain processed, inflammatory oils. These oils can lead to inflammation or affect your digestion which can, in turn, cause acne.
Almonds are a healthy fat, but when you add processed components into almond milk, it can cause some skin concerns. In addition, multiple almond milk brands will formulate this diary alternative with unknown filler ingredients.
This explains how you can negatively react to almond milk without having a food sensitivity to this nut.
Allergic Reaction
Finally, if you’re breaking out from almond milk, there is a slight possibility that you may have an allergy.
Food allergies can vary by person, and some will have a minimal reaction to almonds like acne, while others may deal with itching, burning, or swelling.
Those with almond allergies can choose another alternative to dairy milk, like oat milk.
How Do You Know If Almond Milk Is Causing Your Acne?
Are you wondering if almond milk is the culprit of your acne? Unfortunately, it can be tricky to tell which foods affect your health or skin without a sensitivity test. However, you can create simple changes in your lifestyle to see if almond milk affects you.
For example, you can monitor your diet and see if your skin changes with the consumption of almond milk. In addition, you can see if you physically feel any differences when you switch your diet.
Monitor Your Diet
An easy way to see if almond milk affects your skin is by monitoring when and how often you consume it. Most people tend to opt for an elimination diet and take out potentially sensitizing items from their routine.
If you choose an elimination diet, you can cut out almond milk for a month or two and slowly incorporate it back in to see how it affects your overall well-being.
Lower Almond Milk Consumption
Another easy switch you can make if almond milk triggers your acne is lowering your consumption. If you aren’t sensitive to almonds or nuts, the other ingredients within the almond milk may trigger inflammation.
You can switch to another dairy alternative milk like oat milk. Or, you can limit your intake of almond milk if you still plan to drink it.
There is a chance that drinking almond milk every once in a while won’t cause any skin concerns. However, it’s always wise to consult with a doctor.
What To Do If Almond Milk Is Triggering Acne?
What can you do if you believe you may have an almond milk sensitivity?
Visiting a doctor about your diet concerns will tell you exactly how your body reacts to certain foods. In addition, a food sensitivity test can tell you if you’re vulnerable to almonds.
Also, the simplest thing you can do if you can’t access a doctor is to cut out almond milk or other almond products.
Get A Food Sensitivity Test
Food sensitivity tests are a surefire way to know if you can’t tolerate almond milk or other nuts. You may find that another alternative milk will be suitable for your needs.
You can also learn to nourish your body efficiently with a list of foods tailored to your body. Also, you may want to visit a dietician or nutritionist if you find making the switch from almond milk a challenge.
Temporarily Cut Out Almonds
Food sensitivity tests may not be accessible to everyone. So, another option is to cut out almonds until you’re able to figure out if they are the main factor contributing to your acne.
Eliminating almonds or almond milk for an extended period can allow you to see the changes in your skin and physical well-being. Elimination diets don’t have to be extreme, and you may even choose to add it back in slowly.
How To Reduce Acne Caused By Almond Milk
You can adjust a few lifestyle habits for those currently dealing with acne caused by almond milk.
It’s essential to remember that almond milk may trigger acne if you are sensitive to almonds, processed oils, or over consuming.
Some simple habits to implement include reducing consumption, making your own vegan milk, or consulting with a healthcare professional.
Reduce Consumption
Limiting how often you consume almond milk can help you become aware of how much it may or may not affect your skin. In addition, you may notice that acne will look less aggravated or inflamed.
Also, you may notice that your digestion improves. This is because almonds are a good source of fiber, but overconsumption can affect the gut’s health, causing breakouts or bloating.
Opt For A Clean Formula Or DIY
For those who aren’t sensitive to nuts or almonds, you may find other almond milk ingredients irritating. For example, various kinds of almond milk on the market are formulated with fillers or processed oils that create angry skin flare-ups.
So, you can opt to make your own almond milk. All you need is almonds, water, a blender, and a straining cloth to make vegan milk at home. This is a surefire way to eliminate any processed components from your almond milk.
Here’s a tutorial from Clean & Delicious on YouTube if you’re interested in making your own almond milk!
See A Dermatologist
If you don’t notice a difference in your acne, whether you drink almond milk or not, it may be time to contact a dermatologist. Acne shows up in many forms, and it’s crucial to ensure your flare-ups don’t need medical treatment or antibiotics.
In addition, a dermatologist will be able to tailor a treatment precisely for your skin’s needs.
Conduct Further Tests With Your Doctor
You can also conduct food sensitivity or hormonal tests with a doctor. This will solidify whether you’re sensitive to almonds and almond milk.
In addition, seeing another doctor may bring to light any possible underlying health issues like a hormonal imbalance.
Final Thoughts
It’s still unknown whether almond milk directly causes acne. However, it can occur in a few cases.
For example, if you are allergic to almonds or nuts, it may trigger acne. In addition, over-consuming almonds can disrupt digestion, provide excess estrogen, or irritate an existing hormonal balance.
Almond milk can still be inflammatory even without a nut allergy because of its other ingredients. For example, processed oils or fillers can also alter your digestive system or cause inflammation on the skin that can worsen acne.
If almonds aren’t the problem, you can try to make your vegan milk at home. This will simplify the ingredients in your milk, and you won’t feel inflamed due to multiple fillers and processed oils.
Overall, the best thing is to seek advice from a medical professional regarding potential sensitivities towards almond milk.
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