Andy Montoya
When suffering from an upset stomach, it is important to be mindful of what you eat and drink. It is recommended to stick to bland, easy-to-digest foods and avoid anything high in fat, sugar, lactose, and spices. Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and ice cream, are typically advised against due to their high-fat content and lactose, which can be difficult for the body to digest, especially for those who are lactose intolerant. However, some people may still opt for low-fat or lactose-free dairy options. So, is cheese bad for an upset stomach?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Whether cheese is bad for an upset stomach | Yes, cheese is bad for an upset stomach |
| Why cheese is bad for an upset stomach | Cheese is high in fat and can be hard to digest, especially for people who are lactose intolerant |
| What to eat instead of cheese when one has an upset stomach | Bananas, applesauce, ginger, white rice, white-bread toast, sports drinks, coconut water, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Why cheese is hard to digest
When your stomach is upset, it is best to consume bland, easy-to-digest foods. Dairy products like milk, cheese, and ice cream are hard for your body to digest as they are high in fat. They are also high in lactose, which is a sugar found in milk and other dairy products. In a healthy gut, the small intestine makes an enzyme called lactase to break down lactose. However, some people don't make enough lactase, causing lactose to stay in the gut instead of being absorbed by the body. This can cause symptoms such as gas, bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
Cheese is also hard to digest because it is a dairy product that contains lactose, a sugar that some people have difficulty digesting. Lactose intolerance occurs when the body does not produce enough of the enzyme lactase, which is needed to break down lactose. This can cause symptoms such as gas, bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. While not everyone is lactose intolerant, it is a common condition that can develop at any age.
In addition, cheese is a high-fat food, and fats can be harder for the body to break down, especially when consumed in large amounts. This can lead to bloating and gas, and it can also cause the colon to produce more liquid, resulting in loose and watery stools. However, it is important to note that not all cheeses are equally difficult to digest. Hard cheeses, like cheddar or Swiss, are typically the most tolerable for those who are lactose intolerant as they have lower lactose content than other dairy products.
Furthermore, ultra-processed foods, which often contain high amounts of additives, fat, lactose, and sugar, can aggravate gastrointestinal symptoms and increase the risk of developing IBS, cancer, obesity, and high blood pressure. Cheese is often highly processed, and these additives can further contribute to digestive issues.
Overall, while cheese can be a nutritious food, it is important to be mindful of its potential effects on digestion, especially for those who are lactose intolerant or have other digestive sensitivities.
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What to eat instead
When you have an upset stomach, it's best to eat bland, easy-to-digest foods. You should also make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Here are some specific food and drink suggestions:
Carbohydrates
- Simple white-bread toast is better than fiber-rich whole grains, which can be hard to digest and make diarrhoea worse.
- Plain white rice is better than brown, black, or wild rice, which are harder to digest. White rice is a refined carbohydrate that is low in fibre and can help stop diarrhoea.
- Bananas are easy to digest and can relieve stomach pain. They also increase mucus production in the stomach, which helps prevent irritation of the stomach lining.
- Cooked cereal, like oatmeal, Cream of Wheat, or Farina.
Fluids
- Water, fruit juice, coconut water, sports drinks, broths, and saltine crackers can help restore fluid loss and replace electrolytes.
- Avoid carbonated sodas, which can cause bloating and belching, and acidic drinks, which can cause heartburn and reflux.
Other foods
- Yogurt with live, active bacterial cultures can relieve constipation and diarrhoea.
- Buttermilk can help alleviate antibiotic-associated diarrhoea and constipation.
- Kefir can help people with chronic constipation experience more regular bowel movements.
- Ginger and chamomile may also help relieve an upset stomach.
Once your stomach has settled, you can start to introduce other foods, such as:
- Baked potatoes.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast.
- Fruits and vegetables.
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Other foods to avoid
When experiencing an upset stomach, it is recommended to stick to bland, easy-to-digest foods and avoid foods high in fat, sugar, lactose, and spices. Here is a list of foods to avoid when dealing with an upset stomach:
Fried and fatty foods
Fried foods are difficult to digest and can worsen an upset stomach. They are high in fat and can aggravate gastrointestinal symptoms. Examples of fatty foods to avoid include greasy foods like burgers, pizzas, and deep-fried items.
Whole grains
Whole grains, such as wheat, are high in fibre, which can be beneficial when you're healthy, but it can worsen diarrhoea and nausea when you have an upset stomach. Instead, opt for refined carbohydrates like white bread, white rice, and white pasta.
Dairy products
Milk, cheese, and ice cream are hard for the body to digest, especially when you're experiencing stomach issues, as they are high in fat and lactose. Lactose is a sugar found in dairy products, and an estimated 70% of people worldwide are deficient in lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose. Even if you usually tolerate lactose well, a stomach virus can cause a temporary deficiency.
Caffeine and alcohol
Caffeine and alcohol can increase stomach acidity levels, causing nausea and aggravating diarrhoea. They can also lead to heartburn and reflux. Alcohol can also act as a diuretic, causing dehydration, which is the last thing you want when dealing with an upset stomach.
High-sugar foods
Consuming foods high in sugar may trigger symptoms of dumping syndrome, which is rapid gastric emptying. This can lead to watery diarrhoea and low blood sugar. Examples of sugary foods and drinks to avoid include sweets, cakes, cookies, and soft drinks.
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The BRAT diet
When experiencing an upset stomach, it is important to stick to bland, easy-to-digest foods and avoid foods high in fat, sugar, lactose, and spices. The BRAT diet, which stands for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast, was once a staple of pediatricians' recommendations for children with an upset stomach. The idea was that it gave the gut a chance to rest and reduced stool production.
However, experts no longer recommend the BRAT diet for children due to its restrictiveness and lack of nutrition. The diet is low in fiber, protein, and fat, which can lead to nutrient and calorie deficiencies. Instead, a balanced diet with a mix of fruits, vegetables, meat, yogurt, and complex carbohydrates is suggested.
If you are experiencing nausea or vomiting, it is important to give your stomach a rest for a few hours before gradually introducing clear liquids and bland, low-fat foods. Some recommended foods to eat while on the BRAT diet include crackers, cooked cereals, toast, jelly, yogurt, cooked carrots, and chicken or turkey. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
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When to seek medical advice
While upset stomachs are usually not serious and can be treated at home, there are some instances where you should seek medical advice.
Firstly, if your symptoms are extreme or prolonged, you should seek medical attention. This includes persistent or severe abdominal pain, especially if it is unrelieved by vomiting or passing a bowel movement. If you have a fever greater than 101 degrees Fahrenheit that is not relieved by acetaminophen or lasts more than three days, this is also a cause for concern. In addition, if you are experiencing vomiting or diarrhea without any improvement for more than 24 hours, you should consult a doctor.
Secondly, if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms alongside stomach pain, you should seek immediate medical attention:
- Vomiting blood
- Difficulty passing urine or feces
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Jaundice
Thirdly, if you are experiencing frequent stomach pain or other concerning symptoms, it is important to talk to your doctor. This includes losing weight without trying, having a decreased appetite, feeling fatigued, or experiencing cramping, bleeding, pain, or other symptoms for an extended period.
Finally, if you have an ongoing health condition that is causing your stomach pain, you may need professional medical treatment. For example, if you have been diagnosed with a condition such as appendicitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or gastroesophageal reflux, you should seek medical advice for managing your symptoms.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, cheese is bad for an upset stomach. It is best to avoid milk and other dairy products for a few days or opt for lactose-free milk.
Bland, easy-to-digest foods are good for an upset stomach. These include white bread toast, white rice, and potatoes.
Greasy, fatty, spicy, and whole-grain foods should be avoided when one has an upset stomach. It is also best to avoid caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks.
It is important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Water, sports drinks, clear broth, and coconut water are good options.
Ginger and chamomile are common natural remedies for an upset stomach. They can be consumed raw, cooked, steeped in hot water, or taken as supplements.
