Why Does Cheese Make Me Sweat? (The Science!)

From Cheddar to Brie: Which Cheeses Make You Sweat the Most?

Cheese can make you sweat due to tyramine, a compound that triggers adrenaline release, increasing body temperature and causing sweating. This is more common with aged cheeses like blue cheese, cheddar, and Parmesan, which have higher tyramine levels. While generally harmless, excessive sweating could indicate an allergy, nerve damage, or an underlying condition. Drinking water and choosing low-tyramine cheeses can help reduce sweating.

Why Does Cheese Make Me Sweat?

I guess we need to find out first if sweating when eating cheese is normal.

You will be relieved to know that you are not alone; many people experience this. 

What causes this strange reaction?

The main reason is because cheese contains an amino acid known as tyramine.

This compound causes us to produce adrenaline, which triggers the fight-or-flight response.

Your body reacts by increasing your temperature, which, of course, can lead to sweating.

And are there only certain cheeses that make you sweat?

You might find that aged cheeses, such as blue cheese, cheddar, and parmesan, make the problem worse.

They contain higher levels of tyramine than younger, fresher cheeses.

It may be worth trying brie or mozzarella instead. 

However, in the majority of cases, this sweating is nothing to be worried about; it’s a normal bodily reaction.

But do contact your healthcare provider if you experience abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, or hives, as this could be a sign of food intolerance or allergy.

You may need tests to determine the cause.

Is Sweating Over Cheese a Health Concern?

So, if sweating is not due to tyramine or a sign of a food allergy or intolerance, when is it a health risk?

It can occasionally be due to nerve damage or neuropathy. 

This can be caused by various factors, such as alcoholism, diabetes, or chemotherapy. 

And how much sweating is considered excessive?

If you are sweating continuously, and it’s not just when you eat cheese, you need to see your doctor to check for underlying medical conditions.

You may need to undergo tests such as a nerve conduction study.

Hopefully, a treatment plan can be found that allows you to eat cheese with no problems.

Other worrying symptoms to look out for include dizziness, nausea, or headaches.

You may need to temporarily avoid cheese until the cause of your symptoms is established.

Always discuss any concerns with your healthcare professional.  

Can I Prevent Sweating Over Cheese?

And now we get to the important bit: is there a way to eat cheese without getting into a sweaty mess?

There must be a way to at least reduce the sweating.

How about alternative cheese options that are less likely to induce sweat? 

To be honest, if you are particularly susceptible to the effects of tyramine, you may not be able to eliminate the sweating.

You can try eating smaller portions of cheese.

Or, if you pair it with other foods, they can help offset the tyramine.

You can also drink water before and after eating cheese, as this can lower your body temperature.

Look for cheeses that have a lower tyramine content, ricotta and cottage cheese are ideal. 

Vegan cheese is also a good option, as it is typically made from nuts or soy, which has less tyramine than dairy cheeses.

Why Do I Sweat So Much?

Key Takeaways

• Cheese can make you sweat due to the presence of tyramine, as this triggers the release of adrenaline.
• Aged cheeses such as blue cheese, cheddar, and Parmesan tend to have higher levels of tyramine and are more likely to cause sweating.
• Sweating when eating cheese is usually harmless, but excessive sweating could be a sign of an allergy, nerve damage, or an underlying medical condition.
• Drinking lots of water and finding alternative cheese options that are lower in tyramine can help reduce the likelihood and severity of sweating.
• If you’re experiencing other symptoms or excessive sweating, talk to your doctor to rule out any underlying health issues and develop a treatment plan. 

While sweating after eating cheese is typically harmless, understanding the science behind why it happens and what you can do to prevent or manage it can help you enjoy your favorite foods without worrying about uncomfortable side effects.

On a similar subject to sweat, why not find out why Swiss cheese smells like feet?

How does this affect your approach to consuming cheese?

Let us know in the comments below!