Patrick Oconnell
Feta cheese is a dairy product that is high in fat. For individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), consuming high-fat foods can aggravate symptoms such as heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest or throat, difficulty swallowing, and constant coughing. While triggers vary from person to person, fatty foods like cheese can delay stomach emptying, contributing to reflux. Therefore, those with GERD may need to consider reducing or eliminating high-fat dairy products like feta cheese from their diet to manage their symptoms effectively.
Is Feta Cheese Bad for GERD?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Feta Cheese High in Fat? | Yes |
| GERD Trigger | Fatty foods delay stomach emptying, which can cause reflux. |
| Individual Specific | Yes, some people with GERD are triggered by cheese, while others are not. |
| GERD Symptoms | Heartburn, burning sensation in the chest or throat, difficulty swallowing, constant coughing. |
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What You'll Learn
- Feta cheese is high in fat, which can delay stomach emptying and cause acid reflux
- Dairy products can worsen heartburn, a common symptom of GERD
- Cold dairy products can inhibit the function of the lower esophageal sphincter, making acid reflux worse
- Feta cheese may not be a trigger for everyone, as triggers vary from person to person
- Alternatives to feta cheese and other dairy products can be low-fat dairy or plant-based options
Feta cheese is high in fat, which can delay stomach emptying and cause acid reflux
Feta cheese is a dairy product that is high in fat. While cheese may not be a trigger for everyone, fatty foods can generally delay stomach emptying, which can contribute to acid reflux. This occurs when stomach acid reaches the oesophagus and causes irritation.
Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a condition where the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) fails to function properly. The LES is a ring of muscle that connects the oesophagus and the stomach, and it normally opens to allow food to pass into the stomach and then closes tightly to prevent stomach acid from reaching the oesophagus. However, when the LES is damaged or weakened, it can malfunction and allow stomach acid to escape back up into the oesophagus, leading to symptoms such as heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest or throat, difficulty swallowing, and constant coughing.
High-fat foods like feta cheese can aggravate GERD symptoms by delaying stomach emptying and potentially inhibiting the function of the LES. This can cause stomach acid to backwash into the oesophagus more easily, resulting in acid reflux. Therefore, it is recommended that individuals with frequent GERD symptoms limit their consumption of high-fat dairy products.
It is important to note that triggers for acid reflux can vary from person to person, and while cheese may be a trigger for some, it may not be for others. However, for those who find that cheese does trigger their GERD symptoms, reducing their intake or opting for low-fat dairy alternatives may be beneficial. Moderation is generally a good idea when it comes to managing GERD symptoms, and it is always advisable to consult a doctor or dietician for personalised advice and guidance.
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Dairy products can worsen heartburn, a common symptom of GERD
Dairy products, such as milk and cheese, are high in fat, which can delay stomach emptying and contribute to reflux. Fatty foods can also aggravate GERD symptoms by inhibiting the function of the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES). The LES is a ring of muscle that connects the oesophagus and stomach, and it normally opens to allow food to pass into the stomach and then closes tightly to prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the oesophagus. However, when the LES is damaged or weakened, it fails to close properly, allowing stomach acid to escape back up into the oesophagus and causing heartburn.
Cold dairy products, such as ice cream, can further inhibit the function of the LES, making it easier for stomach acid to backwash into the oesophagus. Therefore, it is recommended that individuals with GERD stick to low-fat dairy or plant-based milk alternatives to manage their symptoms.
It is important to note that triggers for GERD vary from person to person, and while dairy may be a trigger for some, others may find that other foods or beverages, such as coffee, tea, or alcohol, are more likely to cause symptoms. As such, it is recommended that individuals with GERD work with their doctors to identify specific triggers and make appropriate dietary changes.
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Cold dairy products can inhibit the function of the lower esophageal sphincter, making acid reflux worse
Feta cheese is a dairy product that is high in fat. While dairy products are often thought to soothe a burning throat or upset stomach, they can actually make heartburn worse. This is because fatty foods delay stomach emptying, which can contribute to acid reflux.
For those with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), eating high-fat dairy products like cheese can aggravate symptoms. Cold dairy products, in particular, can inhibit the function of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), making acid reflux worse. The LES is a ring of muscle that connects the oesophagus and stomach. Normally, it opens to allow food to pass into the stomach and then closes tightly to prevent stomach acid from reaching the oesophagus. However, when the LES is inhibited or damaged, it fails to close properly, allowing stomach acid to backwash up into the oesophagus and causing symptoms associated with acid reflux or GERD.
Cold dairy products, such as ice cream, can numb and inhibit the LES, making it easier for stomach acid to flow back into the oesophagus. This can worsen GERD symptoms such as heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest or throat, difficulty swallowing, and constant coughing. Therefore, it is recommended that those with frequent GERD symptoms stick to low-fat dairy or plant-based alternatives to manage their symptoms effectively.
It is worth noting that triggers for acid reflux vary from person to person, and while cheese may be a factor for some, it may not be for others. It is always advisable to consult a doctor or healthcare professional for personalised advice and to determine any specific food triggers. They may recommend dietary and lifestyle changes, medication, or further tests, such as an endoscopy, to diagnose and manage GERD effectively.
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Feta cheese may not be a trigger for everyone, as triggers vary from person to person
GERD, or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, is a condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing symptoms such as heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest or throat, difficulty swallowing, and constant coughing. This occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) fails to close tightly, allowing stomach acid to escape back into the esophagus.
Dietary habits play a significant role in managing GERD symptoms. High-fat dairy products, including cheese, can aggravate GERD symptoms by increasing the time it takes for the stomach to empty. Additionally, cold dairy products like ice cream can numb and inhibit the function of the LES, making it easier for stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus.
However, it's important to remember that individual triggers can vary. While cheese may be a trigger for some people with GERD, others may find that it does not bother them. It is always a good idea to consult with a doctor or a dietician to determine your specific triggers and create a personalized diet plan that includes your favorite foods in moderation while managing your GERD symptoms effectively.
If you suspect that feta cheese or any other specific food triggers your GERD symptoms, you can try reducing your consumption for a while and observe your body's reaction. Keeping a food journal can be helpful in identifying potential triggers. Additionally, your doctor may recommend certain tests, such as an endoscopy or pH monitoring, to assess the severity of your symptoms and guide your treatment plan.
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Alternatives to feta cheese and other dairy products can be low-fat dairy or plant-based options
Feta cheese is made from sheep milk, sometimes with goat milk, but it can also be made with cow's milk. If you are looking for alternatives to feta cheese, you can try other crumbly cheeses such as Wensleydale or cow's milk feta, which has a less "barnyard" taste. Cotija and queso fresco are also similar in texture to feta, with the former being stronger in flavour and the latter milder. Mozzarella cheese balls can also be used, although they may not add as much flavour.
If you are looking for non-dairy alternatives, tofu is a good option as it can be seasoned to your taste. There are also vegan feta options available, such as one made with potato starch, which has a similar texture but a less "funky" flavour.
More generally, if you are looking for low-fat dairy alternatives, the American Heart Association recommends two to three servings of fat-free or low-fat dairy products for adults daily. This includes fat-free milk, low-fat dry milk powder, evaporated fat-free milk, buttermilk made from fat-free or 1% fat milk, and low-fat cheeses.
For plant-based alternatives, options such as oat, soy, or almond milk are recommended, as they are fortified with vitamins A and D. Peanut milk is also a good option, especially for those who are allergic to cow's milk, although it has a beany flavour. Lupin, a legume native to Latin America, is another alternative with high protein and fibre content and low fat.
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Frequently asked questions
Feta cheese is high in fat, which can delay stomach emptying and contribute to reflux. Therefore, eating feta cheese can aggravate GERD symptoms.
Dairy products, citrus fruits, coffee, tea, and alcohol can trigger GERD symptoms.
GERD symptoms include heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest or throat, difficulty swallowing, and constant coughing.
A doctor will consider your diet, eating habits, and lifestyle factors. They may prescribe proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to see if there is an improvement in symptoms. Further tests include endoscopy and pH monitoring.
Yes, if you want to include dairy in your diet, opt for low-fat dairy or plant-based milk alternatives to reduce the severity of GERD symptoms.
