Is Plant Milk Damaging Your Gut Health?

Most plant-based milks whether coconut, almond, oat, soy, or rice have been fortified with calcium to promote the calcium intake that may be lacking when choosing plant-based milk over dairy. What many health-conscious consumers may not know, is that the form of calcium used, Calcium Carbonate, can act as an antacid and negatively influence not only the pH levels in the stomach, but your gut microbiome and more!

So, what is Calcium Carbonate?

Calcium carbonate is traditionally used in medicine to treat heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach, or other conditions caused by high amounts of stomach acid. It works by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach by increasing the pH (alkalinity) and belongs to a group of medications called antacids. It may also be used to increase calcium levels in your body. Calcium is a mineral that plays an important role in building strong bones, teeth and maintains heart health.

300mg Calcium Carbonate per 250ml serve of Plant Milk (the general dose in plant milk) is the equivalent of 1/3 of an antacid tablet which usually contains 1g of Calcium Carbonate.

The Low Stomach Acid Epidemic

The issue commonly seen more and more these days is that most people (especially 35 years plus), already have low stomach acid which can create symptoms of reflux, heartburn, intestinal bloating, gas, burping, nutrient deficiencies, bacterial overgrowth, protein malabsorption, brittle nails, hair loss, muscle atrophy, fatigue, poor immunity and even skin issues.

The irony is, many people today are avoiding dairy due to gut issues which may be caused by lactose intolerance, but also may be attributed to low stomach acid, and are unknowingly drinking plant-based lattes and smoothies regularly without realising they are practically popping an antacid tablet within it each time… further reducing their stomach acid (and increasing gut symptoms) even more!

If you are someone who has turned to plant-based milk to avoid the bloat, and are continuing to feel it, try transitioning to a non-calcium carbonate fortified plant milk and see what difference it makes.

In Australia, I personally use the Pure Harvest brand of plant-based milks (not sponsored) and recommend this to my clients because I know it has the “cleanest” and shortest ingredients list. It is a good idea to read the ingredients label of your favourite brand of plant milk, and if in doubt, contact the company and ask for any other added ingredients which sometimes are not listed on the ingredients panel. I recently found out that one of my go-to café Almond Milk’s contains carrageenan, which was not clearly disclosed on the label. (Carrageenan is another ingredient commonly found in plant milk’s that has shown to be particularly harmful for gut health).

As always, the best for your health is to choose wholefoods and homemade, but in cases where you can’t or don’t have time to make it yourself, always READ THE LABEL.

Let me know how you go with raiding your fridge / pantry for milks, and if you find any unwanted surprises.

In health and love

Deena x