Patrick Oconnell
The paleo diet is based on the presumed eating habits of our hunter-gatherer ancestors during the Paleolithic era, which ended around 10,000 years ago. The diet typically includes whole, unprocessed foods such as meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. It excludes grains, legumes, dairy, and processed foods. However, there are different versions of the paleo diet, and some allow full-fat dairy products like butter and cheese.
What kind of cheese is allowed on the Paleo diet?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dairy | Technically, dairy is not allowed on the paleo diet. However, some versions of the paleo diet allow for full-fat products like butter and cheese. |
| Cheese | A paleo diet purist will tell you that all cheese should be avoided. However, some paleo dieters do eat cheese, especially if it is grass-fed and full-fat. |
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What You'll Learn
- Some versions of the paleo diet allow for full-fat dairy products like cheese
- Dairy is not considered paleo because it wasn't consumed during the Palaeolithic era
- Dairy can cause inflammation, sinus problems, and seasonal allergies
- Dairy is highly insulin-promoting and can exacerbate weight and insulin control problems
- Some people on the paleo diet substitute non-dairy milk products for dairy
Some versions of the paleo diet allow for full-fat dairy products like cheese
The paleo diet is based on the idea that eating like our ancestors in the Paleolithic era aligns with our genetics and promotes good health. This means eating only foods that could be hunted, fished, or gathered, such as meats, fish, and vegetables.
The diet typically restricts dairy products, as it is believed that Paleolithic humans did not consume dairy. However, some versions of the paleo diet allow for full-fat dairy products like cheese, butter, and ghee. These products are included because they are mostly fat with very little to no lactose, which is the main sugar in milk that often causes digestive issues.
Some people who follow the paleo diet choose to include grass-fed butter in their meals and cooking, while others opt for clarified butter or ghee, which is pure butter fat with the milk solids removed. These choices are based on the belief that Paleolithic humans may have consumed animal fats and because these products are less likely to cause digestive issues.
Additionally, some people on the paleo diet include fermented dairy products like kefir and yogurt, as these have lower levels of lactose and casein, which are the main concerns with dairy on the paleo diet. These products also introduce beneficial bacteria into the gut.
It is important to note that including dairy in the paleo diet is a modification of the strict paleo guidelines, which typically exclude all forms of dairy. Some people who follow a strict paleo diet may choose to avoid all dairy products to adhere to the original principles of the diet.
The decision to include or exclude dairy in the paleo diet ultimately depends on individual preferences and tolerance to dairy. Some people may find that they can include small amounts of dairy without any negative effects, while others may need to avoid it completely due to digestive issues or other health concerns.
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Dairy is not considered paleo because it wasn't consumed during the Palaeolithic era
The Paleolithic diet, or paleo diet, is based on the idea that eating like our ancestors during the Paleolithic era promotes good health. This diet centres on the consumption of foods that could be hunted, fished, or gathered in prehistoric times, such as meats, fish, and vegetables. Dairy is not considered paleo because it was not consumed during the Palaeolithic era.
The diet postulates that the rise in chronic diseases in modern society stems from the agricultural revolution, suggesting that adding grains, legumes, and dairy to meals may lead to various chronic diseases and conditions. Dairy is not considered paleo because it was not a part of the human diet during the Paleolithic era, which lasted from 2.5 million years ago to 10,000 years ago.
During this period, humanity fed itself primarily through hunting and gathering. Dairy products, such as milk, butter, cheese, and yoghurt, only became a part of the human diet with the domestication of animals and the development of agriculture around 10,000 years ago. This is a very recent change in the context of human evolution. As a result, the human body has had limited time to adapt to dairy consumption, which can lead to various health issues.
Some people following a paleo diet choose to reintroduce some full-fat dairy products, such as butter and cheese, into their diet. However, a strict interpretation of the paleo diet excludes all dairy products. The decision to include or exclude dairy in a paleo diet is ultimately an individual choice, and some people may tolerate dairy better than others.
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Dairy can cause inflammation, sinus problems, and seasonal allergies
The Paleo diet is based on the idea that eating like our ancestors in the Paleolithic era promotes good health. This means eating only foods that could be hunted, fished, or gathered, such as meats, fish, and vegetables. Dairy is not considered paleo, and some people who follow the diet choose to avoid it completely. However, some versions of the paleo diet allow for full-fat dairy products like butter and cheese.
However, the link between dairy and sinus problems is not yet well-established. One large review study found that unless a person has a dairy allergy, dairy is largely anti-inflammatory. This is supported by another study, which found that low-fat dairy intake decreases inflammatory markers in the blood.
Overall, the decision to include or exclude dairy from the paleo diet is a personal one. Some people may find that they can tolerate dairy without any adverse effects, while others may need to avoid it completely to prevent inflammation, sinus problems, and seasonal allergies.
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Dairy is highly insulin-promoting and can exacerbate weight and insulin control problems
The main carbohydrate in dairy is lactose, a milk sugar that the body breaks down with a digestive enzyme called lactase. The body begins to metabolize lactose in the intestines with the help of lactase, an enzyme lining the small intestine. The enzyme attaches to lactose and divides it into molecules of galactose and glucose. Glucose is immediately absorbed into the bloodstream and used by cells to generate energy. Galactose cannot be utilised by the body firsthand, so it is modified into glucose after further activity by lactase and other enzymes. Impairment of lactose metabolism occurs when insufficient enzymes are produced, making way for a condition called lactose intolerance, which is marked by bloating, flatulence, and diarrhea.
Dairy is a repository of carbohydrates, fats, protein, and naturally occurring sugar. Dairy consumption may cause insulin spikes, which can indirectly affect blood sugar levels by increasing the glucose count in our bodies. However, the scientific findings are both specific and uncertain. A 2014 review of 10 studies found that for people in a healthy weight range, more dairy consumption does not affect glucose metabolism. For those outside it, the mixed results hinted that dairy effects carry less importance than reducing weight or increasing exercise to prevent or reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
The Paleolithic diet, or paleo diet, centers on the idea that eating like our ancestors aligns with our genetics and promotes good health. It is also known as the caveman, Stone Age, or steak and bacon diet. A paleo dieter's food choices are limited to what could be hunted, fished, or gathered in prehistoric times, such as meats, fish, and vegetables. The theory is that the rise in chronic diseases in modern society stems from the agricultural revolution. It suggests that adding grains, legumes, and dairy to meals may lead to a host of chronic diseases and conditions—from obesity to allergies. Dairy issues are common in people. UC Davis Health registered dietitians say that dairy promotes inflammation.
Some versions of paleo allow for full-fat products like butter and cheese, but most dairy products are not allowed on a strict paleo lifestyle meal plan. Butter and ghee are allowed on paleo for some reason. Because they remove most of the milk solids and leave only the fat. Especially ghee. The milk solids are where the lactase and casein are, which are what make some people sick.
Dairy can be addictive. It is also naturally high in carbs and natural sugars. Dairy is not paleo, but there are lots of things that can easily be substituted, and some cheese that doesn't upset the gut like cow's milk cheese. Goat cheese is good in moderation.
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Some people on the paleo diet substitute non-dairy milk products for dairy
The paleo diet is based on the idea that eating like our ancestors in the Paleolithic era aligns with our genetics and promotes good health. This means that a paleo dieter's food choices are limited to what could have been hunted, fished, or gathered in prehistoric times, such as meats, fish, and vegetables. Dairy is not considered paleo because it wasn't consumed during the Paleolithic era, except for human milk in infancy. However, some people on the paleo diet substitute non-dairy milk products for dairy.
Some people find that full-fat dairy fits into their version of the paleo diet, but it can be problematic, especially if you're using paleo to treat acne. Dairy is often a food group best avoided if you're trying to improve your skin. However, this doesn't mean you have to give up creamy textures and flavours forever. There are plenty of paleo-friendly foods you can substitute for dairy products.
Coconut milk is the first paleo milk substitute that comes to mind for many. It's an excellent choice if you like the taste and don't have any digestive trouble with it. It's creamy, delicious, and available almost everywhere. You can also get coconut cream, which is even thicker and richer than ordinary coconut milk. This is perfect for coffee, soups, or paleo "whipped cream".
On the other hand, some people don't tolerate coconut well and might do better with nut milks, such as almond or cashew milk. However, it's important to read the package when buying nut milks, as many are full of additives like sugar, flavourings, colourings, thickeners, preservatives, and other additives. It's actually very easy to make nut milks by yourself at home, and if you make a DIY nut milk with paleo ingredients, then it's completely paleo-friendly.
It's worth noting that soy milk, rice milk, and oat milk are not considered paleo. Soy is not paleo, and neither is anything made from it. Brown rice is not paleo, and it's what goes into most commercial rice milks. Oats are a grain, and grains are not allowed on the paleo diet.
Yogurt and kefir are also possible paleo substitutes, especially if lactose is the reason you avoid dairy, as all the lactose is destroyed during the fermentation process. You can make or buy several different dairy-free "yogurt" options, featuring a variety of paleo milk substitutes.
Cheese is a little tougher than milk to replace, but you do have options. Nutritional yeast is a yellow-orange powder that usually comes in a box or bottle. You can't eat it in slices, but it's an easy way to add a cheesy flavour to casseroles, roasted vegetables, or other mixed dishes. Cashew or other nut cheeses are also an option, but they're not healthy in unlimited amounts due to the disadvantages of nuts in general. You may be able to find nut cheeses at raw vegan stores, but typically if you want them, you'll have to make them yourself.
Most people who switch to paleo still find that they don't use dairy substitutes nearly as much as they used to use dairy. But when you really want them, they're great to have, especially for kids. And now you know how to make them work.
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Frequently asked questions
Technically, dairy is not paleo. However, some people on the paleo diet do eat cheese, especially full-fat, grass-fed, or raw (unpasteurized) cheese.
Paleolithic humans didn't milk cows or other animals. Dairy is highly insulin-promoting and can exacerbate problems related to weight and insulin control.
Dairy is the main source of nutrition for newborn mammals and is loaded with nutrients, saturated fats, beneficial bacteria, essential fatty acids, proteins, and carbs. However, as humans, we are not supposed to drink the milk of other animals. This often translates to intolerance or an allergic reaction to one of milk's proteins, casein.
Some people on the paleo diet eat generous amounts of butter, as it is almost all fat and usually has too little lactose to cause a problem. Others use clarified butter (ghee) or choose dairy-free alternatives.
