Cheese (Roquefort)

Roquefort intolerance may arise from casein, histamines, or mold components. Avoid it for 8 weeks, try substitutes like Gorgonzola or vegan blue cheese, and support digestion with probiotics, turmeric, and DAO enzymes to reduce inflammation.

🧀 What is Cheese (Roquefort)?

Roquefort is a blue cheese made from sheep’s milk, aged in caves to develop its unique flavor and blue-green veining from mold. It has a tangy, sharp taste and creamy yet crumbly texture, making it a gourmet favorite.


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

Your intolerance to Roquefort cheese may stem from:

  • Sheep’s Milk Casein: The proteins in sheep’s milk differ from cow’s milk, potentially irritating the gut or triggering inflammation.
  • Lactose: Though Roquefort is aged, it may still retain traces of lactose that could cause discomfort.
  • Histamines: Roquefort’s aging process results in high histamine levels, which can cause symptoms like headaches, skin reactions, or digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals.
  • Mold: The mold used to develop Roquefort’s flavor may trigger sensitivity or mild immune responses in certain people.

If you tolerate other cheeses, it could be due to differences in milk type, histamine content, or the absence of mold in those products.


🛠️ What Can I Do About It?

To manage your sensitivity to Roquefort cheese:

  • Avoid Roquefort for 8 weeks: Remove it completely from your diet during this period.
  • Reintroduce and retest: Gradually reintroduce Roquefort after 8 weeks to see if symptoms persist.
  • Choose alternatives: Use non-dairy or lower-histamine substitutes.
  • Track symptoms: Maintain a food diary to monitor changes and identify triggers.

💊 Supplements to Support Intolerance to Roquefort 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 It and Not Other Dairy or Cheeses?

Your intolerance to Roquefort but not other dairy may result from:

  • Histamine Levels: Roquefort’s long aging process increases histamine content, unlike fresher cheeses.
  • Mold Presence: The mold used in Roquefort may trigger sensitivity not present in mold-free cheeses.
  • Sheep’s Milk Proteins: Roquefort’s casein differs from cow’s milk cheeses, making it harder to digest for some individuals.

These specific factors make Roquefort more likely to cause symptoms compared to other cheeses or dairy products.

🍴 Popular Dishes Involving Roquefort

  • Roquefort salads
  • Roquefort pasta
  • Cheese platters
  • Roquefort dressings

🥥 Alternatives to Roquefort

  • Gorgonzola
  • Feta (if tolerated)
  • Vegan blue cheese alternatives
  • Goat cheese
  • Cashew-based cheese