Kamil Perry
Cheese is a beloved food for many, but can it get you high? Some people claim to experience a mild high or a head rush after consuming cheese. While cheese does not contain psychoactive ingredients, it is rich in casein, a protein that breaks down into compounds called casomorphins during digestion. Casomorphins can cross the blood-brain barrier and bind to dopamine receptors, potentially triggering cravings and mild addictive behaviours. Additionally, the high fat content of cheese may also contribute to its craveability. While the idea of getting high on cheese may be intriguing, it's important to remember that excessive cheese consumption can have negative health impacts, especially for those with high cholesterol or blood pressure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Addiction | Cheese may be mildly addictive due to its protein casein, which the body breaks down into casomorphins. These compounds attach to dopamine receptors in the brain, possibly triggering cravings for similar foods. |
| Altered dreams | Some people claim that eating cheese alters their dreams. |
| High | Cheese does not contain psychoactive ingredients and does not get you high. However, some people claim to experience a mild high or a dopamine rush from eating cheese, possibly due to its casomorphin content. |
| Hallucinations | A 2005 study by the British Cheese Board found that ingesting 20 grams of Stilton cheese could lead to hallucinations. However, this study was a sleep study, so the wild visions experienced by participants were likely just dreams. |
| Health benefits | Cheese contains calcium and protein and can be consumed in moderation. |
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What You'll Learn
Cheese contains natural opiates
Cheese contains opiate peptides called casomorphins, which are created when the dairy protein casein is broken down during digestion. Casomorphins can cross the blood-brain barrier and attach to dopamine receptors in the brain, causing the release of dopamine, which makes us feel good. However, it is important to note that casomorphins are not as potent as opioids, and there is no evidence of cheese dependency or withdrawal.
The idea that cheese contains natural opiates has led some people to compare its effects to those of addictive drugs. For example, in his book "The Cheese Trap," Neal Barnard, MD, called cheese "a dangerous addiction" and compared it to heroin and morphine. He theorized that casomorphins act like drug opiates in the human body. However, others have argued that this comparison is exaggerated and that there are other factors that contribute to the crave-ability of cheese, such as its combination of fat and salt and its mouthfeel.
While cheese may not be literally addictive like drugs, some people have reported experiencing a mild high or head rush after consuming cheese. This could be due to a release of adrenaline in response to an allergic reaction, as strong cheeses are high in histamines and can inhibit the DAO enzyme, which breaks down histamines. Additionally, some individuals with ADHD have reported experiencing a brief but immediate head rush after consuming cheese when hungry.
The presence of natural opiates in cheese has also been linked to altered dreams and increased cravings for the food. Some people have even compared the experience of eating cheese to a "food orgasm" or a "hit." However, it is important to note that these sensations may be influenced by individual differences in physiology and psychology, as well as the combination of cheese with other foods or activities.
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High fat content in cheese makes it easy to crave
Cheese is a beloved food for many, with some people even claiming to be addicted to it. While cheese does not contain any psychoactive ingredients, it does contain casein, a protein found in dairy products, which releases opiates called casomorphins during digestion. These casomorphins can cross the blood-brain barrier and attach to dopamine receptors in the brain, creating a feeling of comfort and pleasure. The high fat and salt content of cheese also makes it highly palatable and easy to overeat, which can contribute to cravings.
Cheese is a good source of calcium, with a 30g portion of cheddar providing over a quarter of an adult's daily calcium requirements. However, it is also high in fat, sodium, and calories, which can have negative health effects if consumed in excess. For example, a generous handful of grated cheddar (about 50g) can add over 230 calories to a meal, which is more than 10% of the daily calorie requirement.
The fat content of cheese can vary depending on the type of cheese. Soft goat's cheese, brie, and edam have about 26g of fat per 100g, while mozzarella, ricotta, and feta are lower in fat. Full-fat dairy foods, including cheese, contain high amounts of saturated fat and some cholesterol. A high intake of saturated fat can increase LDL cholesterol levels, so it is generally recommended to consume cheese in limited amounts.
Some people may experience a mild "high" or head rush after consuming cheese, especially if they have not eaten in a while or have certain conditions like ADHD or histamine intolerance. This sensation may be due to the release of casomorphins, which can signal comfort and pleasure to the brain, or it could be related to an allergic reaction or the dopamine response.
While cheese can be a tasty and nutritious addition to meals, it is important to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet. The high fat and salt content of cheese can make it easy to overeat and crave, but overconsumption may have negative health effects.
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Casomorphins in cheese may trigger cravings
Cheese is a popular food worldwide, with Americans consuming around 11 pounds of cheese per person annually as of 2018. However, some people wonder if cheese can get you high or trigger cravings due to its protein and fat content.
Cheese contains a protein called casein, which is found in dairy products and is highly concentrated in cheese. During digestion, casein releases opiates called casomorphins. Casomorphins can cross the blood-brain barrier and attach to dopamine receptors in the brain, potentially triggering cravings for similar foods. While casomorphins are considered mildly addictive, they may also have health benefits, and there is no reason to avoid cheese solely because of them.
The high fat content of cheese may also contribute to its craveability. Food cravings are often associated with the reward centre of the brain, and the release of endorphins after consuming high-fat foods can lead to pleasurable experiences, encouraging further consumption. Additionally, some people with ADHD have reported experiencing a brief but immediate head rush after consuming cheese when hungry, which could be related to the dopamine connection.
While cheese may not contain psychoactive ingredients, some individuals have reported experiencing a mild high or a dopamine rush after consumption. This could be related to the release of casomorphins and the resulting stimulation of dopamine receptors. However, it is important to note that individual responses may vary, and some people may not experience any noticeable effects.
In conclusion, while cheese may not contain psychoactive compounds, the presence of casomorphins and its high fat content may trigger cravings and contribute to its perceived addictiveness. However, more research is needed to fully understand the complex interplay between cheese consumption, dopamine release, and individual physiological responses.
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Cheese triggers the same part of the brain as drugs
A 2015 study found that cheese contains casein, a substance present in all dairy products, which can trigger the brain's opioid receptors linked to addiction. These are the same receptors targeted by hard drugs.
Casein comprises the majority of protein in dairy milk, and the concentration of casein in cheese is even higher, as it takes around 10 pounds (4.5 kg) of milk to make 1 pound (0.5 kg) of cheese. When you digest casein, your body breaks it down into smaller compounds called casomorphins. Casomorphins can cross the blood-brain barrier and attach to dopamine receptors in your brain, causing a rush similar to that of drugs.
Some people have reported experiencing a high or a head rush after consuming cheese, especially when hungry. However, it is important to note that cheese does not contain psychoactive ingredients, and the sensation is likely due to a release of dopamine rather than an effect comparable to that of illicit substances.
The study's findings have been widely shared and discussed, with some questioning the implications of comparing pleasurable activities or foods to drug use. While it is true that cheese can activate similar brain regions, it is important to distinguish between the effects of drugs, which are potent and illegal, and the pleasure derived from eating cheese or engaging in other enjoyable activities.
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Cheese causes a dopamine rush
While cheese does not contain any psychoactive ingredients, some people report experiencing a mild high or a rush after consuming it. This sensation has been attributed to a release of dopamine in the brain, triggered by compounds called casomorphins that are present in cheese.
Casomorphins are formed when casein, the predominant protein in dairy milk, is broken down during digestion. Cheese contains a higher concentration of casein compared to milk, as it takes around 10 pounds (4.5 kg) of milk to produce 1 pound (0.5 kg) of cheese. Casomorphins are able to cross the blood-brain barrier and bind to dopamine receptors, leading to a release of dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of pleasure and reward.
The effect of casomorphins in cheese is often described as a mild dopamine hit or rush, and it is not considered comparable to the effects of drugs. While some individuals with ADHD have reported experiencing a brief head rush after consuming cheese, especially when hungry, it is important to note that the impact of cheese is not equivalent to a high. The sensation may be influenced by factors such as histamine intolerance, as aged cheeses are high in histamines, which can cause a rush or flush.
While cheese may induce a mild dopamine response, it is important to distinguish this from true addiction. According to the NIH, addiction involves a loss of control over one's actions and an uncontrollable urge to seek out the substance, regardless of the consequences. There is no scientific consensus that food addiction exists, and claims of cheese being "as addictive as crack" are sensationalized and inaccurate. While cheese may be craveable due to its delicious combination of fat and salt, it does not exhibit the same addictive potential as street drugs.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese contains casein, a protein found in dairy products, which releases opiates called casomorphins when digested. Casomorphins can cross the blood-brain barrier and attach to dopamine receptors in your brain. However, there is no conclusive evidence that cheese gets you high, and some believe that the feeling of a "cheese high" is just a dopamine rush.
Some people believe that cheeses with higher concentrations of casein, such as those made with sheep or buffalo milk, may produce more casomorphins and have a stronger effect. However, there is currently no research to support this claim.
While cheese may have mildly addictive properties due to its casomorphin content, these compounds may also have health benefits. Cheese is a good source of calcium and protein, but it is high in fat and salt, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
