Andy Montoya
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the oesophagus, causing irritation. While diet plays a significant role in managing acid reflux, the impact of cheese on acid reflux depends on the type of cheese consumed. Cheddar cheese, which is high in fat, can delay digestion by sitting in the stomach for longer, which can contribute to reflux. However, fresh cheeses, with their lower PRAL values and probiotic benefits, are less likely to exacerbate acid reflux symptoms.
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What You'll Learn
Cheddar is a high-fat cheese
However, the impact of cheese on acid reflux depends on the type of cheese consumed. Fresh cheeses, with their lower Potential Renal Acid Load (PRAL) values and probiotic benefits, are less likely to trigger acid reflux. Hard cheeses, on the other hand, tend to have higher PRAL values, suggesting they are more acid-forming. However, hard cheeses are also rich in lactate, which may reduce their acidifying effects.
For individuals with acid reflux, a practical approach to managing symptoms is to opt for fresh cheeses and monitor their body's response. Low-fat or non-dairy alternatives are also recommended for a GERD diet, as they avoid triggering reflux while still providing calcium and protein.
It's important to note that triggers can vary from person to person, so while cheese may be a trigger for some, it may not be for others. Moderation is generally a good idea, and eating smaller, more frequent meals can also help to reduce reflux.
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High-fat foods can cause acid reflux
Cheese is a high-fat food that can cause acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the oesophagus, causing irritation. High-fat foods can delay digestion by sitting in the stomach for longer, putting pressure on the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) and allowing acid to flow back up into the oesophagus. This is why high-fat foods are some of the biggest triggers of acid reflux.
The acid-forming potential of cheese can be measured using the Potential Renal Acid Load (PRAL) index, which considers the content of protein, phosphorus, chloride, sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Fresh cheeses have lower PRAL values, indicating they are less likely to contribute to acid load in the body. Hard cheeses, on the other hand, have higher PRAL values, suggesting they are more acid-forming.
However, despite their high PRAL values, hard cheeses are rich in lactate, which may make them less likely to cause acid reflux than their PRAL values alone would suggest. Fresh cheeses, especially those produced with probiotic bacteria, can improve the survival of beneficial lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in the gastrointestinal tract. These probiotics can potentially improve gut health and help manage acid reflux symptoms by maintaining a healthy balance of gut flora.
For individuals with acid reflux, opting for fresh cheese and monitoring their body's response can be a practical approach to managing symptoms. It is also important to note that the impact of cheese on acid reflux may vary from person to person, and other dietary factors, such as meal size and timing, can also play a role in triggering acid reflux.
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Acid reflux is a symptom of GERD
Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the oesophagus, causing irritation. This occurs when the muscle at the bottom of the oesophagus, the oesophageal sphincter, relaxes too much and fails to close properly. While diet plays a significant role in managing acid reflux, and certain foods can trigger symptoms, the impact of specific foods can vary from person to person.
Cheese, for example, can have varying effects on acid reflux, depending on its type and composition. The acid-forming potential of cheese is often measured using the Potential Renal Acid Load (PRAL) index, which considers the content of protein, phosphorus, chloride, sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Fresh cheeses, such as those produced with probiotic bacteria, have lower PRAL values, indicating they are less likely to contribute to acid load in the body. Additionally, the probiotics in fresh cheese can improve gut health and help manage acid reflux symptoms by maintaining a healthy balance of gut flora.
On the other hand, hard cheeses like Cantal and blue-veined cheeses have higher PRAL values, suggesting they are more acid-forming. However, despite their high PRAL values, hard cheeses are rich in lactate, which may reduce their acidifying effects. While the impact of cheese on acid reflux depends on individual triggers, it is worth noting that cheese is high in fat, and fatty foods can delay digestion and contribute to reflux. Therefore, while cheese may not be a trigger for everyone, moderation is generally recommended.
To manage GERD and reduce acid reflux symptoms, dietary changes are often suggested. These include eating smaller, more frequent meals, choosing low-acid, low-fat, and high-fibre foods, and avoiding common triggers like fried and fatty dishes, spicy meals, and acidic options. Lean proteins, cooked vegetables, and whole grains are recommended as GERD staples. Additionally, low-fat dairy or plant-based milk alternatives can provide calcium and protein without triggering reflux.
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Fresh cheeses may be better for acid reflux
The impact of cheese on acid reflux depends on the type of cheese consumed. Fresh cheeses, with their lower Potential Renal Acid Load (PRAL) values, are less likely to contribute to acid load in the body and may be better for acid reflux. Fresh cheeses, particularly those produced with probiotic bacteria, can enhance the survival of beneficial lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in the gastrointestinal tract. These probiotics can potentially improve gut health and help manage acid reflux symptoms by maintaining a healthy balance of gut flora.
Fresh cheese has been shown to significantly improve the survival of LAB in acidic conditions (pH 2.5), which are similar to the stomach environment. It also protects LAB against bile salts and pancreatic enzymes, enhancing their delivery to the gut. The lower PRAL values of fresh cheeses suggest they are less acid-forming, while hard cheeses like Cantal and blue-veined cheeses have higher PRAL values, indicating a higher potential for acid formation.
For individuals with acid reflux, opting for fresh cheese and monitoring their body's response can be a practical approach to managing symptoms. This is because fresh cheeses, with their lower PRAL values and probiotic benefits, might be less likely to exacerbate acid reflux symptoms. However, it's important to note that everyone has their own triggers for acid reflux, and while cheese may not be a trigger for some, fatty foods in general can delay stomach emptying and contribute to reflux.
To manage acid reflux, it is recommended to make simple dietary changes, such as eating smaller, more frequent meals and choosing foods that are easier on the stomach. Lean proteins, cooked vegetables, and whole grains are great staples, while low-acid fruits, herbal teas, and plenty of water can soothe symptoms. It is also important to avoid common triggers like fried and fatty dishes, spicy meals, acidic options, and reducing sugar, caffeine, and processed meats.
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GERD diets recommend low-fat foods
A GERD diet recommends simple changes to reduce reflux, such as eating smaller, more frequent meals and choosing foods that are easier on the stomach. High-fat foods are known to cause acid reflux, so GERD diets recommend low-fat foods.
Foods that are high in fat, salt, or spice can make acid reflux worse. Fatty foods relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing more stomach acid to back up into the oesophagus. They also delay stomach emptying, which can contribute to reflux. Therefore, it is important to manage your fat intake and opt for low-fat foods.
GERD diets recommend eating lean proteins such as chicken or fish, cooked vegetables, and whole grains. These foods are high in fibre, which regulates digestion and prevents constipation, which can worsen reflux symptoms.
Low-fat or non-dairy alternatives are also recommended. Choose low-fat dairy or plant-based milk alternatives without added acids to avoid triggering reflux while still getting calcium and protein. When cooking proteins, use lower-fat methods such as grilling, broiling, baking, or poaching instead of frying.
Egg whites are also a good option for people with GERD, as they are low in fat and high in protein. However, egg yolks are high in fat and can trigger GERD symptoms.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheddar cheese is high in fat and can therefore trigger GERD symptoms. However, the impact of cheese on acid reflux depends on the type of cheese consumed. For example, fresh cheeses have lower PRAL values and probiotic benefits, which might make them less likely to trigger acid reflux.
Hard cheeses like Cantal and blue-veined cheeses such as Fourme d’Ambert have higher PRAL values, suggesting they are more acid-forming. Other high-fat cheeses include Gouda, Parmesan, cream cheese, and stilton.
The GERD diet encourages eating smaller, more frequent meals and choosing foods that are easier on the stomach. Lean proteins such as chicken or fish, cooked vegetables, and whole grains are great GERD staples. Low-acid fruits, herbal teas, and plenty of water can also support digestion and soothe symptoms.
