Randy Chandler
Parmesan cheese is a hard, aged cheese that is generally low in lactose and FODMAPs, making it suitable for many individuals with IBS. However, some people with IBS may still experience adverse reactions to Parmesan cheese due to its high fat and histamine content. This can lead to bloating, gas, and diarrhoea. Additionally, pre-grated Parmesan cheese can contain cellulose, which may also trigger IBS symptoms. The impact of Parmesan cheese on IBS may vary from person to person, and it is important to note that dietary habits play a significant role in managing IBS symptoms.
Is Parmesan Cheese Bad for IBS?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| High in lactose | No |
| High in fat | Yes |
| High in histamine | Yes |
| High in FODMAPs | No |
| IBS symptoms | Cramps, aches, bloating, gas, diarrhoea |
| Additives | May contain cellulose, which bothers some people with IBS |
| Portion size | Small amounts (up to 40g per serving) may be tolerated by some people with IBS |
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What You'll Learn
Parmesan is low in lactose
Parmesan cheese is low in lactose, which is good news for those with IBS, as lactose is often the IBS-triggering culprit. However, it's important to remember that everyone's tolerance is different, and some people with IBS are very sensitive to even small amounts of lactose.
Lactose is the natural sugar found in milk, and some people with IBS are unable to digest it properly due to a lack of the enzyme lactase in their system. This can lead to symptoms such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea. However, during the cheese-making process, certain lactase-containing bacteria are added, which helps to break down the lactose. Aged cheeses like Parmesan are typically left with lower levels of lactose, making them a safer choice for those with IBS.
In addition to being low in lactose, Parmesan is also a hard cheese, which means it has a lower water content than softer cheeses. This can make it easier to digest for those with IBS, as softer cheeses can be more difficult for the body to break down. Harder cheeses also tend to have lower lactose levels, as the lactose is broken down during the aging process.
While Parmesan is low in lactose, it's important to note that it does contain small amounts of lactose, and some people with IBS may still find it triggers their symptoms. This may be due to the small amount of lactose or other factors such as the fat content or additives in the cheese. Some people with IBS may also be sensitive to histamines, which are present in higher levels in aged cheeses like Parmesan.
Overall, while Parmesan is low in lactose and may be better tolerated by those with IBS compared to other cheeses, it's important to remember that everyone's tolerance is different. Some people with IBS may be able to enjoy Parmesan in moderation, while others may find that it triggers their symptoms. It's always a good idea to monitor your individual response to Parmesan and adjust your intake accordingly.
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High-fat content can trigger IBS
Parmesan is a hard, aged cheese that is generally low in lactose and FODMAPs, making it suitable for many individuals with IBS. However, some people may still experience adverse reactions to Parmesan cheese due to its high-fat content.
High-fat content in cheese can trigger IBS symptoms such as bloating, gas, and diarrhoea. Fats can slow down digestion, allowing gas to remain in the intestines for longer, which could lead to increased cramping and pain. This is especially true for harder cheeses like Parmesan. While lactose is often the trigger for IBS symptoms, some individuals may be more sensitive to the high-fat content in cheese, which can cause IBS-C symptoms to worsen.
In addition to the high-fat content, the histamine levels in Parmesan cheese may also be a factor in triggering IBS symptoms. Histamine develops naturally during the aging process of cheese, and sensitive individuals may experience gut symptoms or allergy symptoms such as an itchy nose, eyes, wheezing, or skin rashes. Pre-grated Parmesan cheese may also contain cellulose, which can further aggravate IBS symptoms.
It is important to note that everyone's tolerance to different foods varies, and some individuals with IBS may be able to handle small amounts of Parmesan cheese without experiencing any issues. However, for those sensitive to the high-fat content, it may be advisable to limit or avoid Parmesan cheese to prevent triggering IBS symptoms.
To determine the specific triggers, individuals with IBS can try an elimination diet, gradually reintroducing potential trigger foods to identify which substances, such as high-fat content, cause adverse reactions. Consulting with a dietitian or doctor can help individuals with IBS navigate their dietary choices and find recipes that suit their needs.
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Pre-grated Parmesan may contain cellulose
Pre-grated Parmesan cheese is often marketed as "100% grated Parmesan cheese". However, it may contain up to 9% cellulose, a derivative of wood pulp or plant fibres. This is used to stop clumping and help the cheese fall freely through the holes in the lid. While cellulose is a standard food additive and completely safe to eat, it is added to reduce manufacturing costs and mimic the characteristics of luxurious foods without adding calories or fat.
Cellulose is a tasteless powder that resembles grated cheese. This makes it a tempting additive for cheese manufacturers. However, it is important to note that cellulose is not cheese, and its inclusion in pre-grated Parmesan products can be considered misleading to consumers. In 2016, an executive at Castle Cheese was fined and sentenced to probation for selling grated Parmesan adulterated with cellulose.
The inclusion of cellulose in pre-grated Parmesan cheese has sparked controversy and legal battles, with over 50 class-action lawsuits filed against Parmesan producers alleging consumer deception. While the harms of consuming cellulose are unclear, the outrage is understandable, as consumers rely on accurate food labels to know what they are feeding their families.
For those with IBS, the presence of cellulose in pre-grated Parmesan may be a concern. While cellulose itself is not harmful, it can potentially trigger IBS symptoms in sensitive individuals. Some people with IBS find that their symptoms worsen when they include cheese in their diet due to its high-fat content, natural sugar lactose, or high histamine levels. Therefore, it is advisable for those with IBS to be aware of the ingredients in pre-grated Parmesan and consider grating their own cheese to avoid potential triggers.
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Parmesan is high in histamines
Parmesan is a hard, aged cheese that is generally high in histamines. Histamine is a hormone and neurotransmitter involved in immune response and is released by cells in response to injury or allergens. Histamine levels in cheese depend on the type of cheese, production process, aging time, and other ingredients used.
Aged and fermented cheeses typically have higher histamine levels than fresh cheeses because histamine accumulates during fermentation and ripening, and there is nothing in the cheese to break it down. Additionally, certain bacteria used in cheesemaking produce higher levels of histamine. For example, Lactobacillus buchnerii, used in cheese, Oenococcus oeni, used in wine, and Pediococcus damnosus, used in beer, can all lead to high histamine levels.
The high histamine content in aged cheeses like Parmesan is likely due to the use of microbes that easily convert histidine to histamine during processing. Histamine is a product of the enzymatic breakdown of histidine, an essential amino acid. While not all cheeses are high in histamine, soft cheeses like mozzarella or ricotta are generally lower in histamine and better options for those with histamine intolerance.
The presence of histamines in Parmesan can be problematic for people with histamine intolerance or mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). Histamine intolerance can cause digestive issues and allergy-like symptoms such as an itchy nose, eyes, wheezing, or skin rashes. However, individual tolerance to histamines varies, and some people without histamine intolerance may be able to tolerate high-histamine foods without issue.
In addition to histamines, the high-fat content of Parmesan can also trigger IBS symptoms. Fats can slow down digestion, leading to increased gas production and cramping. However, cheese may be consumed in small portions by those with IBS, as it is a good source of protein and calcium.
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Parmesan is an aged cheese
Parmesan is a hard, granular cheese produced from cow's milk. It is generally pale yellow in colour and usually grated over dishes such as pasta, Caesar salad, and pizza. The term Parmesan refers to Parmigiano-Reggiano, a variety of cheese that is produced under strict guidelines and is aged for at least 12 months. It is named after the Italian provinces of Parma and Reggio Emilia, where it is produced. The cheese is typically grated over pasta, stirred into soups and risottos, or eaten on its own.
Parmigiano-Reggiano is also produced in the part of Bologna west of the River Reno and in Modena, all of which are located in the Emilia-Romagna region. It is also made in the part of Mantua (Lombardy) on the south bank of the River Po. The methods of production are tightly regulated, resulting in a consistent taste across different producers. The cheese is required to be produced by hand and use milk from cows that follow a specific diet. After 12 months of ageing, each wheel of cheese is inspected by the Consortium, and if approved, it officially earns the Parmigiano-Reggiano approval. However, the cheese is often aged further, sometimes for years, and its character continues to evolve.
Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, or Parmesan, is usually described as having "milk, yogurt, and fresh fruit" flavours. The longer the cheese is aged, the more its flavour, texture, and appearance change. For example, 40-month-old Parmigiano from Bologna is recommended to be shaved into thin slices and allowed to come to room temperature to fully appreciate its flavour. It can also be cracked into cubes and eaten with fresh pear or grated over pasta.
While Parmesan is generally considered a safe option for those with IBS, some individuals may still experience adverse reactions due to the cheese's high histamine content, which develops during the ageing process.
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Frequently asked questions
Parmesan cheese is low in lactose and rich in umami flavour. Its use as a topping or garnish can enhance dishes without overloading on lactose. However, Parmesan is high in amines, glutamates and fat, which can trigger IBS symptoms.
A low-FODMAP diet is used to find out if certain foods make irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) worse. You stop eating high-FODMAP foods for 2 to 6 weeks. Then you slowly add them back in to see how your body reacts.
Some low-FODMAP cheese options for people with IBS include cheddar, swiss, parmesan, feta, and brie.
