THYROID AND ALMOND MILK / alternates: Hi All... - Thyroid UK

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THYROID AND ALMOND MILK / alternates

SPD1 profile image
SPD1
20 Replies

Hi All,

just picking brains if i may.

I have been drinking cows milk forever and a day (Cravendale Filtered semi skimmed) and have been thinking about switching to a supposed more healthy option to see if i notice any difference, was considering trying Alpro Almond Milk (no sugars) but having done a little bit of research it appears that Almonds are considered Goitrogenic and that they may irritate the thyroid and cause iodine assimilation issues which can lead to swelling of the thyroid, it appears that switching from cows to Almond Milk also means less iodine consumed which may impair thyroid function ?

I am wondering if anyone consumes Almond milk and has experienced good/bad results or are there better alternatives than Almond Milk for Hypothyroidism ?

Any feedback very much appreciated :-)

Steve.

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SPD1 profile image
SPD1
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20 Replies
greygoose profile image
greygoose

Neither of those concerns has anything to do with people on thyroid hormone replacement. You thyroid doesn't need iodine because it isn't making hormone anymore. And, even if you weren't taking thyroid hormone replacement, you'd have to drink gallons of the stuff for it to have those effects. :)

SPD1 profile image
SPD1 in reply to greygoose

Hi, thanks for your reply. when i googled thyroid and almond milk there are reams of information regarding the subject, i just wanted to try and ensure i wasn't adding to my existing issues.

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to SPD1

Well, no-one can vouch for your personal reaction to almond milk, it might not suit you. But, I don't think there's any concern as far as your thyroid is concerned. Yes, there are reams of bumf written about goitrogens, but most of it is uninformed rubbish. Well, to be fair, out of date information, because that's the way it used to be perceived. But, science moves on, and most web sites fail to keep up with it. :)

SPD1 profile image
SPD1 in reply to greygoose

I was just applying due diligence as i have a super sensitive system which may or may not be as a result of being Hypo, the bumf is plentifold regarding the negatives of consuming if one happens to be hypothyroid but then everyone is indeed different in how they may or may not react, i take on board your comments regarding rubbish and out of dateThanks GG :-)

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to SPD1

You're welcome. :)

jade_s profile image
jade_s

My hubby has started drinking oat milk, sugar free "Alpro Not Milk" and really likes it (no thyroid issue). I myself love Almond milk but had to stop due to nut allergies. Never noticed it affected thyroid.

SPD1 profile image
SPD1 in reply to jade_s

Hi Jade, i did find myself undecided about almond and oat but was more inclined to go the route of the former because it is supposedly quite a bit less calorific and part of the reason for swopping from cows is the fact i need to drop some weight, (one of the joys of hypo is being on constant weight watch!) however i believe oat is supposed to be tastier so i think i will try that instead as knowing my luck i will react negatively to Almond.

Thanks :-)

DippyDame profile image
DippyDame in reply to SPD1

one of the joys of hypo is being on constant weight watch!

In that case you may not be on the correct thyroid replacement dose!

How do you feel?

Have you had a full thyroid test done since you posted labs 2 years ago?

If you are undermedicated then dropping a few calories between "milks" is unlikely to make a difference!!

When it comes to losing weight, undermedicated thyroid weight gain is unlike excessive calorie weight gain.....correct medication is important

Neither " milk" should affect thyroid function

Enjoy!

SPD1 profile image
SPD1 in reply to DippyDame

Hi, yes i'm on the case regarding tweaking my dose and exploring adding T3 after recent bloods but in the interim have been researching healthier options, just wanted to explore dropping dairy/milk to see if i felt any benefit at all :-)

DippyDame profile image
DippyDame in reply to SPD1

OK...Good.

Understood!

Good luck

Painwork profile image
Painwork in reply to DippyDame

I think it would be really helpful to know what to eat or drink and what to avoid because the internet is full of contradictions and i too am struggling with weight issues after my levo was increased...bit stuck really unless anyone here is a nutritionist??

DippyDame profile image
DippyDame in reply to Painwork

Important to have a full thyroid test

TSH, FT4, FT3, vit D, vit B12, folate, ferritin and antibodies TPO and TG

You are possibly undermedicated ....causing weight gain.

jade_s profile image
jade_s in reply to SPD1

Bon appetit regardless what you decide ;)

I agree with the DippyDame, weight issues can point to suboptimal thyroid dose. To be honest I'm battling this myself now, after a few years of optimal dose/weight loss (not to scare you!).

Knip profile image
Knip in reply to SPD1

It might be trial and error to see which suits you and which you prefer.

Knip profile image
Knip

I have Chron's Disease in addition to RA and Thyroid (HYPO) problems and have been using almond milk for years now. The percentage of almonds is very low in the milk and I haven't had any issues with it. Obviously we are all different and it is always wise to do your own research. I also use Hazelnut milk, but this only comes sweetened. Take care, and I hope you get sorted out soon.

Ellie-Louise profile image
Ellie-Louise

I switched from Oat to Almond milk a few months ago. Haven’t noticed anything out of the ordinary at all. Prefer the taste actually.

Batty1 profile image
Batty1

I only drink almond milk and have not noticed anything different and my labs pretty much stay the same. Im thyroid-less.

SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering

SPD1

Just curious here, do you consume much milk?

Why do you think that almond milk might be more healthy for you?

I have full fat cows milk, wouldn't have any other - my milk consumption is breakfast muesli or porridge plus one mug of coffee made with all milk, that's my daily consumption. Rest of the day I drink water.

As I say, just curious (or nosy 🤣)

SPD1 profile image
SPD1 in reply to SeasideSusie

Hi Susie, good question, i have just been taking a closer look at my diet in general recently and looking to tweek in certain areas and have thought for a little while whether it might be worth trying a non cows milk variety, i have no idea whether i am lactose/dairy intolerant but note that i do become slightly bloated after cows milk but to be honest i'm not sure if that is just feeling a bit fuller after eating something accompanying milk or it's possible intolerance so wanted to try for that reason plus there are supposedly less calories in No sugar/No sweetner non cows milk so i thought it would probably help keeping the waistline in trim :-)

I normally consume Cravendale Semi skimmed Filter cows milk with weetabix for brekkie and 3 cups of coffee for the the rest of the day, i need to increase my water consumption in general though..

It appears there are less nutrients overall in the alternative non cows milk even though different brands add different vitamins/calcium etc, maybe i'm not actually consuming enough cows milk to warrant the change for what you lose in nutrient and taste :-)

Thefells profile image
Thefells

Hi, just wondering why you would want to change from cow's milk? If I know the reason behind it, I might have an opinion, having looked at options myself. Best wishes.

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