Milly Gaines
The Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) is a popular diet for people with gut issues, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD). It can be confusing to know which foods are allowed and which are not when starting the SCD diet. One of the most beloved foods in the world, cheese, is allowed on the SCD diet, but only if it meets certain criteria. So, when is cheese allowed on the SCD diet?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diet Type | Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) |
| Diet Goal | Eliminate lactose |
| Allowed Cheese Types | Natural, unprocessed, aged at least 30 days, mild, hard, SCD-legal |
| Not Allowed Cheese Types | Processed, soft, fresh, strong |
| Examples of Allowed Cheeses | Swiss, Cheddar, Asiago, Blue Cheese, Gouda, Gruyere |
| Examples of Not Allowed Cheeses | Cream Cheese, Goat Cheese, Ricotta, Mozzarella, Cheddar Cheese Curds |
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What You'll Learn
- Natural cheeses are allowed, but avoid soft cheeses like cream cheese, goat cheese, and ricotta
- Cheeses must be aged for a minimum of 30 days to ensure they are lactose-free
- Stronger cheeses like Asiago and blue cheese should be used sparingly
- Mild cheeses like cheddar can be used freely
- SCD-legal cheeses made with milk are allowed, but regular milk is not
Natural cheeses are allowed, but avoid soft cheeses like cream cheese, goat cheese, and ricotta
When starting the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD), it can be challenging to determine which cheeses are permitted and which are not. The fundamental principle of the SCD diet is to eliminate all forms of lactose, as it is difficult to digest for those with inflamed guts. Lactose intolerance is associated with certain diseases, such as autism and IBS.
Natural cheeses are allowed on the SCD diet, but it is crucial to avoid soft cheeses. Soft cheeses like cream cheese, goat cheese, and ricotta typically contain lactose and are therefore not suitable for the SCD diet. These cheeses have not undergone sufficient aging or fermentation, which is essential to break down the lactose sugars.
To ensure lactose-free cheese, opt for varieties that have been aged for at least 30 days. During this aging process, the lactose is broken down and consumed by the cheese microbes, rendering the cheese safe for consumption on the SCD diet. Additionally, when purchasing cheese, always choose block cheese over pre-sliced or shredded varieties, as the latter often contain anti-clumping agents with starch that should be avoided.
While natural cheeses are permitted, it is important to be cautious about processed cheeses, as they are not allowed on the SCD diet. When in doubt, refer to reliable sources, such as the Breaking the Vicious Cycle (BTVC) guidelines and website, which provide clarity on which cheeses are considered legal and illegal on the SCD diet.
It is worth noting that some people may still be able to include dairy products in their diet, even if they are lactose intolerant. Yogurt and hard cheese, for example, are generally well-tolerated, and certain cheeses like Muenster, Swiss, Fontina, and Gouda can be enjoyed in small amounts.
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Cheeses must be aged for a minimum of 30 days to ensure they are lactose-free
When starting the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD), it can be challenging to determine which foods are permitted and which are not. The diet eliminates lactose because most inflamed guts cannot digest it. The lactase enzyme in the gut, which breaks down lactose, is the last to return to normal after the gut has healed. As a result, it is crucial to ensure that all forms of lactose are eliminated from the diet.
Cheese is a beloved food for many, and it can be confusing to determine which varieties are suitable for the SCD. Firstly, it is important to note that soft cheeses are generally not allowed, including cream cheese, goat cheese, ricotta, and mozzarella. Natural cheeses are permitted on the SCD, but there are some exceptions. Cheddar cheese, for example, can be consumed freely, while stronger cheeses like Asiago and blue cheese should be consumed in smaller amounts.
To ensure lactose-free cheese, it is recommended that cheeses be aged for at least 30 days. This ageing process, also known as fermentation, allows the microbes in the cheese to completely break down the lactose sugars, making the cheese safe for consumption on the SCD. Fresh cheese that has not been aged will still contain lactose and should be avoided.
When purchasing cheese for the SCD, it is important to buy it in block form. Pre-sliced and shredded cheeses often contain anti-clumping agents with starch, which should be avoided. Additionally, always read the labels to ensure that there are no additional ingredients that are not permitted on the SCD.
While it may be challenging to find suitable cheeses for the SCD, it is not impossible. By following the guidelines of choosing aged, natural cheeses with no additional illegal ingredients, you can still enjoy cheese as part of your diet.
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Stronger cheeses like Asiago and blue cheese should be used sparingly
When following the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD), it is important to understand which cheeses are allowed and in what quantities. The general rule is to avoid processed cheeses, and instead opt for unprocessed, fresh cheeses that have been aged for at least 30 days. This is because ageing allows for fermentation, which makes the cheese suitable for the SCD diet.
Blue cheese, known for its characteristic blue veins and pungent aroma, is produced by inoculating the cheese with Penicillium roqueforti or Penicillium glaucum moulds. These moulds require oxygen to grow, so the cheese is spiked with stainless steel rods to create air tunnels. The moulds also contribute to the sharp, salty flavour of blue cheese. Given the strong flavour profile of blue cheese, a little goes a long way, so it should be used sparingly in the SCD diet.
While these stronger cheeses can be part of the SCD diet, it is always recommended to check the ingredients and ensure that the cheese is made with permitted ingredients and has been adequately aged to avoid any adverse effects.
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Mild cheeses like cheddar can be used freely
The Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) is a healing diet that eliminates lactose, as most inflamed guts cannot digest it. This is because the lactase enzyme in our gut, which breaks down lactose, is the last to return to normal after the gut has healed. As a result, the diet recommends avoiding processed cheeses and opting for traditional milk-based cheeses that are aged and fermented, as the lactose will have been broken down and consumed by cheese microbes.
It is recommended to familiarise yourself with the SCD cheese list, as cheese can be a good snack option when there are limited choices available. In addition to mild cheddar, other types of cheese that can be eaten freely on the SCD diet include Swiss cheese and Parmesan. However, stronger cheeses like Asiago and blue cheese should be used sparingly.
When starting the SCD diet, it is important to read labels carefully and opt for single-ingredient foods as much as possible. This may mean initially eating only what you can make yourself until symptoms subside, as even simple foods can contain added ingredients that are not SCD-friendly.
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SCD-legal cheeses made with milk are allowed, but regular milk is not
The Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) is a healing diet that eliminates lactose because most inflamed guts cannot digest it. The lactase enzyme in our gut, which breaks down lactose, is the last to return to normal after the gut has healed. As a result, those on the SCD diet cannot drink regular milk, but they can eat SCD-legal cheeses made with milk.
SCD-legal cheeses must be aged for at least 30 days to ensure they are lactose-free. During this time, the lactose, or milk sugar, is broken down and consumed by the cheese microbes. It is important to purchase allowable cheeses in block form, as pre-sliced and shredded cheeses contain anti-clumping agents with starch that should be avoided.
Natural cheeses are allowed on the SCD diet, but there are some restrictions. Soft cheeses, such as cream cheese, goat cheese, ricotta, and mozzarella, are not permitted. Stronger cheeses like Asiago and blue cheese should be used sparingly, while milder cheeses like cheddar can be consumed more freely. It is recommended to familiarise yourself with the SCD cheese list to know which cheeses are allowed and which should be avoided.
Some people on the SCD diet also choose to make their own homemade cheeses. This can be done using a natural fermented starter, which allows for the creation of lactose-free cheese. When making your own cheese, it is important to follow the SCD legal cheese tenets to ensure the cheese is safe to consume.
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Frequently asked questions
Natural cheeses are allowed, but soft cheeses like cream cheese, goat cheese, ricotta, and mozzarella are not. Stronger cheeses like asiago and blue cheese should be used sparingly, while milder cheeses like cheddar can be used more freely.
Cheeses must be aged for a minimum of 30 days to ensure they are lactose-free. This timeframe ensures that all the lactose sugars have been broken down by the microbes in the cheese.
Apples, jams, and fruit preserves go well with most cheeses. Tree nuts, particularly walnuts, almonds, and pistachios, are also a good pairing.
No, you cannot drink regular milk on the SCD diet. However, you can make SCD yogurt or eat SCD-legal cheeses that are made with milk.
All forms of grains, including rice, wheat, and corn, are not allowed on the SCD diet. It is best to stick to single-ingredient foods and read the labels carefully to ensure that no illegal ingredients are included.
