In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question” Is cheese acidic or basic“ with an in-depth analysis of the disadvantages of eating too many acidic foods.
Is cheese acidic or basic?
Cheese is acidic. Different types of cheese have different pH levels. As the pH varies from type to type but all types of cheese have acid-forming properties. This means that if you have the problem of acid reflux, you should limit the amount of cheese in your diet.
There can be no one in the world who hasn’t at least tried cheese. It’s delicious. You can add it to various dishes. Cheese also contains some essential nutrients.
Cheese is made using milk, which some people consider acidic. So, if you are suffering from acid reflux or GERD, you should immediately limit your intake of milk.
What is the pH level of cheese?
The pH level of cheese ranges between 4.98 to 7.44. Cheese is made up of cultures of mold, such as blue cheese, brie, or camembert, which has a higher level of pH.
If your stomach tends to be easily irritated after eating acidic foods, then limit the intake of acidic foods, and foods containing cheese to reduce its symptoms.
Soft cheese:
Soft cheeses coagulate slowly like cream cheese. As bacteria produce lactic acid, the other layer of the casein micelle becomes less and less polar. The micelles start sticking together at a pH of 5.3. And pH will be 4.6 with full coagulation after 24 hours.
Gouda and Cheddar cheese:
Gouda and cheddar are coagulated at a pH of 6.55. When you are pressing Gouda cheese curds into molds, their pH should be 6.5. When it is finished, the pH of Gouda is more acidic than the pH of mozzarella.
Mozzarella and Brie cheese:
Optimal coagulation for mozzarella and Brie cheeses is at pH 6.45. The pH of Mozzarella curds should be at 5.25.
Here, you can find different pH ranges of different types of cheese.
Steps for making cheese:
- Add beneficial bacteria to milk.
- Coagulate your milk into a soft white substance which is called curd.
- Press and cut the curd into the finished cheese shape.
If you want to get a delicious final product, then milk must be at the right temperature and the right pH at the right time.
Every type of cheese starts with milk, but they become unique due to different bacterial cultures and different rates of acidification. To make delicious food, Use lactic acid production to preserve food. This is a millennia-old process that still results in delicious food today.
Is cheese good for you?
Calories present in cheese come from protein and fat. These nutrients help you in losing weight by curbing your appetite and they give you the feeling of fullness after eating.
Protein is also known as an important nutrient for muscles and energy levels therefore it is called an important macronutrient.
Most types of cheese have high calories. So, if you are eating too much cheese in one sitting, it can increase the risk of obesity and other health issues.
Effects of eating too many acid-producing foods:
Kidney stone:
If you are taking a diet that contains too many acid-producing foods, such as animal proteins, some cheeses, and carbonated beverages, then it can cause acidity in your urine as well you can face other negative health effects. It can also become the reason for some type of kidney stone called uric acid stones to form.
Muscle and bone deterioration:
Foods having too much acidity can also cause bone and muscle deterioration. The reason is that the bones contain calcium, which your body uses to restore your blood’s pH balance when it becomes too acidic.
Can you eat cheese on acid reflux?
People who are struggling with the disease of acid reflux or GERD should limit their intake of cheese.
Cheese has acid-forming properties. Once it’s digested in your stomach. This can lead to the problem of heartburn and other symptoms. It can make you feel uncomfortable.
The same goes for people who feel the burning sensation after eating dairy products in general.
Cheese also contains high contents of fat. These types of foods take a longer time to be digested and then force your stomach to produce more gastric acid.
This acid can then raise your esophagus and cause heartburn, among other issues. So, if you know you’re sensitive to these types of issues, then try to limit how much cheese you consume.
Conclusion:
In this brief guide, we answered the question” Is cheese acidic or basic“ with an in-depth analysis of the pH of cheese. Moreover, we discussed the disadvantages of eating too many acidic foods.