Treat Your Tastebuds and Gut to Vegan Cheese

Creamy, ooey-gooey, decadently delicious. Cheese is all that and more, but unfortunately, it can wreak havoc on those with gut issues. For some individuals, consuming dairy products can negatively affect gut health. This is because dairy contains a sugar called lactose which requires an enzyme called lactase to break down in the body.

The Distressing Downsides of Dairy

Some people don’t produce enough of this enzyme to digest lactose properly, leading to symptoms such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Even for people who can digest lactose without any problems, dairy products have been linked to inflammation in the gut which can contribute to various health conditions. This is because people are responding to the proteins in dairy negatively. That’s why individuals need to pay attention to their own body’s reactions when consuming dairy and make necessary adjustments to ensure optimal gut health.

Enjoy These Anti-inflammatory Plant-Based Alternatives

The good news is that there’s plenty of vegan cheeses that satisfy cravings and have that prized “meltability” factor. This wonderful alternative to dairy cheese is ideal as it doesn’t tend to inflame the gut.

“Dairy alternatives have come a long way over the years, and several tasty options are available. This is great news for those who choose to avoid dairy and want a yummy substitute,” said Gabrielle Grandell, Functional Nutritionist and Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach.

These vegan cheeses are primarily made from nuts, seeds, and other plant-based ingredients and are nice for spreads, easily grated, and many actually melt! Thankfully, they don’t light up your brain chemistry or negatively impact your gut and hormones like dairy does for most, but they will make your tastebuds happy just the same!

Some of Gabrielle’s Favorites

While there are plenty of delicious vegan cheese options available in supermarkets, here are some of Gabrielle’s favorite brands:

• Violife
• Miyoko’s Creamery
• Forager Project
• Treeline Cheese
• Kite Hill

Check out her recent Friday Favorites video and see the incredible array of tasty vegan cheeses, from parmesan and provolone to feta and mozzarella. You’ll savor the flavors and love your gut.