Stilton sensitivity arises from casein, histamines, or mold components. Avoid it for 8 weeks, try alternatives like Gorgonzola or vegan blue cheese, and support your gut with probiotics, turmeric, and enzymes to reduce inflammation.
🧀 What is Cheese (Stilton)?
Stilton is a traditional English blue cheese made from cow’s milk. Known for its creamy texture and bold, tangy flavor, it is aged for several months to develop its characteristic blue-veined appearance and rich aroma.
🤔 Why Do I Have an Intolerance to Stilton and Its Components?
Your intolerance to Stilton may be caused by:
- Casein: The milk protein in Stilton, which may irritate the gut or trigger inflammation in sensitive individuals.
- Lactose: While Stilton has low lactose levels, traces can still cause symptoms for those with severe lactose sensitivity.
- Histamines: Stilton’s long aging process increases histamine levels, which can lead to headaches, digestive discomfort, or skin reactions in histamine-sensitive individuals.
- Mold: The Penicillium roqueforti mold used to create Stilton’s blue veins may trigger sensitivity or immune responses in certain people.
If you tolerate other cheeses, it could be due to differences in aging, lactose content, or the absence of mold components in those products.
🛠️ What Can I Do About It?
To manage your sensitivity to Stilton cheese:
- Avoid Stilton for 8 weeks: Remove it from your diet completely during this period.
- Reintroduce and retest: Gradually reintroduce Stilton after 8 weeks to check for symptoms.
- Choose alternatives: Use non-dairy or lower-histamine substitutes.
- Track symptoms: Keep a food journal to monitor changes and identify triggers.
💊 Supplements to Support Intolerance to Stilton 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.
- DAO enzyme: Breaks down histamines to alleviate histamine-related symptoms.
Why Do I Have an Intolerance to It and Not Other Dairy or Cheeses?
Your intolerance to Stilton but not other dairy may result from:
- Histamine Levels: Stilton’s long aging process raises histamine levels compared to fresh or younger cheeses.
- Mold Presence: The blue veins in Stilton are created by mold, which may trigger sensitivities absent in mold-free cheeses.
- Residual Lactose: Stilton contains trace lactose, which may affect individuals with high lactose sensitivity.
These factors make Stilton more likely to cause symptoms than other dairy products or cheeses.
🍴 Popular Dishes Involving Stilton
- Stilton salads
- Cheese boards
- Stilton soup
- Stilton-stuffed mushrooms
🥥 Alternatives to Stilton
- Gorgonzola
- Roquefort
- Vegan blue cheese
- Cashew-based cheese spreads
- Feta