When you’re lactose intolerant, it might feel like you need to break up with cheese for good. According to Medline Plus, lactose intolerance is when the small intestine doesn’t make enough lactase—an enzyme that helps digest lactose—which can result in unpleasant digestive issues like nausea, cramps, and diarrhea.
But there’s hope. Turns out there are actually some cheeses you can enjoy without these unpleasant side effects. It’s just a matter of choosing cheeses with a lower lactose content, according to WebMD. Here are 5 kinds of cheese you can enjoy even if you’re lactose intolerant.
Parmesan cheese
According to Dairy Nutrition, parmesan cheese’s lactose content is only 0.08 grams per 50 gram serving. This aged cheese has so little lactose that it’s barely detectable, so you can feel safe sprinkling it on top of your pasta.
Brie
This soft, aged cheese also has very low lactose content. As a popular addition to charcuterie boards, you can feel relieved to consume brie without being a party pooper.
Blue cheese
While this bold cheese may be divisive, both lactose tolerant and intolerant fans alike can consume it due to its low lactose content. Crumble some on a fruity salad or over crispy potatoes.
Swiss cheese
Swiss cheese’s lactose content hovers around 0.03 grams per 50 gram serving, which means you can slap it on your burgers and sandwiches with abandon!
Aged cheddar cheese
Aged hard cheeses may be easier to digest, per Medline Plus. Aged cheddar cheese is as good as it gets and adds a sharp zing to any plate of crackers.
The bottom line, lactose intolerance doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to cheese. It just means making different cheese choices. Of course, if even these low-lactose cheeses aren’t tolerable, it may not be lactose intolerance you’re experiencing. It’s possible that it could be caused by a dairy allergy, in which case seeking the advice of a registered dietitian is your best bet.
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