When the kidneys beg for mercy
Who is it relevant for: if you have kidney disease or notice swelling in the morning.
Cheese is a concentrated source of protein — pure, dense, and highly filling. When it breaks down in the body, nitrogen compounds are formed that the kidneys must excrete.
In a young, healthy person, this isn’t a problem. But as we age, the kidneys ‘ filtration rate naturally decreases. And the “protein hit” from a bowl of cheese can overload them.
Imagine an old vacuum cleaner trying to clean a large area — it will do the job, but with effort.
Bottom Line: If you have kidney problems, excessive cheese consumption can accelerate kidney failure. The amount of protein you should consume should be discussed with your doctor.
Reason #2: Excess protein and joint inflammation
When every movement hurts
Who it is relevant for: if you suffer from gout, elevated uric acid or rheumatoid arthritis.
Here lies the catch! Excessive consumption of animal proteins, including dairy, increases purine levels in the body. This leads to a buildup of uric acid and a flare-up of gout.
Additionally, casein, the main protein in cheese, is difficult to digest. In some people, it can support chronic inflammation that worsens joint conditions.
As doctors say: “One man’s medicine is another man’s poison.”
Conclusion: Cheese, especially the fattier kind, can become a provocateur for arthritis and inflammatory joint diseases.
Reason #3: “Bad” cholesterol and heavy fats
When the vessels are already loaded
Who is it relevant for: if you have atherosclerosis, high cholesterol or liver disease.
This is mainly about fatty cheese — 9% and above. It contains a lot of saturated milk fat.
If the vessels are already damaged by atherosclerosis and the liver is overloaded, these fats become the “building material” for new cholesterol plaques.
It is especially harmful to combine fatty cheese with cream, jam, or honey — it’s a real “fat bomb”!
Conclusion: with atherosclerosis, it is advisable to choose low-fat cheese (up to 5%) and consume it in moderation.
Reason #4: Intolerance and “milk belly”
When the body says “no”
Who it’s relevant for: if you regularly feel bloating, heaviness or gas after dairy products (including cheese).
As people age, the activity of the enzyme lactase, which is needed to break down milk sugar, lactose, decreases in 70–80% of people. This condition is called age-related lactase deficiency.
Unprocessed lactose causes fermentation in the intestines, gas, and bloating. And the hard-to-digest casein protein further burdens digestion.
Your body literally speaks through symptoms!
Conclusion: if there is discomfort, don’t force yourself. This is a clear signal that the product does not suit you.
Reason #5: “Cheese product” — the big fallacy on the shelves
When the useful becomes harmful
Who is it relevant to: for everyone who buys cheese from the store.
This is probably the most common reason! Under the label “cheese” is often sold a “cheese product” in which part of the milk fat has been replaced with vegetable oils.
Often these are harmful palm oils and trans fats!
To this are added starch, powdered milk, preservatives and stabilizers. Such a product has nothing to do with real cheese. Trans fats damage blood vessels, and the “chemistry” burdens the liver and kidneys.
Read labels like a detective reads evidence!
Conclusion: always check the ingredients. If the packaging says “cheese product”, “cheese cream” or “cheese mass” – this is not real cheese. The composition of a quality product should include only two things: milk and starter culture.
How to eat cheese properly if you are not in the risk group
No, we don’t mean to scare you! For people who have no contraindications, here are a few important rules:
✅ Moderation: 100–150 grams, no more than 2–3 times a week. Not every day!
✅ Appropriate fat content: ideally between 2 and 5%. This way it is not heavy on the liver, but it is not an “empty” product like skimmed milk.
✅ Appropriate time: best in the morning or before lunch — not in the evening, because it burdens digestion.
✅ Combine wisely: do not mix with sugar, jam or honey. The best additions are fresh fruits, berries or green spices.
✅ Choose carefully: read the label — the composition should only contain “milk and sourdough”.
