Love Cheese? Watch Out for These 4 Surprising Side Effects

Sunday, December 01, 2024  Read time2 min

SAEDNEWS: Cheese is one of the most popular and versatile foods worldwide, produced in a wide variety of types. It can be used in various snacks and main meals, from breakfast to lunch and dinner.

Love Cheese? Watch Out for These 4 Surprising Side Effects

According to SAEDNEWS, Excessive consumption of cheese, or the daily use of fatty cheeses (especially those used in cooking), can lead to negative consequences and various side effects. According to nutrition experts, these side effects can stem from various factors: the high levels of saturated fats in cheeses, the hormonal structure of dairy products, the body's inflammatory response to saturated fats, and the risk of bacterial contamination in some cheeses. But what exactly do these side effects involve?

4 Surprising Side Effects of Cheese

Increased Risk of Constipation

Excessive consumption of cheese can primarily lead to constipation. Various cheeses are high in fat and low in fiber, which can slow down the digestive process and make it harder for stool to pass through the intestines. This condition weakens bowel movements and makes the elimination process more difficult. Short-term excessive cheese consumption can lead to bloating, while long-term overconsumption may result in chronic constipation.

Potential for Inflammation in the Body

Excessive intake of casein, the protein found in milk and cheese, can cause various health issues. One of the most significant consequences of excess casein is inflammation in the body. Casein can trigger immune system reactions in some individuals, leading to inflammation. This inflammatory response can manifest in a range of symptoms, including digestive issues, skin problems, respiratory diseases, and even joint pain.

Cheese

Risk of Heartburn

Cheeses are high in saturated fats, which can lead to heartburn in people with acid reflux. When you consume too much cheese, the high fat content can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, the muscle responsible for preventing stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus. This process causes a burning sensation in the chest and throat. Even if someone doesn't suffer from acid reflux, excessive cheese consumption and repeated symptoms may lead to the development of reflux disease.

Severe Bloating

People who have difficulty digesting dairy products often experience significant bloating within 30 to 120 minutes after consuming dairy, such as different types of cheese. If this issue bothers you, it’s best to reduce cheese intake or choose cheeses that are easier to digest. Those with lactose intolerance should also be aware that excessive cheese consumption results in undigested lactose entering the intestines, rather than being processed and absorbed by the body. Undigested lactose in the intestines then combines with gut bacteria and produces gas.