eat Enough protein It is crucial to maintain muscle mass, promoting a sense of fullness and consistent energy levels. In recent years, many people have added protein supplements (e.g. Protein powder and bar – diet, myself included. I go to the gym regularly and take exercise seriously. Enjoy one Protein shake After my workout it became a ritual.
But about a year after I started drinking protein shakes regularly, I noticed some physical changes and persistent discomfort. At first, I didn’t realize it was due to all the extra protein in my diet. I only realized that protein powder can be behind me once I started studying molecular nutrition (more on that later). Belly bloating and digestive troubles. It turns out that once I stopped eating protein powder, my symptoms went away.
So, what happened? Let’s see why it’s a little bit bad to add such an important part of my diet.
Protein powder can be difficult to digest
Protein powder contains particularly high concentrations of protein. This can make them a more effective way to eat protein, but also makes them more difficult to digest.
“It is relatively common to experience digestive discomfort after eating certain protein powders or highly processed protein bars. Actually, this is what I have been hearing from clients.” Registered nutritionist and author Hormone balance manual Jessica Shand explain. “This could be due to several factors: poor quality protein sources (such as low-grade whey or soy isolates), added sugar or sugar wine, synthetic flavoring agents, and gums or thickeners that may irritate the lining of the gut.
“Many powders also contain dairy-based proteins, such as whey or casein, which can be problematic for those who are even mild lactose intolerance or dairy sensitivity. Additionally, high doses of protein (especially in liquid form) can be more difficult to digest if someone impairs digestive function or has low stomach acid.”
Gastric acid is essential for the body to be able to digest protein, but some of us tend to have particularly low levels, resulting in discomfort and digestive troubles. Stress and busy routines have been shown to lower the levels of stomach acid we produce, which makes digesting protein powders even more difficult. It is important to remember that the mass of protein we consume does not always equal the amount we can absorb.
Too much protein powder can cause stomach upset
My biggest problem with protein powder is bloating and routine stomach upset. This happens when proteins that have not yet been fully digested sit in the stomach and start producing gas. When proteins are digested correctly, they are converted into amino acids and peptides, while undigested proteins can alter the gut environment. I had to accept the fact that eating protein can digest more than my body does the opposite of my goal, essentially, feel good. Welp.
Some protein powders contain additives and artificial sweeteners
Due to the various flavors available, some protein powders rely on artificial sweeteners to make it as delicious as possible. My favorite protein powder comes in both strawberry and chocolate flavors. However, additives and artificial sweeteners are destroying my gut microbiome to cause severe hay fever and other allergies. Some powders contain aspartame or potassium alanine (also known as Acesulfame K), a 2022 study that shows that it is a study. Probably related to greater cancer risk (Although other studies have not found it yet). It’s always worth checking the tags.
