I have a Yogurt Health Issue....

(I think) and would love some feedback please. In June when I became a member of this site I read tons of recommendations for Greek Yogurt, preferrably Fage 2%. Well, yogurt wasn't always one of my favorite [good for you] foods..but I did swallow it down. So, I researched Fage 2% and I absolutely love it. I actually look forward to eating it everyday. Well, after about a few days I started having stomach cramps. Then I read that sometimes that can occur, so I started to eat a banana with it..something about probiodics and prebiodics. My problem is the cramps are really affecting my day. So, I have temporarily stopped eating it. What am I too do? I am eating 5 oz portion with 1/2 tbsp Wild Blueberry preserves mixed in. Is that too much at one sitting (once a day) ? Thanks! Carolyn Oh, btw, I have no dairy issues.

The only real way to find out if a food is causing you a problem is to exclude it for a week or two... and then reintroduce it.  If you find the problem goes away when you exclude it and comes back when you reintroduce it...  result... don't eat the food any more.  If you find you still have the problem when you exclude the food... result.... it's not likely to be that food causing the problem so hunt about for something else

I don't think one small pot of yoghurt (even if it is a probiotic type) should cause a problem.  However, I've personally had problems when I've tried similar foods that claim to lower cholesterol... 'Benecol' for example.

Good luck

Thank you gi-jane, Actually it has been 2 days without it and I have had no cramps. I will wait a couple more days and try it again......I sure hope it's not the culprit! In your opinion, since its just the greek yogurt, maybe it's too strong for my system? Maybe fat free greek instead of 2%...or am I just running around in circles? Maybe a different brand? I WANT TO BE ABLE TO EAT THIS!!!

You might be lactose intolerant, although yogurt is usually easier to digest than other dairy.  Do you have similar issues with milk, cheese, or other dairy? 

The good news is that if you ARE lactose intolerant you can take Lacatase or similar milk digestion aids that are fairly inexpensive.

Funny...I get terrible stomach cramps if I DON'T eat yogurt on a regular basis.

If you determine that it is the yogurt that's causing the problem, I would not give up, just try another brand and another...they use different processes/ cultures so it's worth trying a few.

In the case that it is just the specific brand of yogurt that is causing you the problems, you might want to try Oikos Greek yogurt instead. I love the fat free vanilla one the best, but they're all delicious!! And it's not as sour as the Fage (even the plain), plus I think it's a bit creamier, so I like it. 15 g protein, 0 g fat, 12 g carbs. 110 calories for an entire, very generously sized pot. Yum. :)

Thank you all for your help! I really have no dairy issues when I eat ice cream, milk, cheese, etc. I did an experiment and strained a quart of Stoneyfield Farms Plain and tried that, no cramps. I believe it is the brand, Fage. So, I will just have to change brands and I believe I'll be alright with that. I have been eating SFarms for awhile, but once I tried the greek Fage I was hooked, there's just no comparison in the sourness and creaminess.

It's definitely a question of what you're used to because I don't care much for Fage.  I mean the first few bites are good, but I can't eat a full container.  Too rich for me.

I love the Mountain High Plain Nonfat brand.  It's smooth and mellow and somewhat creamy, but no fat.  Used to eat Nancy's plain nonfat but it is a bit too tart and watery for me.

The straining is a good idea but I'm too lazy!