Patrick Oconnell
Many people enjoy cheese, but is it good for indigestion? Indigestion, or heartburn, is a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is caused by acid reflux. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid reaches the oesophagus, causing irritation and discomfort. While diet plays a major role in controlling acid reflux, different people are affected differently by various foods. Generally, foods high in fat, salt, or spice, such as cheese, can delay digestion and trigger acid reflux. However, some people with GERD may not experience heartburn, and certain foods like cheese may not be a problem for them. Thus, it is essential to understand the relationship between cheese and indigestion to determine if cheese is good or bad for this condition.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese good for indigestion? | No, cheese is not good for indigestion. It is a high-fat food that can delay digestion and cause acid reflux. |
| Foods to avoid for indigestion | Dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, carbonated beverages, spicy food, chocolate, garlic, citrus fruits, sugar, large meals, late-night meals |
| Foods that help with indigestion | Low-fat yogurt, ginger, diluted apple cider vinegar, lemon water with honey, whole grains |
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What You'll Learn
High-fat cheeses can cause indigestion
While cheese is often thought to relieve heartburn, high-fat cheeses can cause indigestion. Indigestion, or heartburn, is a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which occurs when stomach acid reaches the oesophagus and causes irritation. This happens when the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES), the ring of muscle that connects the oesophagus and stomach, opens and allows stomach acid to flow upwards.
Cheese is a dairy product that is high in fat. The fat in cheese can delay digestion by sitting in the stomach for longer, putting pressure on the LES and allowing acid to enter the oesophagus. This can cause a burning sensation in the chest or throat, which is the primary symptom of heartburn. High-fat cheeses that can cause indigestion include gouda, parmesan, cream cheese, stilton, and cheddar.
However, not all cheeses are high in fat. Cottage cheese, ricotta, and other fresh cheeses have reduced fat content. Low-fat or non-fat dairy products can act as a buffer between the stomach lining and acidic stomach contents, providing relief from heartburn symptoms. Therefore, while high-fat cheeses can cause indigestion, low-fat or non-fat cheeses may help alleviate it.
It is important to note that everyone's food triggers are different, and while cheese may cause indigestion for some people, it may not be a problem for others. Keeping a food diary can help individuals identify which foods affect them personally and adjust their diet accordingly.
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Dairy products can trigger acid reflux
Dairy products are one of the most common triggers of acid reflux, both among people who suffer from GERD and those who don't. While dairy doesn't directly cause acid reflux, it may worsen symptoms. High-fat foods can delay digestion by sitting in the stomach for longer, putting pressure on the LES (lower esophageal sphincter) and allowing acid to creep up.
Cheese is a high-fat food, and several varieties are particularly fattening, including Gouda, Parmesan, cream cheese, Stilton, and cheddar. If you're lactose intolerant, consuming dairy may trigger acid reflux symptoms. Lactose intolerance occurs when you don't produce enough lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose, the sugar in milk. However, lactose intolerance doesn't directly cause acid reflux or heartburn; it's the other symptoms that may aggravate reflux.
If you're not lactose intolerant, consuming dairy may not significantly affect your acid reflux symptoms. A 2022 study found that consuming 3.3 servings of low-fat or full-fat dairy per day did not result in worse heartburn compared to consuming three servings of nonfat dairy per day. Nonfat milk can act as a temporary buffer between the stomach lining and acidic stomach contents, providing immediate relief from heartburn symptoms. Low-fat yogurt has similar soothing qualities and also contains probiotics, which enhance digestion.
If you think dairy may be contributing to your acid reflux, consider keeping a food diary to track what you eat and any symptoms you experience. While it may be challenging to eliminate dairy entirely from your diet, moderation is key. Try to avoid eating problem foods late in the evening, so they don't sit in your stomach and come up your oesophagus when you lie down at night.
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Foods to avoid with indigestion
Indigestion, or acid reflux, refers to the movement of acid from the stomach into the oesophagus, causing a burning feeling in the chest and throat, also known as heartburn. While triggers can vary from person to person, certain foods and drinks are more prone to allowing this movement of stomach acid.
High-Fat Foods
Fatty foods are one of the prime triggers for indigestion. Larger meals and higher-fat meals tend to stay in the stomach for longer, exposing the oesophagus to stomach acid for extended periods. Foods that are high in fat include:
- Ground beef
- Marbled sirloin
- Chicken wings
- Fatty salad dressings
- Fried foods
- Cheese
Spicy Foods
Spicy foods are also a common trigger for acid reflux. The spice in foods can affect acid levels in the stomach, creating an environment that promotes acid reflux. Examples of spicy foods to avoid include:
- Raw onion
- Garlic
- Chilli
Beverages
Certain drinks can irritate the oesophagus and trigger acid reflux. These include:
- Alcoholic drinks such as beer, wine and spirits
- Caffeinated drinks such as coffee and tea
- Carbonated drinks
- Citrus juices
Sugary Foods
Sugar can cause acid reflux and irritate the oesophagus. Candies, in particular, can be very acidic, especially those with vitamin C for flavouring. Other sugary foods to avoid include:
- Chocolate
- Cookies
- Doughnuts
- Ice cream
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Natural remedies for indigestion
While cheese is not a recommended remedy for indigestion, there are several natural remedies that can help relieve indigestion symptoms. Indigestion can be uncomfortable, but you can try some home remedies to find relief. Here are some natural ways to treat indigestion:
Peppermint or Chamomile Tea
Drinking herbal teas, such as peppermint or chamomile tea, can help soothe indigestion. Peppermint has an antispasmodic effect, making it effective for relieving stomach problems like nausea and indigestion. However, it is important to note that peppermint should be avoided if indigestion is caused by acid reflux or if you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or stomach ulcers. Chamomile tea helps reduce stomach acid and acts as an anti-inflammatory to stop the pain associated with indigestion.
Ginger
Ginger is another natural remedy that can help alleviate indigestion. It can reduce stomach acid, which is often the cause of indigestion. You can drink ginger tea or boil ginger root in water to make ginger water, adding lemon or honey to taste.
Baking Soda
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a safe and effective way to neutralize stomach acid and relieve indigestion. Mix half a teaspoon of baking soda with 4 ounces of water and drink the solution within one to two hours after a meal. However, it is important to note that baking soda can interfere with the absorption of other medications, so avoid taking any other medications within two hours of consuming baking soda.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is known for its soothing properties and can be used to ease indigestion. You can mix the gel from fresh aloe vera leaves with water or a smoothie, or you can drink pre-made aloe vera juice.
Lifestyle Changes
In addition to these natural remedies, making some lifestyle changes can help control indigestion symptoms. This includes eating small, frequent meals, avoiding late-night snacking, and exercising. Additionally, certain foods and drinks can trigger indigestion and worsen symptoms, so it is recommended to limit or avoid the following:
- High-fat foods, such as full-fat dairy products and cheese
- Spicy foods
- Chocolate
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Carbonated beverages
- Citrus fruits
If indigestion persists or is accompanied by severe symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor or healthcare provider for further advice and treatment options.
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Lifestyle changes to reduce indigestion
Indigestion, or acid reflux, can be treated at home by making small changes to your lifestyle and diet. While cheese is known to cause indigestion, here are some general lifestyle changes that can help reduce indigestion:
Dietary changes
As diet plays a major role in controlling acid reflux, it is important to identify and reduce trigger foods. These include dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, carbonated drinks, chocolate, spicy food, high-fat foods, and citrus fruits. Instead, opt for fibrous foods like whole grains, root vegetables, and green vegetables, as well as alkaline foods, which can help offset stomach acid. Eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding late-night dinners can also help.
Timing of meals
Avoid eating large meals close to bedtime, as this can cause food to come back up when you lay down. Try to eat at least 2-3 hours before laying down to allow sufficient time for digestion.
Chewing habits
Chewing your food carefully can aid in digestion and reduce the risk of indigestion.
Weight loss
Losing weight can help alleviate indigestion by reducing pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).
Smoking cessation
Quitting smoking can improve indigestion symptoms, as smoking can irritate the digestive tract and affect the function of the esophageal sphincter.
Stress reduction
Reducing stress can help alleviate indigestion, as stress is known to negatively impact digestion.
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Frequently asked questions
No, cheese is not good for indigestion. Cheese is a high-fat food, which can delay digestion by sitting in your stomach for longer. This can put pressure on your LES and allow acid to enter, causing acid reflux.
Whole grains are a good choice as they are high in fibre, which promotes healthy digestion and reduces acid reflux. Ginger is also a good digestive aid as it is alkaline and anti-inflammatory, easing irritation in the gut. Lemon water with honey can help to neutralise stomach acid.
Foods that are high in fat, salt, or spice can cause indigestion. This includes cheese, as mentioned above, as well as other full-fat dairy products. Other trigger foods include chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, carbonated drinks, citrus fruits, and sugar.
Indigestion, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a burning sensation in the chest or throat. It occurs when stomach acid reaches the oesophagus and causes irritation.
Keeping a food diary can help you identify which foods trigger your indigestion. It is recommended that you eat small, frequent meals and avoid large meals late at night. If your indigestion is severe or long-lasting, consult a doctor.
