Randy Chandler
Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the intestines and rectum. While diet does not cause ulcerative colitis, certain foods can trigger flare-ups and symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. People with ulcerative colitis may experience lactose intolerance and may need to limit or cut out dairy products, including cheese. However, hard cheeses are generally better tolerated than soft cheeses as they contain less lactose. In addition to lactose-free alternatives, people with ulcerative colitis can also include other sources of calcium in their diet, such as fortified plant-based milk, canned salmon, and leafy greens.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is cheese bad for colitis? | It depends on the person. Some people with colitis can consume cheese in moderation, while others don't have any issues with it. However, some people with colitis are lactose intolerant and may need to limit or cut out dairy products. |
| Types of cheese to eat if lactose intolerant | Hard cheeses are better tolerated than soft cheeses because they contain less lactose and may be easier to digest. |
| Other considerations | People with colitis should consult their doctor and a registered dietitian before making any dietary changes. |
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What You'll Learn
Hard cheese is better tolerated than soft cheese
People with ulcerative colitis can react differently to various foods. While some people with ulcerative colitis can consume dairy products in moderation, others may experience gastrointestinal discomfort. If lactose triggers ulcerative colitis symptoms, it is advisable to limit or cut out dairy foods that cause problems.
Cheese is a great source of protein, fat, and calcium. Calcium is an important nutrient for people with ulcerative colitis as they are more likely to have low bone mass. Hard cheeses, such as Cheddar, are lower in lactose than soft cheeses, making them a better option for people with ulcerative colitis. Lower-lactose foods may be easier to digest during a flare-up.
Some people with ulcerative colitis may not be able to tolerate lactose at all. In this case, there are lactose-free alternatives to dairy products, such as lactose-free milk and yoghurt. Fortified soy milk, almond milk, and other calcium-fortified products are also recommended. Canned salmon and leafy greens are also good sources of calcium.
It is important to remember that dietary triggers can vary from person to person. People with ulcerative colitis should consult their doctor and a registered dietitian before making any dietary changes. Keeping a food journal can help identify which foods trigger symptoms and which are well-tolerated.
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Lactose intolerance and colitis
Lactose intolerance affects 33% to 75% of the world population and is caused by a lactase deficiency. Lactose is the main sugar found in milk and other dairy products, and those who are lactose intolerant may experience gastrointestinal issues such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence, and bloating after consuming lactose.
Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the intestines and rectum. Certain foods can trigger flare-ups of symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. While the dietary triggers vary from person to person, some people with ulcerative colitis may also be lactose intolerant and experience lactose sensitivity. In such cases, they may want to limit or cut out dairy products that cause problems.
Cheese is a dairy product that is a good source of protein, fat, and calcium. People with ulcerative colitis may be able to tolerate hard cheeses better than soft cheeses because they contain less lactose. If lactose triggers symptoms, lactose-free cheese options are also available.
It is important to note that dietary changes should be made in consultation with a doctor and a registered dietitian. Keeping a food journal can also help individuals with ulcerative colitis identify specific triggers and tailor their diet accordingly.
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Lactose-free alternatives
People with ulcerative colitis may experience symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea due to certain foods. Lactose intolerance can be a trigger for ulcerative colitis, and some people may have trouble digesting lactose during a flare-up. In such cases, opting for lactose-free alternatives is advisable.
Lactose-free cheese options are available for people with ulcerative colitis. Hard cheeses are a good alternative as they contain less lactose than softer cheeses and may be easier to digest. Examples of hard cheeses with lower lactose levels include:
- Cheddar
- Parmesan
- Feta
If you are looking for a lactose-free cheese alternative, there are several options available:
Dairy-Free/Vegan Cheese
Vegan cheese alternatives are made from a variety of ingredients, including nuts, soya, and yeast flakes. While they do not replace the flavour of cheese, they can mimic the sharpness, tanginess and complexity of flavour that make cheese satisfying. Some popular brands of vegan cheese include:
- Violife: A favourite among many, Violife is dairy-free, soy-free, gluten-free, lactose-free, nut-free, and preservative-free. It has a very creamy texture and melts well.
- Follow Your Heart: This brand has a variety of dairy-free cheese options, including American cheese slices, shredded parmesan, and feta crumbles. While the slices are not great when eaten cold, they are tolerable when melted.
- Miokos: This brand offers a pourable mozzarella made from cashew sauce. It has a smooth and creamy texture, but some may not prefer its flavour.
Non-Cheese Alternatives
If you are looking for something to spread on your sandwich or salad, there are many non-cheese alternatives that can provide a similar sharpness or tanginess in flavour:
- Hummus: Made with mashed chickpeas, olive oil, and seasonings, hummus is a healthy and well-tolerated snack for people with ulcerative colitis.
- Avocado: Avocados or guacamole can be a good replacement for cheese, providing a similar fat content.
- Nut Butter: Almond butter and other nut butter are rich in protein and can be spread on a pita or tortilla.
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Dairy and IBD
Dairy is one of the most commonly restricted food groups for people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Dairy products include milk, cheese, butter, whey, cream, and yogurt.
Lactose intolerance is a common issue for those with IBD, and lactose is the main natural sugar in milk and other dairy products. If you are lactose intolerant, you may experience symptoms such as flatulence, diarrhea, bloating, and stomach cramps within a few hours of consuming lactose. Many people with IBD report that their symptoms worsen after consuming dairy products. However, some people with IBD are able to consume a glass of milk daily without discomfort.
If you are lactose intolerant, you may want to limit or cut out dairy foods that cause problems. There are many lactose-free dairy products available at grocery stores, such as lactose-free yogurt. You can also try other calcium sources, like fortified soy milk, almond milk, or other products that have calcium added to them. Canned salmon and leafy greens are also good sources of calcium.
Some people with IBD may be allergic to milk proteins, such as casein, which can trigger symptoms such as hives, wheezing, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin rashes. People with small bowel Crohn's disease are more likely to have lactose intolerance, as this is where the enzyme lactase is found. Flare-ups in small bowel Crohn's disease may lead to worsening lactose intolerance, but this is unproven.
If you are unsure whether dairy is causing your symptoms, you should speak to your doctor or dietician. If you are advised to stop eating dairy, you need to ensure you are getting calcium from other sources.
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Dietary triggers for colitis
Diet is not a cause of ulcerative colitis; however, dietary triggers can vary from person to person and certain foods can worsen symptoms such as diarrhoea and vomiting. People with ulcerative colitis may be intolerant to lactose, which is found in dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yoghurt. In this case, it is important to include other sources of calcium in your diet, such as fortified soy milk, almond milk, or leafy greens. Some people with ulcerative colitis may be able to tolerate hard cheeses better than soft cheeses, as they are lower in lactose.
High-fibre foods can also trigger ulcerative colitis symptoms, so it may be helpful to avoid bran, nuts, seeds, and popcorn. However, it is not recommended to cut out whole food groups, as this could lead to a loss of vital nutrients. Instead, people with ulcerative colitis can try low-fibre foods such as bananas, or switch from full-fat to low-fat dairy. It is also recommended to avoid spicy and fatty foods during a flare-up, as these can aggravate the colon and cause loose stools.
Some people with ulcerative colitis may also be triggered by gluten, in which case they may want to avoid pizza or choose a gluten-free option. Red meat and processed meats may also be problematic, so it is recommended to limit intake of these foods and try alternatives such as turkey and game birds.
To identify dietary triggers, it can be helpful to keep a food journal and note any patterns between what you eat and when you experience flares. This can help you to avoid trigger foods and maintain a healthy, balanced diet. It is important to consult a doctor or registered dietitian before making any dietary changes.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the person and the type of cheese. Some people with colitis can tolerate cheese, while others may experience gastrointestinal discomfort. Hard cheeses are generally better tolerated than soft cheeses because they contain less lactose.
Snacks that are safe and healthy for people with colitis include Greek yogurt, hummus with pita chips, bananas, and crackers. For those who can tolerate cheese, a baked potato topped with a small amount of shredded Cheddar cheese or non-dairy cheese is also an option.
Keeping a food diary can help identify which foods trigger colitis symptoms. It is important to note that dietary triggers vary from person to person. A balanced diet is recommended, and whole food groups should not be removed to avoid missing out on vital nutrients. It is always recommended to consult a doctor or registered dietitian before making any dietary changes.
