Dairy & Milks
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      Cheese (Paneer)

      Paneer sensitivity arises from lactose, casein, or acid residues. Avoid it for 8 weeks, use alternatives like tofu or vegan cheese, and support your gut with probiotics, lactase, and turmeric to reduce inflammation and improve digestion.

      🧀 What is Cheese (Paneer)?

      Paneer is a fresh, soft cheese commonly used in South Asian cuisine. Made from cow or buffalo milk curdled with an acid like lemon juice or vinegar, it is unaged and does not melt when cooked.

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

      Your intolerance to paneer may be caused by:

      • Lactose: Paneer retains significant lactose since it is a fresh cheese, which can cause symptoms in those sensitive to it.
      • Casein: The primary protein in paneer, casein, may irritate the gut or trigger inflammation.
      • Acid Residues: The acid used to curdle milk might leave residues that could irritate sensitive digestive systems.
      • High Moisture Content: The moisture in paneer retains more lactose and proteins compared to aged or processed cheeses.

      If you tolerate other dairy or cheeses, it may be due to differences in lactose levels, aging, or the absence of acid residues in those products.

      🛠️ What Can I Do About It?

      To manage your sensitivity to paneer:

      • Avoid paneer for 8 weeks: Eliminate it from your diet during this period to allow symptoms to improve.
      • Reintroduce and retest: Gradually reintroduce paneer after 8 weeks to see if symptoms persist.
      • Choose alternatives: Use non-dairy or lower-lactose substitutes.
      • Track your symptoms: Maintain a food journal to identify triggers and monitor progress.

      💊 Supplements to Support Intolerance to Paneer and Inflammation from Dairy

      These supplements can help manage symptoms and reduce inflammation:

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

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

      Your intolerance to paneer but not other dairy components could be due to its unique characteristics:

      • Higher Lactose Content: Paneer is a fresh cheese and retains significant moisture, which means it has more residual lactose than aged or fermented dairy products like hard cheeses or yogurt.
      • Active Casein Proteins: Paneer has a high concentration of unprocessed casein proteins, which can be harder for some individuals to digest compared to the denatured proteins in aged cheeses.
      • Acid Residues: The use of lemon juice or vinegar to curdle the milk may leave traces of acid in paneer, which could irritate sensitive digestive systems.
      • Minimal Processing: Unlike other dairy products, paneer does not undergo extensive aging or fermentation, which can reduce levels of lactose and modify protein structures, making them easier to tolerate.

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

      🍴 Popular Dishes Involving Paneer

      • Paneer tikka
      • Palak paneer
      • Paneer butter masala
      • Paneer paratha

      🥥 Alternatives to Paneer

      • Tofu
      • Vegan cheese
      • Tempeh
      • Cottage cheese (if tolerated)
      • Seitan