5 Warning Signs You Should Stop Eating Cheese, Say Dietitians — Eat This Not That

Even if you love cheese, there’s a chance it won’t love you. Did you know about 65% of the population have a reduced ability to digest lactose after infancy? And even if you’re not lactose intolerance or sensitive, your body may not digest cheese well yet for a variety of reasons. For example, Amanda SaucedaMS, DR, notes that you might have an intolerance or allergy to the casein or whey protein in cheese.

“The body may also be deficient in specific enzymes, or may have activated immune mechanisms caused by diseases or disorders of the gastrointestinal tract,” he explains. Edbel QuinteroDRa registered dietitian and author of medical content at health reporter.

Whatever the reason, if you notice that eating cheese is causing unpleasant side effects, it may be time to take a break. (We know, this may be a bit easier said than done.) The good news? Today, there are plenty of non-dairy alternatives, from cashew brie to tofu gouda.

“You can also try natural cheeses like cheddar, Colby, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack, which are almost lactose-free thanks to the way they’re made,” says Sauceda. “Everyone has a different tolerance level for lactose, so try adjusting your serving size and see how you feel.”

Here are some of the top signs you should stop eating cheese, according to dieticians. And since you still deserve some gooey goodness in your life, be sure to check out these 13 Vegan Cheese Products So Delicious You Won’t Know The Difference.

Although a cow’s milk allergy is much more common in young children, it remains one of the most common food allergies in adults too.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

If you experience itching, tingling, or swelling around your tongue, throat, or lips after eating cheese, there is a chance you have this allergy. This means that the proteins in the cheese bind to specific antibodies and activate the immune defenses. Other potentially more serious signs of a milk allergy include:

• wheezing
• Urticaria
• Difficulty breathing

These symptoms can be life-threatening and may require immediate attention from a doctor, says Quintero. According to white garciaRDNa registered dietitian and nutrition specialist to healthchannelA doctor will usually prescribe an antihistamine to relieve the symptoms of the allergic reaction.

If you experience digestive discomfort such as swellinggas or diarrhea after a cheese-heavy meal, which can indicate lactose intolerance or sensitivity, says Sauceda.

These symptoms usually appear 30 minutes to two hours after eating cheese.

Abdominal cramps and diarrhea are other warning signs to watch out for. According to Garcia, these symptoms are the result of not having the lactase enzyme that breaks down the lactose sugar in dairy products.

It turns out that eating pizza, mac and cheese, or a cheese board can trigger flare-ups in some people. According to Nataly Komova, RDa registered dietitian and fitness expert to just CBDThe hormones found in milk can stimulate sebum production, which leads to oily skin, clogged pores, and acne.

So if your skin has been suffering lately and you suspect it may be due to your diet, try cutting cheese (and other dairy products) to see if your complexion clears up.

Speaking of skin issues, it’s worth mentioning that a 2015 review on Postgraduate Medical Journal found that some patients who were lactose intolerant reported experiencing rashes and flare-ups of eczema after eating dairy products.

According to Garcia, dairy can be a common cause of constipation. In fact, a 2013 study in nutrients found that children with chronic constipation experienced relief by replacing cow’s milk with soy milk.

Cheese is known for being “binding,” and part of the reason it can prevent you from having normal bowel movements is that it’s very high in fat and very low in fiber.

A small 2012 study in The Journal of Pediatrics found that parents who eliminated cow’s milk from their children’s diets noted a decrease in acid reflux episodes

If you have acid reflux or lactose intolerance, it’s not uncommon to get a little indigestion after eating cheese, especially in large amounts, says Komova. This is not only because dairy products are high in fat, but also because they are known to relax the sphincter muscle of the esophagus, allowing more stomach acid to travel upwards.

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