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Protein and Nausea

firstsip
firstsip Posts: 8,399 Member
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I figured I'd post this in here, since I trust SideSteel/Sarah (and really, more people in here) than the general forums.

Does anyone else experience nausea after eating protein? I'm talking whey protein, protein bars, eggs, chicken, even tofu at times. Chicken is always baked or grilled, eggs just scrambled, etc.

I've been trying to focus on upping this macro more, but even then, it's not as if I'm suddenly eating protein for the first time. Without fail, within a few minutes of eating anything with 10g of protein or more, I feel nauseated (sometimes almost to the point of vomiting). It goes away within 20 minutes, but it's only there after (roughly) straight protein.

I don't keep my carbs particularly low (180 my max, but try to keep them closer to 110-125), but at the same time, I am trying to get protein higher. Fat is usually around 40-60g a day. Would balancing protein with more carbs or fat solve this? Ideally, I want my protein macro to be my highest, so I'm hesitant to add in extra carbs just to get the protein... if that's the only solution.

Any input?

Replies

  • Unknown
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  • Fozzi43
    Fozzi43 Posts: 2,984 Member
    I don't know why, but I'm the same now and then..it seems when I have my protein shake and I pop an extra half scoop of powder in there. Never actually sick but just that sicky feeling.
  • firstsip
    firstsip Posts: 8,399 Member
    the only time eating protein items solo made me nauseous was when I was preggers....



    sorry if that's not helpful

    WRONG ANSWER. DELETE DELETE.
  • MizzEngelChen
    MizzEngelChen Posts: 71 Member
    Funny, I get a similar problem. Everytime I add protein powder to a shake or a normal meal or have a more protein rich meal (like lots of beans etc), I feel sick. My stomach gets upset.. Makes it very difficult to get closer to my protein target...
  • SideSteel
    SideSteel Posts: 11,068 Member
    the only time eating protein items solo made me nauseous was when I was preggers....



    sorry if that's not helpful

    WRONG ANSWER. DELETE DELETE.

    ^ LOL

    I had a brief bout with this several years ago when I tried to eat stupidly high amounts of protein without making any effort to track intake/etc. I have no idea as to the cause but I attributed it to "Stop eating 8 eggs at a time every day" and "buy better whey protein".

    So the cliffs of this is that I really don't have a clue, sorry! Perhaps others here have the same experience and can relate.

    I think it's odd that it's so many different sources of protein that cause this.


    Have you noticed any difference between your 110g carb days and your 180g carb days in terms of the nausea? I'm only asking in case it's related to carbohydrate intake and not directly to protein.
  • firstsip
    firstsip Posts: 8,399 Member
    the only time eating protein items solo made me nauseous was when I was preggers....



    sorry if that's not helpful

    WRONG ANSWER. DELETE DELETE.

    ^ LOL

    I had a brief bout with this several years ago when I tried to eat stupidly high amounts of protein without making any effort to track intake/etc. I have no idea as to the cause but I attributed it to "Stop eating 8 eggs at a time every day" and "buy better whey protein".

    So the cliffs of this is that I really don't have a clue, sorry! Perhaps others here have the same experience and can relate.

    I think it's odd that it's so many different sources of protein that cause this.


    Have you noticed any difference between your 110g carb days and your 180g carb days in terms of the nausea? I'm only asking in case it's related to carbohydrate intake and not directly to protein.

    LOL INDEED.

    I haven't noticed a difference between 110g days and 180g days, but at the same time, I haven't necessarily been balancing my meals the best, hence why I wonder if that could be it.

    I actually looked this topic up on the main boards, and someone else had said something about "better whey protein."

    Embarrassment time: I usually use Pure Protein or Target brand protein powder, and Meijer brand protein bars... and these ARE my main forms of protein, with more minimal meats (though I still get the nausea from those). :[ Any recommendations for better quality protein powders/bars?
  • SideSteel
    SideSteel Posts: 11,068 Member
    the only time eating protein items solo made me nauseous was when I was preggers....



    sorry if that's not helpful

    WRONG ANSWER. DELETE DELETE.

    ^ LOL

    I had a brief bout with this several years ago when I tried to eat stupidly high amounts of protein without making any effort to track intake/etc. I have no idea as to the cause but I attributed it to "Stop eating 8 eggs at a time every day" and "buy better whey protein".

    So the cliffs of this is that I really don't have a clue, sorry! Perhaps others here have the same experience and can relate.

    I think it's odd that it's so many different sources of protein that cause this.


    Have you noticed any difference between your 110g carb days and your 180g carb days in terms of the nausea? I'm only asking in case it's related to carbohydrate intake and not directly to protein.

    LOL INDEED.

    I haven't noticed a difference between 110g days and 180g days, but at the same time, I haven't necessarily been balancing my meals the best, hence why I wonder if that could be it.

    I actually looked this topic up on the main boards, and someone else had said something about "better whey protein."

    Embarrassment time: I usually use Pure Protein or Target brand protein powder, and Meijer brand protein bars... and these ARE my main forms of protein, with more minimal meats (though I still get the nausea from those). :[ Any recommendations for better quality protein powders/bars?

    I do think you should at least attempt to try different brands of whey to see. For example, Premier Nutrition will make me run to the bathroom within minutes (it's a low-end brand). Now I can't tell you conclusively what ingredients or properties to either avoid or look for, I can only share personal experience.

    I've never had any issue with Optimum Nutrition, I've never had any issue with Trutein. Trutein is my current favorite, the flavors are just ridiculous. My whey consumption actually went UP when I got this stuff because I enjoy it that much.
  • firstsip
    firstsip Posts: 8,399 Member
    the only time eating protein items solo made me nauseous was when I was preggers....



    sorry if that's not helpful

    WRONG ANSWER. DELETE DELETE.

    ^ LOL

    I had a brief bout with this several years ago when I tried to eat stupidly high amounts of protein without making any effort to track intake/etc. I have no idea as to the cause but I attributed it to "Stop eating 8 eggs at a time every day" and "buy better whey protein".

    So the cliffs of this is that I really don't have a clue, sorry! Perhaps others here have the same experience and can relate.

    I think it's odd that it's so many different sources of protein that cause this.


    Have you noticed any difference between your 110g carb days and your 180g carb days in terms of the nausea? I'm only asking in case it's related to carbohydrate intake and not directly to protein.

    LOL INDEED.

    I haven't noticed a difference between 110g days and 180g days, but at the same time, I haven't necessarily been balancing my meals the best, hence why I wonder if that could be it.

    I actually looked this topic up on the main boards, and someone else had said something about "better whey protein."

    Embarrassment time: I usually use Pure Protein or Target brand protein powder, and Meijer brand protein bars... and these ARE my main forms of protein, with more minimal meats (though I still get the nausea from those). :[ Any recommendations for better quality protein powders/bars?

    I do think you should at least attempt to try different brands of whey to see. For example, Premier Nutrition will make me run to the bathroom within minutes (it's a low-end brand). Now I can't tell you conclusively what ingredients or properties to either avoid or look for, I can only share personal experience.

    I've never had any issue with Optimum Nutrition, I've never had any issue with Trutein. Trutein is my current favorite, the flavors are just ridiculous. My whey consumption actually went UP when I got this stuff because I enjoy it that much.

    Thank you! I might try this out and see if I notice a difference. I ALWAYS hear people rave about Optimum Nutrition, and I always see the crazy variety of Truteins at my local health food store. Might be time to buckle down and spend more than $15 on protein powder :blushing:
  • SideSteel
    SideSteel Posts: 11,068 Member
    the only time eating protein items solo made me nauseous was when I was preggers....



    sorry if that's not helpful

    WRONG ANSWER. DELETE DELETE.

    ^ LOL

    I had a brief bout with this several years ago when I tried to eat stupidly high amounts of protein without making any effort to track intake/etc. I have no idea as to the cause but I attributed it to "Stop eating 8 eggs at a time every day" and "buy better whey protein".

    So the cliffs of this is that I really don't have a clue, sorry! Perhaps others here have the same experience and can relate.

    I think it's odd that it's so many different sources of protein that cause this.


    Have you noticed any difference between your 110g carb days and your 180g carb days in terms of the nausea? I'm only asking in case it's related to carbohydrate intake and not directly to protein.

    LOL INDEED.

    I haven't noticed a difference between 110g days and 180g days, but at the same time, I haven't necessarily been balancing my meals the best, hence why I wonder if that could be it.

    I actually looked this topic up on the main boards, and someone else had said something about "better whey protein."

    Embarrassment time: I usually use Pure Protein or Target brand protein powder, and Meijer brand protein bars... and these ARE my main forms of protein, with more minimal meats (though I still get the nausea from those). :[ Any recommendations for better quality protein powders/bars?

    I do think you should at least attempt to try different brands of whey to see. For example, Premier Nutrition will make me run to the bathroom within minutes (it's a low-end brand). Now I can't tell you conclusively what ingredients or properties to either avoid or look for, I can only share personal experience.

    I've never had any issue with Optimum Nutrition, I've never had any issue with Trutein. Trutein is my current favorite, the flavors are just ridiculous. My whey consumption actually went UP when I got this stuff because I enjoy it that much.

    Thank you! I might try this out and see if I notice a difference. I ALWAYS hear people rave about Optimum Nutrition, and I always see the crazy variety of Truteins at my local health food store. Might be time to buckle down and spend more than $15 on protein powder :blushing:

    Trutein:

    Cinnabon
    Pumpkin Pie
    Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup


    ^^ Those are insane. Would recommend.
  • dare2love81
    dare2love81 Posts: 928 Member
    the only time eating protein items solo made me nauseous was when I was preggers....



    sorry if that's not helpful

    WRONG ANSWER. DELETE DELETE.

    ^ LOL

    I had a brief bout with this several years ago when I tried to eat stupidly high amounts of protein without making any effort to track intake/etc. I have no idea as to the cause but I attributed it to "Stop eating 8 eggs at a time every day" and "buy better whey protein".

    So the cliffs of this is that I really don't have a clue, sorry! Perhaps others here have the same experience and can relate.

    I think it's odd that it's so many different sources of protein that cause this.


    Have you noticed any difference between your 110g carb days and your 180g carb days in terms of the nausea? I'm only asking in case it's related to carbohydrate intake and not directly to protein.

    LOL INDEED.

    I haven't noticed a difference between 110g days and 180g days, but at the same time, I haven't necessarily been balancing my meals the best, hence why I wonder if that could be it.

    I actually looked this topic up on the main boards, and someone else had said something about "better whey protein."

    Embarrassment time: I usually use Pure Protein or Target brand protein powder, and Meijer brand protein bars... and these ARE my main forms of protein, with more minimal meats (though I still get the nausea from those). :[ Any recommendations for better quality protein powders/bars?

    I do think you should at least attempt to try different brands of whey to see. For example, Premier Nutrition will make me run to the bathroom within minutes (it's a low-end brand). Now I can't tell you conclusively what ingredients or properties to either avoid or look for, I can only share personal experience.

    I've never had any issue with Optimum Nutrition, I've never had any issue with Trutein. Trutein is my current favorite, the flavors are just ridiculous. My whey consumption actually went UP when I got this stuff because I enjoy it that much.

    Thank you! I might try this out and see if I notice a difference. I ALWAYS hear people rave about Optimum Nutrition, and I always see the crazy variety of Truteins at my local health food store. Might be time to buckle down and spend more than $15 on protein powder :blushing:

    I swear by Optimum Nutrition. And they have TONS of flavors to choose from, although I usually end up splitting the flavor with their vanilla protein, otherwise it's too strong for me.

    Have you upped your protein intake recently? The only time I have an issue with protein causing me stomach upset is when I up my protein intake (like if I've been low for a week or more and then increase it again). It usually takes a week or two for my stomach to readjust to the higher amounts.

    Hope this helps! :flowerforyou:
  • deksgrl
    deksgrl Posts: 7,237 Member
    I feel a little bit funny if I eat just protein with no carbs at the same time. Like if I have scrambled eggs or an omelet with no toast. I generally eat 3 eggs at a time.

    I put my protein powder in a cup of 2% milk and I never have a problem with that. It's the cheap Walmart brand. Also I sometimes drink half a scoop in coffee, and never felt nauseous. I don't know what the difference is between eggs and protein powder.
  • firstsip
    firstsip Posts: 8,399 Member
    I feel a little bit funny if I eat just protein with no carbs at the same time. Like if I have scrambled eggs or an omelet with no toast. I generally eat 3 eggs at a time.

    I put my protein powder in a cup of 2% milk and I never have a problem with that. It's the cheap Walmart brand. Also I sometimes drink half a scoop in coffee, and never felt nauseous. I don't know what the difference is between eggs and protein powder.

    I ALWAYS put my protein powder in water since we don't drink milk. I bet the milk helps cut it; I'm thinking this really might just be a balancing act I have to work out.
  • ryry_
    ryry_ Posts: 4,966 Member
    OP, the only time I have gotten nauseous from eating protein is when it was alot of protein without out other items to complement it. It was naseous in a "If I have take one more bite I'm going to throw up kind of way."

    So for example, if I tried to eat three pieces of chicken breast alone, I would feel nausious.

    However, three pieces, with some pepperjack melted, topped with guacamole and dipped in bbq sauce for good measure. No problems.
  • ryry_
    ryry_ Posts: 4,966 Member
    I feel a little bit funny if I eat just protein with no carbs at the same time. Like if I have scrambled eggs or an omelet with no toast. I generally eat 3 eggs at a time.

    I put my protein powder in a cup of 2% milk and I never have a problem with that. It's the cheap Walmart brand. Also I sometimes drink half a scoop in coffee, and never felt nauseous. I don't know what the difference is between eggs and protein powder.

    I ALWAYS put my protein powder in water since we don't drink milk. I bet the milk helps cut it; I'm thinking this really might just be a balancing act I have to work out.

    Try a fruity protein powder in Trop 50 OJ. Or vanilla it has a creamsicle vibe. Only 50 xtra calories.
  • Sarauk2sf
    Sarauk2sf Posts: 28,072 Member
    I am really no help as I have not experienced that. I just upped my protein and dropped my carbs (by a *kitten* ton :sad: ) and never had an issue. I do not eat meat though so that could be a variable.

    I second SideSteel's recommendations of ON or Trutein. I pretty much only use those so that may be a reason.
  • cmeiron
    cmeiron Posts: 1,599 Member
    A scoop of protein powder in a shake can make me nauseous for sure. I can bake it into things with no trouble, though...
  • DopeItUp
    DopeItUp Posts: 18,771 Member
    the only time eating protein items solo made me nauseous was when I was preggers....



    sorry if that's not helpful

    WRONG ANSWER. DELETE DELETE.

    ^ LOL

    I had a brief bout with this several years ago when I tried to eat stupidly high amounts of protein without making any effort to track intake/etc. I have no idea as to the cause but I attributed it to "Stop eating 8 eggs at a time every day" and "buy better whey protein".

    So the cliffs of this is that I really don't have a clue, sorry! Perhaps others here have the same experience and can relate.

    I think it's odd that it's so many different sources of protein that cause this.


    Have you noticed any difference between your 110g carb days and your 180g carb days in terms of the nausea? I'm only asking in case it's related to carbohydrate intake and not directly to protein.

    LOL INDEED.

    I haven't noticed a difference between 110g days and 180g days, but at the same time, I haven't necessarily been balancing my meals the best, hence why I wonder if that could be it.

    I actually looked this topic up on the main boards, and someone else had said something about "better whey protein."

    Embarrassment time: I usually use Pure Protein or Target brand protein powder, and Meijer brand protein bars... and these ARE my main forms of protein, with more minimal meats (though I still get the nausea from those). :[ Any recommendations for better quality protein powders/bars?

    I do think you should at least attempt to try different brands of whey to see. For example, Premier Nutrition will make me run to the bathroom within minutes (it's a low-end brand). Now I can't tell you conclusively what ingredients or properties to either avoid or look for, I can only share personal experience.

    I've never had any issue with Optimum Nutrition, I've never had any issue with Trutein. Trutein is my current favorite, the flavors are just ridiculous. My whey consumption actually went UP when I got this stuff because I enjoy it that much.

    Thank you! I might try this out and see if I notice a difference. I ALWAYS hear people rave about Optimum Nutrition, and I always see the crazy variety of Truteins at my local health food store. Might be time to buckle down and spend more than $15 on protein powder :blushing:

    Trutein:

    Cinnabon
    Pumpkin Pie
    Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup


    ^^ Those are insane. Would recommend.

    Listen to this man. There might as well not be any other types of protein powder out there at this point, Trutein stands alone. It was the best move I ever made regarding protein intake. It'll cost ya though, but you get what you pay for.

    Actually, it was the second best move I ever made for protein intake. Best move was moving to 99% "real" food for protein. I get at least a pound of meat a day. It gets/keeps me a lot more full than protein powder. But if you're not a fan of meat that will be pretty tough. I also notice much less gassiness and intestinal distress by almost entirely avoiding powder. Not that trutein was bad in that regard, it was 1000x better than any other powder (including ON, gaspari, etc), it was still an improvement.

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