The Hidden Dangers of Plant-Based Milks: Why Coconut Milk is a Safer Choice
Why I Only Recommend Coconut Milk
A Holistic Health Perspective on Plant-Based Milks
As a holistic health professional running a clinic focused on root-cause healing, I’ve worked with countless patients who made what they thought were healthy choices—only to find their health worsening. One increasingly common culprit? Plant-based milks.

Almond, oat, soy, and other popular plant-based milks are widely considered “clean” or “healthy,” but my clinical experience shows a different story. Over time, I’ve observed a consistent pattern in patients who consume these milks regularly: thyroid dysfunction, cardiovascular issues, and early signs of kidney stress.
After extensive observation, research, and results in practice, I now only recommend coconut milk—and here’s why.
Thyroid Issues Linked to Synthetic Additives
Most commercial plant-based milks are fortified with synthetic iodine and vitamin B12, which may not be well tolerated by sensitive individuals. While these nutrients are essential, the synthetic iodine used in many fortified products is often overbuilt—meaning its structure or concentration doesn’t match what the body naturally recognizes.
As a result, the body doesn’t know how to process it properly, and in some people, especially those with genetic or immune predispositions, this may trigger autoimmune reactions—including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. In my clinic, I’ve seen this pattern repeat often in patients who consume fortified plant milks daily.
The same applies to synthetic B12, especially in the form of cyanocobalamin, which may not be absorbed or utilized effectively, adding further stress to the system.

Seed Oils: Hidden Inflammatory Drivers
Another serious issue is the seed oils added to most plant-based milks—such as canola, sunflower, or safflower oil. These oils are used to make the milk creamier, but they come at a cost:
High in omega-6 fatty acids, they promote chronic inflammation.
They’re linked to cardiovascular stress, oxidative damage, and metabolic disruption.
As a practitioner, I consistently advise patients to avoid seed oils, especially if they’re dealing with heart conditions, fatigue, or systemic inflammation. Unfortunately, these oils are common in oat, almond, and blended plant milks—even in brands marketed as “healthy.”

Too Much Protein, Too Hard on the Kidneys
Many newer plant milks are marketed as high-protein options—especially those made with pea or soy protein isolates. While protein is important, more isn’t always better.
In patients with even mild kidney dysfunction, this excessive protein load can lead to proteinuria (protein in the urine)—an early sign of kidney stress or damage. Long-term, this can contribute to kidney decline or even renal failure, especially if the rest of the diet is also high in protein or inflammatory foods.
Why Coconut Milk Is the Exception
Unlike most other plant-based milks, coconut milk stands out for its clean profile:
No seed oils,typically not fortified with synthetic iodine or B12
Low in protein—gentle on the kidneys
Contains healthy saturated fats (medium-chain triglycerides), which support energy and metabolic function
When choosing coconut milk, I recommend unsweetened, organic versions with minimal ingredients—ideally just coconut and water. Avoid thickening agents, gums, and additives when possible.
Final Thoughts from a Holistic Clinic
At my holistic clinic, we work to uncover the root causes of chronic symptoms—from fatigue and bloating to thyroid issues and kidney stress. Again and again, we find that the “health foods” patients are consuming every day—especially processed plant-based milks—are contributing to their problems.
If you’re dealing with thyroid dysfunction (like Hashimoto’s), cardiovascular concerns, or kidney imbalances, I strongly encourage you to re-evaluate your milk choices. What seems healthy might not be serving your body.
My professional recommendation: Switch to clean coconut milk. It’s simple, nourishing, and free of the additives that are quietly derailing so many people’s health.