No, feta cheese is generally easier to digest for many people compared to cow's milk cheeses because it's typically made from sheep or goat milk, which has less lactose and different proteins, making it gentler on the stomach and a good option for those with mild lactose intolerance. However, it still contains some lactose, so individuals with a strong intolerance should consume it in moderation and be mindful of serving sizes.
Feta also contains protein and beneficial fats. Since it's made from sheep's or goat's milk rather than cow's, the fatty acids are often easier to digest, which some people find gentler on their stomach.
Fact 2: Feta is a great probiotic
Feta could do wonders for your gut health. Feta contains numerous probiotics such as Lactobacillus casei, L. paracasei, L. plantarum, L.
So those with particularly sensitive stomachs will want to avoid creamier varieties such as ricotta or cottage cheese at all costs. Sugar is the primary component of lactose that makes it difficult to digest, which means that aged, hard cheeses—which have a lower sugar content—are easier on the stomach.
Feta cheese, which is made from sheeps' milk, contains a protein called histidine. When histidine is combined with vitamin B6, it undergoes a molecular process to become histamine, a compound that provides anti-inflammatory benefits.
Potential Risks of Feta Cheese
And it contains saturated fats, which you should limit to less than 10% of your daily calorie count. Excessive sodium in your diet has been shown to contribute to high blood pressure, which doctors link to ongoing health issues like kidney disease, stroke, and heart disease.
Most intolerant people digest a portion of feta cheese well, but the most sensitive may experience symptoms even with small quantities.
Here are some cheeses that are often recommended for gut health:
The hardest foods to digest are typically fried and fatty foods, processed foods, and some proteins like red meat, beans, and dairy (especially for lactose-intolerant individuals), along with high-fiber items like whole grains, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage), and nuts/seeds, due to fat slowing digestion or fiber/complex carbs causing fermentation, gas, and bloating. Corn, spicy foods, onions, and caffeine can also be tough on the gut.
This means aged cheeses only contain very small or trace amounts of lactose per serve (1). Aged cheeses include Cheddar, Camembert, Cheshire, Pecorino Style, Swiss, Brie, Blue Cheese, Havarti, or Parmesan. These are low FODMAP cheese options and they are normally well tolerated by people with lactose intolerance.
May support gut health
Feta cheese contains beneficial microbes including yeasts and bacteria, such as Lactobacillus plantarum, which may help support gut health.
The special thing about feta is that although is a matured cheese (3–4 months), retains humidity and acidity, so it helps the digestion of food and doesn't leave a fatty aftertaste. Feta is a Greek cheese (70% sheep milk + 30% goat milk) but a lot of other variations around the Balkans have similar taste and effects.
Hard cheeses like cheddar, Colby, Parmesan, and Swiss are okay. So are small amounts (1 oz) of aged or ripened cheeses like Brie, blue, and feta. Avoid: Milk, including cow, goat, and sheep. Avoid condensed or evaporated milk, buttermilk, custard, cream, sour cream, yogurt, and ice cream.
If your feta is nearing its best-by date and you're not sure whether you should eat it, look for the following indicators. Mold: If you see any spots of greenish mold on the cheese, throw the whole block out.
Top 10 Shocking Foods That Cause Constipation
Soft cheeses like feta and ricotta, as well as other dairy products like milk, ice cream and chocolate, take somewhere between 90 – 120 minutes to make their way through your stomach.
Foods to Avoid When Constipated
Cheese as a particular constipation culprit. Fats are tricky to digest, and take a long time for the body to break down. Also, most high-fat foods are low in fiber and delay motility.
A peanut butter and jelly sandwich (PB&J) adds about 33 minutes to your healthy lifespan per serving, according to a University of Michigan study that measured life expectancy impacts of over 5,850 foods using the Health Nutritional Index (HNI). This sandwich tops the list for adding time, with nuts and seeds also being highly beneficial (around 25 mins) and processed items like hot dogs subtracting time.
Lentil is called “poor man's meat” due to its low price compared to meat, and can complement cereal-rich foods in providing a nourishing meal by balancing the amino acid and micronutrient requirements of the diet (Table 11.1).
Spotlight the Super Six:
When it comes to the plants you eat, you want to eat from across the six different plant groups: vegetables, fruits, wholegrains, legumes (beans and pulses), nuts and seeds, and herbs and spices.
Regular cream cheese contains more lactose than aged cheeses like cheddar or Swiss, making it a more limited option for people with IBS. The Monash University FODMAP app recommends a maximum serving size of 1 tablespoon (about 20 grams) for regular cream cheese.
Foods that cause too much gas
Children and adults who consume large amounts of dairy often experience worsening constipation symptoms. Common constipating dairy products include: Whole milk and low-fat milk. Hard cheeses like cheddar and Swiss.
After 28 days, you should notice your reflux is much improved. Next is the maintenance phase, where you can introduce foods with a pH of 4 or above — including red, yellow or green bell peppers, some varieties of apples and soft cheeses including feta and cottage cheese.