Can cheese cause reflux?

Can Cheese Cause Reflux?

Overview of Acid Reflux (GERD)

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a common digestive disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by the regurgitation of stomach acid back into the esophagus, leading to heartburn and discomfort. Affects more than 80% of people experience reflux at least once a year, making it a highly prevalent condition.

Lifestyle and Dietary Factors Linked to Reflux

While acidity in food is a leading factor, lifestyle and diet can also contribute to increased acid production and reduced relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, making reflux more likely.

• Foods: Some foods are notorious for triggering acid reflux. Tomatoes, citrus fruits, and chocolate are common offenders, while fatty or rich foods can slow digestion.
• Beverages: Caffeine and alcohol are known to irritate the esophagus, increasing the risk of acid reflux.
• Physical Activity: Engaging in activities that put pressure on the stomach, such as heavy lifting or bending, can lead to acid reflux.

Cheese: An Accidental Trigger for Acid Reflux?

With dairy being a common culprit behind many dietary issues, does cheese deserve a spot in the reflux suspect list?

Key Points to Ponder:

1. Acidity Level: High-fat, strong-smelling cheeses like Gouda, Blue cheese, and Cheddar can irritate the esophagus, exacerbating acid reflux. This is attributed to the high levels of calcium and phosphorus that increase gastric acid production, as well as the capsaicin content responsible for its pungency.
2. Type of Milk: Cheese originated from milk, which could raise the question: "Whole milk, as an allergen, might pose issues for individuals with lactic acid intolerance or hyperlipidemia."

Dairy Products: Does it Matter Which Types?

Some dairy products containing calcium and lactose as active agents might increase lactose malabsorption rates in certain individuals. Moreover, consuming high-fat diary products with low-quality probiotics.

• High-Fat Content: Cheese contains ~50% lactose and 40-60% of a typical fat content. A recent study suggested _60-70% fat in some cheese products contributes to poor digestion *Some researchers recommend using products containing low-fat dairy.

Individual Sensitivities: Who Might be Labeled a ‘Reflux Prone’?

Hormonal changes during premenstrual syndrome and hormonal cycles, certain medications (ACE inhibitors), and conditions, like GERD after food (Lafley and others) exacerbate reflux.

• Post-meal acidity rises when combined with fatty meats*

Sub-Peak and Low Acidity: A Guide Through Reflux Triggers

It’s essential to establish personal limits, tracking factors, to personalizing food lists for unique tolerance needs.

Guidelines and Tips: Handling the Dairy Dilemma

If you suspect an affinity to dairy as reflux-adjacent:

Before:

• Test low-lactose lactase-treated products, limit stronger tasting dairy,
  Avoid milk-rich, low quality
  dairy for reflux

• Probs 8: Dairy contains:

• Calcium
  1 Calcium

• Calcium-related gut discomfort
  Calcium intake from food can potentially alleviate calcium deficiency in other products like supplements or

• 2 L
l
A calcium-free
Calcium-containing

Calcium sources in

• Reduce overall

The Summary:
Can cheese cause reflux? In people sensitive to lactose (hypolactia) and those consuming too much of it. Not to dairy types per se; most products’ calcium/phosphorus increase gastric acid while strong, highly-fatty cheese types aggravate it *independent_ *calcium in some products (but, milk) contribute more_. While high-lactose intolerance reduced milk acidity , the majority consume. Lactose-dissolvable milk

When evaluating, remember fat level (High-fatty, acidic. Probs: Low). When planning, you prioritize individual.