Cheese (Feta -Goat & Sheep)

Feta sensitivity arises from casein, lactose, or salt content. Avoid it for 8 weeks, try alternatives like vegan feta or ricotta, and support your gut with probiotics, lactase, and turmeric to reduce inflammation and improve digestion.

🧀 What is Cheese (Feta - Goat & Sheep)?

Feta is a soft, crumbly cheese traditionally made from a mix of goat’s and sheep’s milk. Known for its tangy flavor and brined texture, it’s a staple in Mediterranean cuisine and widely used in salads and baked dishes.

🤔 Why Do I Have an Intolerance to Feta and Its Components?

Your intolerance to feta cheese may stem from:

Sheep and Goat Casein: The proteins in sheep’s and goat’s milk differ from those in cow’s milk and may irritate the gut or trigger inflammation.
Lactose: While feta contains less lactose than milk, it still has enough to cause symptoms in sensitive individuals.
Salt Content: The brining process gives feta a high sodium level, which may exacerbate symptoms for those sensitive to salt.
Histamines: As a semi-aged cheese, feta contains moderate histamine levels, which can lead to headaches, skin reactions, or digestive discomfort.

If you tolerate other dairy products, it may be due to differences in milk type, lactose content, or the absence of brining.

🛠️ What Can I Do About It?

To manage your sensitivity to feta cheese:

Avoid feta for 8 weeks: Completely eliminate it from your diet during this period.
Reintroduce and retest: Gradually reintroduce feta after 8 weeks to check for symptoms.
Choose alternatives: Opt for non-dairy or lower-lactose substitutes.
Track symptoms: Keep a food journal to monitor changes and identify triggers.

💊 Supplements to Support Intolerance to Feta and Inflammation from Dairy

These supplements can help manage symptoms and reduce inflammation:

Lactase enzyme: Helps digest lactose in dairy products.
Probiotics: Support a healthy gut microbiome and aid in digestion.
L-glutamine: Repairs and supports the gut lining, reducing irritation.
Turmeric (curcumin): A natural anti-inflammatory that eases symptoms.
Omega-3 fatty acids: Help reduce overall inflammation.

🤔 Why Do I Have an Intolerance to Feta and Not Other Dairy Components?

Your intolerance to feta but not other dairy products may be due to its unique composition and characteristics:

Sheep and Goat Casein: Feta is made from sheep’s and goat’s milk, which contain different casein proteins than cow’s milk. These proteins may be harder for your body to digest or trigger sensitivity.
Lactose Content: Feta contains more lactose than aged cheeses like Parmesan, which have almost no lactose due to their longer fermentation process. This residual lactose in feta could cause symptoms in sensitive individuals.
Salt Content: The brining process used to make feta results in higher sodium levels, which may irritate the digestive system or exacerbate symptoms for sensitive individuals.
Histamine Levels: Feta is semi-aged, leading to moderate histamine levels that can trigger headaches, skin irritation, or digestive discomfort in histamine-sensitive individuals.

These specific factors make feta more likely to cause symptoms compared to other dairy components or cheeses.

🍴 Popular Dishes Involving Feta

Greek salad
Feta-stuffed peppers
Spanakopita
Feta and tomato pasta

🥥 Alternatives to Feta

Goat cheese (if tolerated)
Vegan feta alternatives
Ricotta (if tolerated)
Cashew cheese
Nutritional yeast