Patrick Oconnell
Feta cheese is a dairy product made from either cow or goat milk. It is a popular topping for salads and is commonly used in Greek recipes. As a dairy product, feta cheese can cause digestive issues for people with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. Symptoms of lactose intolerance include bloating, flatulence, stomach cramps, nausea, and diarrhea. While feta cheese can be part of a nutritious diet when consumed in moderation, it may cause diarrhea in certain circumstances, especially for individuals with specific health conditions or lactose intolerance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Feta cheese cause diarrhea | Yes, feta cheese can cause diarrhea, especially in people with lactose intolerance or dairy allergy. |
| Type of cheese | Feta cheese is a dairy product made from either cow or goat milk. |
| High-fat food | Yes, but it also provides protein, calcium, and other nutrients. |
| Digestive problems | It can cause bloating, flatulence, stomach cramps, nausea, and diarrhea in lactose-intolerant people. |
| Moldy feta cheese | It can be okay to eat if it is solid and the mold is cut off. However, moldy crumbled feta cheese should be thrown away as it can cause digestive issues. |
| Diarrhea prevention | Try a lower-lactose cheese or consider a dairy allergy test. |
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What You'll Learn
Feta cheese and lactose intolerance
Feta cheese is a dairy product, and like other dairy products, it can cause digestive problems for people with lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance is a medical condition where the small intestine does not produce enough lactase, the enzyme needed to properly digest lactose, the natural sugar found in dairy products.
Feta cheese is made from either cow or goat milk. Some people with lactose intolerance report that they can tolerate sheep or goat cheese, including feta, better than cow's milk cheese. However, others have reported digestive issues like bloating, flatulence, and diarrhea after consuming feta cheese, even in small amounts.
Feta cheese is naturally lower in lactose due to the cheesemaking and aging process. Softer, fresh cheeses like ricotta, cottage cheese, and American cheese contain more lactose than harder cheeses, and consuming them is more likely to cause diarrhea, even in smaller quantities. The amount of feta cheese consumed can also affect whether someone experiences digestive issues.
People with lactose intolerance may not have to give up dairy entirely. Using lactose-friendly tips can help individuals with lactose intolerance enjoy dairy foods like feta cheese without experiencing uncomfortable symptoms. For example, consuming smaller amounts or trying lower-lactose cheeses may help prevent diarrhea.
If you frequently experience gastrointestinal issues after consuming feta cheese, it is recommended to seek medical advice and consider testing for lactose intolerance or a dairy allergy. A dietitian can advise on a FODMAP elimination diet, which can help identify which cheeses or foods are triggering gastrointestinal symptoms.
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Dairy allergies
Milk allergies are one of the most common food allergies in children, with around 2.5% to 3% of children under three years old experiencing this allergy. However, most children outgrow milk allergies as they get older. Those who don't may need to continue avoiding milk products. It is recommended that individuals with milk allergies carry an epinephrine delivery device with them at all times in case of accidental exposure.
Cheese, including feta cheese, can cause digestive issues for individuals with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. Softer, fresh cheeses like ricotta, cottage cheese, and American cheese contain more lactose than harder cheeses and are more likely to cause diarrhea, even when consumed in smaller quantities. Individuals experiencing frequent gastrointestinal upset after consuming cheese may want to consult a healthcare professional and consider testing for lactose intolerance or a dairy allergy.
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Bacterial contamination
Feta cheese is a dairy product, and consuming it can cause digestive issues in lactose-intolerant individuals. Lactose intolerance is a condition where the small intestine does not produce enough of the lactase enzyme, which is essential for properly digesting feta cheese and other dairy products. Symptoms like bloating, flatulence, stomach cramps, nausea, and diarrhea can occur when lactose-intolerant people consume feta cheese or other dairy products. These symptoms usually subside once the cheese passes out of the body.
To prevent bacterial contamination, it is crucial to practice safe food handling and storage. Feta cheese should be stored properly in the refrigerator and consumed before its expiration date. Mold can indicate the presence of harmful bacteria, so it is generally recommended to discard moldy feta cheese, especially if it is crumbled, as the bacteria can penetrate and contaminate the entire product.
Additionally, cross-contamination during food preparation should be avoided to prevent the transfer of harmful bacteria from one food item to another. This includes using separate utensils and cutting boards for different types of food, practicing good hygiene by washing hands and surfaces frequently, and ensuring that raw meat is handled and cooked properly.
While feta cheese is a nutritious food that provides protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients, it is important to be mindful of potential bacterial risks and follow food safety guidelines to minimize the chances of diarrhea and other health issues associated with bacterial contamination.
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Feta cheese and constipation
Feta cheese is a dairy product, and like other dairy products, it can cause digestive issues for some people. While feta cheese can cause diarrhea, it is not commonly associated with constipation. In fact, most cheeses are more likely to cause diarrhea than constipation.
However, there are a few factors that may contribute to feta cheese's impact on bowel movements and constipation:
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is a condition where the small intestine does not produce enough of the enzyme lactase, which is necessary for digesting lactose, a natural sugar found in dairy products. People with lactose intolerance may experience digestive symptoms such as bloating, flatulence, stomach cramps, nausea, and diarrhea after consuming feta cheese or other dairy products. However, lactose intolerance is not typically associated with constipation.
Individual Sensitivity and Allergies
Some individuals may have specific sensitivities or allergies to dairy proteins or other components in feta cheese. These reactions can trigger digestive symptoms, including constipation or diarrhea. For example, some people report experiencing constipation specifically with feta cheese, while others find that certain types of milk used in feta cheese, such as cow's milk, can cause bloating.
Type and Amount of Cheese
The type and amount of cheese consumed can also influence digestion. Softer, fresh cheeses tend to contain more lactose and may be more likely to cause diarrhea, even in smaller quantities. Harder cheeses generally have lower lactose content. However, it's important to note that the amount of cheese consumed can also be a factor. Consuming larger amounts of cheese, regardless of type, may contribute to constipation due to its high-fat content and potential to slow digestion.
Fermentable Carbohydrates (FODMAPs)
Feta cheese contains fermentable carbohydrates known as FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols). These carbohydrates are poorly absorbed in the small intestine and can rapidly pull water into the colon, potentially leading to digestive issues. While FODMAPs are more commonly associated with diarrhea and bloating, they can also contribute to constipation in some individuals.
In summary, while feta cheese is more commonly linked to diarrhea and bloating, it may contribute to constipation in certain individuals due to lactose intolerance, specific allergies or sensitivities, the amount and type of cheese consumed, and the presence of FODMAPs. If constipation occurs regularly after consuming feta cheese, it is advisable to seek medical advice and consider dietary adjustments or alternatives.
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GI upset after eating cheese
Experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) upset after eating cheese is not uncommon. While cheese is a nutritious food that offers calcium, protein, and other essential vitamins and minerals, it can also be problematic for some people.
Cheese may cause constipation or diarrhea, depending on the individual, the type of cheese, and the amount consumed. Softer, fresh cheeses such as ricotta, cottage, and American cheeses, for instance, tend to contain more lactose than harder cheeses, and even small amounts can trigger diarrhea in those with lactose intolerance.
Lactose intolerance is a condition in which the body does not produce enough of the enzyme lactase, which is needed to properly digest lactose, a natural sugar found in dairy products. This can lead to uncomfortable symptoms such as bloating, flatulence, stomach cramps, nausea, and diarrhea. According to some sources, about 70% of the global population has some degree of lactose malabsorption or intolerance, and this number may be even higher in certain regions.
If you experience GI upset after consuming cheese, it is advisable to seek medical advice and consider testing for lactose intolerance or a dairy allergy. A dietitian can also provide guidance on trying a FODMAP elimination diet, which can help identify which specific cheeses or foods may be triggering your symptoms. Additionally, pairing cheese with fiber-rich foods and enjoying it in moderation can help alleviate GI symptoms.
It is important to note that digestive issues after eating cheese can also be influenced by other factors such as hydration, physical activity, and stress levels. Paying attention to these factors and consulting with a nutritionist can help maintain a healthy and happy gut.
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Frequently asked questions
Feta cheese is a dairy product, so it can cause digestive problems and diarrhea in people with lactose intolerance or a dairy allergy.
Other symptoms include bloating, flatulence, stomach cramps, nausea, and constipation.
Yes, moldy feta cheese can cause diarrhea and other health issues. It is advised to cut off the mold for solid feta cheese and consume it, but mold in crumbled feta cheese should be discarded as it can cause digestive issues.
