IBD Anti Inflammatory Disease Diet: Dairy and Milk Alternatives (2024)

FAQs

What alternative milk is best for IBD? ›

Coconut Milk is a great option for those who suffer from acne. It is anti-inflammatory, contains healthy fats, is gut friendly and has magnesium and potassium. Almond Milk, if unsweetened, is also a good alternative because it contains antioxidants, is anti-inflammatory and made up of healthy fats.

If you suspect dairy might be causing or worsening your symptoms, switch to lactose-free products or dairy substitutes. Coconut milk, almond milk, and rice milk-based products are an easy swap.

“Yogurt is associated with decreased inflammation, decreased insulin resistance and it may prevent type 2 diabetes,” Dr. Hu says. Nutrition researchers believe yogurt's anti-inflammatory power comes from the probiotics it contains, but that has yet to be confirmed with rigorous trials, he says.

Soy milk: Soy milk is a plant-based option rich in protein, comparable to dairy milk. It also contains compounds called phytoestrogens, which may have anti-inflammatory properties.

“If you can't have cow's milk, soy milk and rice milk are often the healthiest milk for gut health – especially for people with celiac disease, an autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation,” Park said.

Milk may aggravate the symptoms of ulcerative colitis in some people. They may wish to try alternative types of milk, such as oat or soy. However, people should be mindful of getting enough calcium if they choose to avoid dairy products. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Oat milk is rich in carbohydrates and B vitamins, a great energy source to get you through the day. It's a high source of fiber, promoting healthy digestion and happy gut bacteria, reducing inflammation and therefore the chances of getting inflammation-linked diseases such as arthritis or ulcerative colitis.

You May Decrease Inflammation

Franklyn relays that coconut milk may help decrease inflammation in the body because it contains lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid. Lauric acid is found in even larger quantities in coconut oil. According to research, lauric acid has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects.

1. Avocados. Avocados are often sought after for their creamy texture and satiating taste. But they are also powerhouses when it comes to fighting inflammation.

Does cutting out dairy reduce inflammation? ›

Unless you have a milk allergy, research suggests that dairy is not the root cause of low-grade inflammation in the body. In fact, consuming foods like yogurt may actually help to reduce inflammation.

According to this guide, almond, hemp, and coconut milks may work for people with IBS. Just pay attention to your serving size. You may also want to try kefir.

Milk may aggravate the symptoms of ulcerative colitis in some people. They may wish to try alternative types of milk, such as oat or soy. However, people should be mindful of getting enough calcium if they choose to avoid dairy products. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

While some plant milks, such as soy and oat milk, offer specific gut health benefits due to their protein and fiber content, others like almond and rice milk are gentler on the stomach.

Foods such as milk, cheese, and butter can exacerbate inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) symptoms because they contain lactose, the naturally occurring sugar in dairy foods, notes the Cleveland Clinic. You're more likely to have difficulty with dairy when you have Crohn's disease that involves the small intestine.