Experiencing migraines with protein powders

CMMia17
CMMia17 Posts: 42 Member
edited December 2024 in Food and Nutrition
Hi! I am trying to get back into my fitness goals and have been doing a pretty decent job. However, I remember having protein shakes really sped up my results. It was last year that I started experiencing migraines when ingesting protein shakes and vomiting afterwards (eww, I know). Has anyone experienced this? Anyone has tried a powder that doesn’t make them do this? Or alternatives besides eating mixed nuts as a replacement.

I previously used whey protein, then found lactose free whey proteins (I am lactose intolerant), and used soy based. All had given me the same symptoms of a migraine. I sometimes ate the kellogs protein bars because for some reason I wouldn’t get too much of an effect, just maybe a little pressure building on my head but that is it.

Any info and suggestions will be a great help!

Replies

  • CMMia17
    CMMia17 Posts: 42 Member
    Just want to add that I have seen a specialist and he has no idea why the protein powders would trigger my migraines.
  • RodaRose
    RodaRose Posts: 9,562 Member
    Powders are highly processed foods. Eat foods that are less processed.
  • apparations
    apparations Posts: 264 Member
    If the powder is what's causing the migraines, I would just stop using it all together. It's not worth the pain!
  • missemmibelle
    missemmibelle Posts: 100 Member
    You might be allergic to whey protein. Either way, I'd stop.

    The only other thing I can think of is a caffeine-withdrawal. I tend to quit caffeine at the same time that I replace meals with a protein shake.

    Or it could be a brand problem. Maybe get a sampler of some kind and try them all to see if one of them works.
  • Golightly17
    Golightly17 Posts: 347 Member
    I don't have an issue with protein powders but unfortunately deal with food allergies and sensitivities. An allergy to whey is relatively uncommon but casein is a common allergen. Lectins, commonly in protein powders, can cause gastro issues as well. If you are looking for a good, virtually hypoallergenic powder, Vega is a great option. Food allergy and sensitivity testing, although not always precise, can be a good starting point for determining your diet going forward.
  • Golightly17
    Golightly17 Posts: 347 Member
    One thing that I forgot to add- there has been an issue with heavy metal toxicity in protein powders so please look up the brand.

    Best of luck :D
  • CMMia17
    CMMia17 Posts: 42 Member
    Thank you to everyone for your replies! Its very fustrating finding alternatives for protein. Especially eating mixed nuts only aggravates my digestive system and dairy is just out of the question.
    The reason why I am looking into it again is because it really helped with my cravings and having better control of my eating habits and better results with strength training. My metabolism is pretty high, along with thyroid fluctuations at times, which only makes me constantly hungry, even when it is a healthy and filling meal. Protein seems to nip it in the butt most of the time and get me on a better track. I can say it is not too bad right now. Drinking water and tea between snacks and meals help.
    I didn’t even think of looking into food allergies. I have completely forgotten that people may develop food allergies in their adult years too. I will defiantly add this to my list of check-ups.
  • beautifulwarrior18
    beautifulwarrior18 Posts: 914 Member
    There is probably something in them that you're allergic to. Stop using them. There are plenty of other sources of protein out there.
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  • Hell_Flower
    Hell_Flower Posts: 348 Member
    Same - I've always eaten pretty clean but would get the odd migraine due to stress or if I was run down. Maybe 5 a year?

    I introduced one or two protein powders/shakes when I changed up my gym routine a bit. Within a week I had 3 cluster migraines. Thought...maybe it's a one off. But nope. I carried on with them for about a month. I call that month the "lost month". I have very little recollection of anything because of the severity of the migraines and the frequency.

    Stopped the shakes - migraines went away. I spoke to my GP about it, and it's not all that uncommon.
  • rodduz
    rodduz Posts: 251 Member
    Whey protein is just a supplement. If you had one shake per day it can range anywhere from 20-40g of protein, you can easily get that from other whole food sources, it's just a little more effort.
  • Chaskavitch
    Chaskavitch Posts: 172 Member
    If you just like to have shakes, and need more than fruit carbs to keep you going, try adding coconut oil, coconut milk, or plain greek yogurt to your shakes. The fat from the coconut oil or milk help me stay full for a lot longer than just putting fruit and ice in a shake - just make sure to melt the coconut oil and add it gradually so it doesn't get clumpy and gross. Plain greek yogurt will have a fair amount of protein vs sugar. I have also found that adding regular old unsweetened cocoa powder is enough to make the shake taste chocolatey, and is more than sweet enough if you have some fruit in there even without sweetened protein powder.

    Edit: Migraines suck SO BAD. I'm sorry that you get them so often with what you're eating. Good luck finding an alternative!
  • horseplaypen
    horseplaypen Posts: 442 Member
    Just found this link yesterday actually - not sure how accurate/reputable it is, but might be worth a look:
    http://www.sensualappealblog.com/protein-powders/

    My boyfriend gets intestinal issues from some protein powders, especially whey. He just ordered this vegan powder from Costco.
    http://www.costco.ca/webber-naturals®-100%25-Natural-Vegan-Protein-Powder-.product.10395728.html

    Just another option! Hope you find something that works for you. :)
  • purplemurfy
    purplemurfy Posts: 95 Member
    These products often contain the amino acid L-tyrosine or have ingredients to boost Nitric Oxide levels in the body - these are known migraine triggers. I can't use protein powders, drinks, etc. EVER because of this.
  • twisparklepunk
    twisparklepunk Posts: 4 Member
    I am a migraine sufferer and i just want to add my two cents to this. make sure that you are not using anything sweetened with artificial sweeteners. aspartame is a trigger for quite a few people (though some specialists will claim its not i don't know why).

    There is also a problem with tyramine http://www.migrainesavvy.com/migraine-food-triggers.html
    so look for a power low in tyrosine. This type of issue would also see you having issue with left overs, and other types of foods high in this amino acid.


    I use manitoba hemp 50 which is just a straight unsweetened hemp protein powder. I have a hard time getting protein in to me so i also supplement. This and the vega i found to be ok (vega has a lot of stuff in it though)
  • Nickseltje
    Nickseltje Posts: 1 Member
    Interesting topic. I have been a migraine patient all my life. Currently too heavy and started a vegan shake from the organic supermarket section. Now had 6 migraines within a 6 weeks and it is driving me nuts. I have had this experience before with products of Isagenix. Managed to loose quite a bit of weight but had to give up due to the products being a trigger. Did not know about artificial sweeteners and tyramide. Thinking of just doing smaller portions as there seems nothing else for me. I actually used Vega. :(
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