Some people living with psoriasis find that a glass of milk, a scoop of ice cream, or a splash of dairy creamer in their coffee can trigger symptoms. In recent years, nondairy milk alternatives have gained popularity, including almond milk. Although switching from dairy milk to almond milk may help reduce symptoms in some people, its potential health benefits vary from person to person, based on their individual health and tastes.

MyPsoriasisTeam members often discuss whether dietary changes will help with their condition, including switching to almond milk. “I’ve been reading a lot about changes in diet having a beneficial effect on psoriasis,” one member wrote. “I’m thinking initially of cutting out dairy products for a while. Does anyone here use nondairy milk like soy or almond, etc? Which will taste better in my mug of tea??”

Some members report they’ve already made a switch to almond milk — though it’s been too soon to tell if it helps. “I’m a few days into my new dairy-free diet! Not sure if it will help but it’s worth a go. Not too difficult either. Almond milk is surprisingly nice, and I can live without cheese.”

Another member shared, “Vegans claim that dairy products are not good for you. Others say it’s good for you. Who to believe? I consume almond drink and other plant-based milkshakes, for what it’s worth.”

Experiences and reactions to almond milk will vary from person to person. Before replacing your dairy milk with almond milk, it’s helpful to check the scientific research. You should also talk with your health care provider before making significant dietary changes. They can offer advice specific to you and your condition.

How Diet Affects Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic disease in which immune system changes cause skin cells to become inflamed and reproduce too quickly. People with plaque psoriasis, the most common type of psoriasis, develop thickened patches of skin, or plaques, that become scaly, itchy, and painful.

People with psoriasis also have a risk of developing psoriatic arthritis, which causes swollen and painful joints.

Research indicates that diet may play a role in aggravating inflammation and psoriasis flare-ups, particularly highly processed foods (such as candy, fast food, chips, baked goods), as well as food high in saturated fats, trans fats, or added sugar.

Health experts recommend that people with psoriasis consume healthy fats from seafood, vegetable oils, and nuts in order to increase antioxidants and omega-3s, both of which help our skin health and decrease inflammation. So does almond milk also offer these benefits?

What Is Almond Milk?

Almond milk is one of several plant-based milk alternatives that don’t contain any dairy milk, such as cow milk or goat milk. Almond milk, like other plant-based milk alternatives — including oat milk, coconut milk, or soy milk — has a creamy texture and can be used as a substitute for dairy milk.

Almond milk and other plant-based milk alternatives have different nutrients than dairy milk. Almond milk contains healthy fats — polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats — which can help reduce inflammation and improve our cholesterol levels.

Dairy milk has approximately eight times the amount of protein as almond milk. It can be a good source of calcium — though typically, almond milk is fortified with vitamin D and phosphorus, which keep our bones strong.

Why Choose Almond Milk for Psoriasis?

Researchers haven’t widely studied almond milk in relation to psoriasis. However, there are reasons why it may be an appropriate alternative to dairy milk for some people with the skin condition.

Some health experts recommend avoiding dairy products if you have psoriasis because dairy may be considered an inflammatory food. The fat found in many dairy products may trigger inflammation in some people and worsen psoriasis and other skin conditions.

Cow milk also contains lactose and a protein called casein, both of which can cause digestive problems for some people. Inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract has been linked to an increase in psoriasis symptoms. If you’re unsure whether dairy is making your symptoms worse, check in with your health care professional.

Almond Milk and an Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Studies have shown that the Mediterranean diet has anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit people with psoriasis. Mediterranean diets are rich in:

• Fruits
• Vegetables such as leafy greens
• Whole grains
• Nuts such as almonds and walnuts
• Olive oil
• Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, sardines, and mackerel

Researchers also have found that a Mediterranean diet has antioxidant properties, which can help promote healthy cells and skin health.

One MyPsoriasisTeam member described changes in their diet, which has some characteristics of a Mediterranean diet. “I’ve gone on a total organic diet and am eating avocados like a madwoman,” they wrote. “No sugar, no white bread, drinking almond and almond coconut milk. Only good fats.”

“I avoid gluten and GMO [genetically modified organism] things and started drinking almond milk,” another member said. “I’m losing weight and hopefully clearing out some impurities that cause the flare-ups.”

“I have a fruit smoothie with almond or coconut milk in the morning and at lunchtime, and a clean meal at night,” a third member wrote. “I also try to have nuts midmorning and afternoon. Energy levels have gone up and psoriasis has gotten better. And I lost a little weight too.”

Who Should Avoid Almond Milk?

Although almond milk can offer some benefits for some people with psoriasis, it may not be a good fit for everyone.

Almonds are tree nuts that are associated with severe and even life-threatening allergic reactions for some people. If you’re allergic to peanuts — which are legumes rather than tree nuts — you may be at a higher risk of having a tree nut allergy. Being allergic to other types of tree nuts, such as pistachios, Brazil nuts, walnuts, cashews, or hazelnuts, may also make you more prone to having an almond allergy.

If you’re allergic to peanuts or another type of tree nut, be sure to talk to your doctor or dermatologist before trying almond milk. Tree nut allergies can cause anaphylaxis, which can severely impair breathing and lead to a dangerous state of shock.

Other signs of a tree nut allergy include:

• Stomach cramps, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Itchy eyes, nose, mouth, or skin
• Congestion
• Trouble swallowing

Buying or Making Almond Milk

Almond milk is widely available at grocery stores and is usually near the dairy milks. Some brands of almond milk are called almond beverages.

Store-bought almond milk is a processed food and may contain a variety of ingredients. It’s always a good idea to review ingredients, especially for chemical additives and added sugar, before making your choice. Unsweetened almond milk doesn’t have added sugar but, depending on the brand, may have extra ingredients that you’re aiming to avoid.

Homemade Almond Milk

It’s easy to make your own almond milk with just almond butter and water, or by starting with whole almonds and water. Some recipes for homemade almond milk add ingredients such as vanilla or cinnamon for extra flavor.

Making your own almond milk can help ensure there are no unwanted ingredients in it. You may also find it more cost-effective to make your own almond milk. You can find a variety of almond milk recipes online.

Almond Milk and Skin Products

Almond milk can also be found in some lotions, moisturizers, and cleansers. A number of MyPsoriasisTeam members have reported that almond milk skin care products have helped relieve some of their psoriasis symptoms.

One member said, “The Almond Milk & Honey Soothing and Restoring Body Lotion from the Body Shop has done wonders for my skin. I also have shower cream as well. Smells lovely and works for me at the moment. I have tried prescribed creams but this product is for me at this moment in time.”

Talk to your dermatologist before adding any new products to your skin care regimen to ensure they won’t interact negatively with your psoriasis treatment plan.

Find Your Team

MyPsoriasisTeam is the social network for people with psoriasis and their loved ones. On MyPsoriasisTeam, more than 116,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with psoriasis.

Have you tried almond milk for your psoriasis? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.