Andy Montoya
If you experience stomach pain after eating cheddar cheese, it could be due to several reasons. Firstly, it may be a result of lactose intolerance, which occurs when your body doesn't produce enough lactase, the enzyme needed to break down and absorb lactose, a sugar found in dairy products. Additionally, it could be related to a milk or mold allergy, as cheese contains milk proteins and mold, which can trigger allergic reactions. In some cases, aged cheddars may cause headaches due to the presence of tyramine, an amino acid sensitive individuals may react to. To identify the cause, it is advisable to consult a physician for a clinical diagnosis and explore appropriate dietary adjustments or treatments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Stomach pain | Indigestion, Lactose intolerance, Milk or <co: 3,4,5>Mold allergy, Irritable bowel syndrome, Gastrointestinal infections |
| Symptoms | Nausea, Cramps, Bloating, Diarrhea, Gas, Constipation, Vomiting |
| Treatment | Limit dairy, Lactase enzymes, Antacid and calcium supplements |
| Other | Aged cheddar contains tyramine, an amino acid that can trigger headaches |
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What You'll Learn
Lactose intolerance
The symptoms of lactose intolerance usually begin within 30 minutes to two hours after consuming foods containing lactose. These symptoms can include digestive issues such as bloating, diarrhea, gas, abdominal pain, and nausea. It is important to note that the severity and specific symptoms of lactose intolerance can vary from person to person.
If you suspect you have lactose intolerance, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional. They will likely ask about your symptoms, family history, and eating habits, and may perform a physical examination and specific tests to confirm the diagnosis, such as a hydrogen breath test or a lactose tolerance test.
While there is no cure for lactose intolerance, symptoms can usually be managed through dietary changes. Reducing the consumption of lactose-containing foods, such as milk and cheese, is often recommended. However, most people with lactose intolerance can still tolerate some lactose in their diet without experiencing symptoms. Additionally, over-the-counter lactase enzyme supplements can be taken to aid in the digestion of lactose.
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Milk or mould allergy
Stomach pain after eating cheese could be due to a milk allergy, a mould allergy, or lactose intolerance.
Milk Allergy
Milk allergies are caused by an abnormal response of the immune system to proteins found in milk. The body mistakenly identifies these proteins as harmful substances and triggers an immune response to fight them off. The allergic reaction causes inflammation and swelling throughout the digestive tract, leading to stomach pain. Other symptoms of a milk allergy include hives, rash, swelling of the lips or throat, difficulty breathing, and gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea.
Mould Allergy
Mould-type cheeses are made using cultures of the mould Penicillium, which are added during production so that the final product is spotted or veined throughout with blue mould. Mould-type cheeses contain a diverse microbiota, both inside and on the surface of the cheese. Mould allergies are commonly associated with inhaled mould spores, but allergic reactions can also occur from ingesting mould. A mould allergy from eating cheese will cause stomach pain within a few minutes of consumption.
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance occurs when the body lacks the enzyme lactase, which is responsible for breaking down lactose. This can lead to nausea, cramps, bloating, and diarrhoea within 30 minutes to two hours after consuming lactose. Cheese contains lower amounts of lactose than other dairy products, so some people with lactose intolerance may be able to tolerate small amounts without experiencing symptoms. However, overeating cheese can still cause stomach pain due to lactose intolerance.
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Irritable bowel syndrome
Stomach pain after eating cheese is most likely related to lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance occurs when the body does not produce enough of the enzyme lactase, which is responsible for breaking down lactose. This can lead to symptoms such as nausea, cramps, bloating, and diarrhea. Cheese, especially soft varieties like cottage cheese, cream cheese, and ricotta, contains lactose, a sugar also found in milk and other dairy products.
For individuals with IBS, limiting or avoiding dairy products like cheese may help minimize or alleviate symptoms. Hard cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan may be better tolerated than soft cheeses, which are typically higher in lactose. Additionally, increasing fiber intake and incorporating fiber-rich foods into the diet can help alleviate constipation, a common symptom of IBS.
It is important to note that the precise foods that trigger IBS symptoms can vary from person to person. While lactose intolerance and IBS are often associated with similar digestive issues, they are distinct conditions. Lactose intolerance specifically refers to the inability to digest lactose due to a lack of the lactase enzyme, whereas IBS is a broader condition involving irritation of the colon.
If you experience recurring stomach pain after consuming cheese or other dairy products, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and guidance on managing your diet and symptoms.
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Indigestion
If you experience stomach pain specifically after consuming cheddar cheese, it could be due to lactose intolerance, a milk or mould allergy, or the presence of tyramine in aged cheeses. Lactose intolerance occurs when your body lacks the enzyme lactase, which is responsible for breaking down lactose, a sugar found in dairy products. This can lead to nausea, cramps, bloating, and diarrhoea. To manage lactose intolerance, you can try taking lactase enzymes, which are available over the counter, or reducing the amount of dairy in your diet.
Cheddar cheese is considered a hard cheese, and hard cheeses generally have lower levels of lactose. As a result, they may not typically cause symptoms for those with lactose intolerance. However, the amount of cheese consumed can also be a factor. Overeating cheese can lead to a higher lactose intake, potentially triggering lactose intolerance symptoms.
In addition to lactose intolerance, some people may experience an allergic reaction to the mould in cheese. Most cheeses contain mould, even if it is not visible. A mould allergy can cause stomach pain within a few minutes of consuming cheese. It is recommended to consult a doctor if you suspect a mould allergy.
Lastly, aged cheeses, such as sharp cheddar, contain tyramine, an amino acid that can trigger headaches and migraines. If you are prone to migraines, it is advisable to stick to fresh, mild cheddars or other types of fresh cheeses.
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Tyramine sensitivity
Stomach pain after consuming cheese is most commonly associated with lactose intolerance. However, if you experience stomach pain after eating cheddar cheese, it may be due to a sensitivity to tyramine, an amino acid found in aged cheeses, including sharp cheddar.
Tyramine is an amine produced when the amino acid tyrosine breaks down. It functions as a neurotransmitter, regulating blood pressure and acting as a stimulant in the brain. While tyramine is naturally present in some foods, it can also form when protein-rich foods are aged, fermented, or undergo other processes.
For individuals with tyramine sensitivity, consuming high levels of tyramine can lead to a rapid increase in blood pressure and trigger migraine attacks. This condition is known as tyramine-induced hypertensive crisis or "cheese reaction." Symptoms typically occur within 30 minutes to two hours of ingestion and may include severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
If you suspect you have a tyramine sensitivity, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and guidance. They may recommend a low-tyramine diet, which includes opting for fresh cheeses, such as mild cheddar, ricotta, cottage cheese, or American cheese, over aged varieties. Additionally, other foods containing tyramine, such as aged, cured, or fermented meats, certain beans, and some alcoholic beverages, may need to be limited or avoided.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheddar cheese contains lactose, a sugar found in milk, and mold. If your intestines don't produce enough lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose, you may experience stomach pain, gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Additionally, mold allergies are common, and ingesting mold can cause allergic reactions, resulting in stomach pain.
Symptoms of lactose intolerance usually begin 30 minutes to two hours after consuming lactose and can include nausea, cramps, bloating, and diarrhea.
You can manage lactose intolerance by reducing the amount of lactose in your diet or taking lactase enzymes, available over the counter, to help tolerate lactose.
Yes, overeating cheddar cheese can cause indigestion due to its high-fat content. Additionally, some people may have a milk allergy, which can cause stomach pain due to inflammation and swelling in the digestive tract.
Yes, fresh and mild cheeses like ricotta, cottage cheese, American cheese, Colby, and Monterey Jack are recommended for those with migraines. These cheeses are less likely to contain tyramine, an amino acid that can trigger headaches.
