If you’ve ever experienced an explosion of mysterious canker sores in your mouth after eating cheese, you’re not alone! Many people suffer from this inconvenience after consuming dairy products, and what is even more worrying is that the cause is often unknown.
To add insult to injury, it seems no one really knows why or how they appear, despite numerous theories and research into their causes. In this blog post, we’ll explore possible explanations for why cheese gives so many people canker sores and give you tips on how to avoid getting them in the future!
Canker sores: what are they?
A canker sore is a round, painful ulcer that appears inside the mouth. It is not contagious, but can be quite irritating and uncomfortable to live with. Occurring most often in the soft tissues such as the inner surface of the lips, cheeks and tongue, canker sores are believed to be caused by different factors such as stress, acidic foods, vitamin deficiency or even hormones. Treatment for these canker sores usually involves an over-the-counter medication applied directly to the affected area to reduce pain and inflammation; however, affected individuals can also try natural remedies like applying ice or honey for relief.
Why do they suddenly appear?
Canker sores often appear suddenly, without any warning signs, leading many people to wonder why they pop up out of nowhere. The truth is that there is often an underlying cause for these lesions and they are frequently caused by stress, poor diet, weakened immune system, hormonal fluctuations, allergies and even certain medications. Additionally, trauma to the tissues inside the mouth, such as biting the cheeks or tongue, can also be a factor in the development of canker sores. Knowing what contributes to these canker sores can help you prevent them from recurring in the future.
Is it true that the consumption of certain cheeses could cause the appearance of canker sores?
It is true that certain cheeses can contribute to the development of canker sores. Eating high-acid cheeses, such as blue cheese, feta, and Roquefort, or aged cheeses like cheddar, has been linked to some cases of canker sores. Similarly, soft cheeses like ricotta and cottage cheese can also be triggers for canker sores in some people. In fact, anything high in acid (including citrus fruits) can potentially trigger a canker sore outbreak.
When we eat foods that are too acidic or whose pH is out of balance with our body’s natural balance, it can cause inflammation that irritates the mucous membranes of the mouth and gums. This irritation can lead to the development of painful ulcers called canker sores. Although these lesions usually heal on their own within two weeks without treatment, it is always best to eat a balanced diet and avoid foods that can trigger these ulcers whenever possible.
Dairy products are usually a potential cause.
In addition to avoiding acidic foods like certain varieties of cheese, you should also be careful with minerals like zinc and iron found in dairy products. These two minerals are responsible for triggering sores if consumed in excessive amounts. Even proteins found in dairy products, such as whey protein concentrate, can be triggers for canker sores. In addition, casein, which is also a protein found in cow’s milk, can create a film on the lesions, making them more pronounced and causing physical discomfort when eating or drinking.
If you suffer from frequent outbreaks of canker sores or have other underlying health conditions that may be contributing to your episodes, it would be a good idea to consider excluding dairy products from your diet altogether until you better understand why this is happening to you.
What to replace them with?
For those who have had the misfortune of suffering from canker sores, finding alternatives to dairy products and certain cheeses is essential to prevent their return. For those looking for sources of calcium and vitamin D, there are plenty of delicious non-dairy options that still provide nutrients comparable to their dairy counterparts. Almond milk and soy milk, as well as coconut milk, are all great substitutes for cow’s milk and can easily be incorporated into your daily routine.
In addition, vegan cheeses made from nuts and legumes are appearing on the market, offering a tasty alternative to traditional cheeses. With the availability of these dairy-free options, there’s no need to sacrifice flavor to avoid canker sores.
