Severe Intolerance to Protein

Genrgenr
Genrgenr Posts: 21 Member
edited November 30 in Food and Nutrition
Hi MFP People!

I have a unique question for you experts. We all know that protein is super important but what if it makes you sick? I have a severe intolerance to protein. Different types of protein make me different types of sick. For example Fish upsets my stomach, and chicken makes me feel like someone is stabbing me to death in my stomach. This also goes for beans, nuts etc.

Any suggestions? I'm looking for something that achieves the same result. Does that even exist?

Thanks for any help anyone can give me. The current solution by the specialists is to either eat very small quantities (a little each hour) and generally feel ill all day, or have one huge protein meal... get really sick for about an hour and then go about my day.

Thanks!
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Replies

  • belinda_73
    belinda_73 Posts: 149 Member
    Have you always been this way? is one of the specialists a nutritionist that specializes in digestive disorders?
  • erickirb
    erickirb Posts: 12,294 Member
    Milk products?
  • RaeLB
    RaeLB Posts: 1,216 Member
    edited February 2016
    There are different types of proteins found in food. You can get enough essential amino acids from plant sources: whole grains, spinach, broccoli, green beans, soy, seeds, chickpeas, etc. If those foods don't bother you, stick with them.
  • Genrgenr
    Genrgenr Posts: 21 Member
    edited February 2016
    belfle wrote: »
    Have you always been this way? is one of the specialists a nutritionist that specializes in digestive disorders?

    They thought for a long time it was my gallbladder. Ultrasound after ultrasound after ultrasound and there was nothing wrong with it. I would get referred to another specialist, and they would send me for another ultra sound... I kept telling the specialists that I would get ill about 45 mins to an hour after I eat, but not after every meal. No one would listen to me. I saw numerous nutritionists, and they kept telling me I probably was eating greasy foods. I assume it's because I am a big lady. I started keeping track what I was eating to show them I wasn't eating bad foods, but I always got the impression they thought I was leaving things off the list.

    Finally I booked myself an allergy test (unrelated: I thought I had a pineapple sensitivity), and told him about to sickness after foods. He immediately said I had a protein intolerance. Numerous tests after that, it was concluded I wasn't allergic to the food, just intolerant to the protein in it. They said there is nothing anyone can really do. I can't get rid of it, and I need protein. I just need to figure out how to get it, without being really sick. We are currently in the process of trying to find a scale. For example 1-10... Fish 3.... Heavy cream 9.
  • xcalygrl
    xcalygrl Posts: 1,897 Member
    What about quiona, tempeh, tofu, non-meat proteins other than beans?
  • Genrgenr
    Genrgenr Posts: 21 Member
    RaeLB wrote: »
    There are different types of proteins found in food. You can get enough essential amino acids from plant sources: whole grains, spinach, broccoli, green beans, soy, seeds, chickpeas, etc. If those foods don't bother you, stick with them.

    That's a good idea. My doctor and I had been concentrating on meat products, but I should really start evaluating the plant sources more too. I'm not a picky eater, and if chickpeas didn't upset my body I'd eat a bucket full of them.
  • TheLittleRedHairedGirl
    TheLittleRedHairedGirl Posts: 154 Member
    This may seem stupid, but have you tried different types of protein powders?
  • Genrgenr
    Genrgenr Posts: 21 Member
    xcalygrl wrote: »
    What about quiona, tempeh, tofu, non-meat proteins other than beans?

    I was going to say I hadn't try tofu since we figured this out but I just realized that would be a lie. There was some in a dish I had the other day, and I don't remember being sick afterwards. Thanks for the suggestion.
  • ClubSilencio
    ClubSilencio Posts: 2,983 Member
    Your pancreas is what produces the enzymes to digest protein. Did they check that on the ultrasound or just the gallbladder? Gallbladder is associated with fat absorption.

    I would try a digestive enzyme to see if it helps, Proteolytic enzymes specifically in your case.
  • drewschenk
    drewschenk Posts: 1 Member
    Sounds like you are on the right track, I think a rating scale is an excellent idea. For nutrition calorie intake is the most important factor. Managing your macro intake (fat/protein/carb) definitely helps improve the results but is nowhere near as important as calorie intake. Your body can take what it gets from various foods and make what it needs. However, if your trying to build muscle there is an advantage to the concentration of amino acids available from eating chicken but it's not the only way your body can get it done. Definitely focus your diet on things that do not agitate you much, if you always feel like crap you will not want to eat healthy or workout hard and you'll just lose more progress than you gained.
  • Genrgenr
    Genrgenr Posts: 21 Member
    TheLittleRedHairedGirl wrote: »
    This may seem stupid, but have you tried different types of protein powders?

    oh yes... no good. I have used soy and whey but I haven't tried Hydrolysate. I hear it's the highest quality of protein, and that scared me. With that being said, I also hear it's the easiest to digest. I just have to get my courage up.
  • tulips_and_tea
    tulips_and_tea Posts: 5,744 Member
    I'd definitely start experimenting with plant-based proteins because it may just be animal-based that you are intolerant to. Tough intolerance to have, so I sympathize with you!
  • Genrgenr
    Genrgenr Posts: 21 Member
    ClubSilencio wrote: »
    Your pancreas is what produces the enzymes to digest protein. Did they check that on the ultrasound or just the gallbladder? Gallbladder is associated with fat absorption.

    I would try a digestive enzyme to see if it helps, Proteolytic enzymes specifically in your case.

    I will 100% look into the digestive enzyme idea. Thanks! As for the ultrasound on my pancreas I want to say yes, but I am not 100% sure. There was a lot of ultrasounds. Thank goodness I live in Canada, and it's included in our heath care.
  • Genrgenr
    Genrgenr Posts: 21 Member
    BZAH10 wrote: »
    I'd definitely start experimenting with plant-based proteins because it may just be animal-based that you are intolerant to. Tough intolerance to have, so I sympathize with you!

    Ya it sucks, but I'm at least glad we finally figured it out. I used to be in fear every time we went somewhere and we were going to eat. Now I can choose a meal accordingly.
  • xcalygrl
    xcalygrl Posts: 1,897 Member
    GenRoberts wrote: »
    xcalygrl wrote: »
    What about quiona, tempeh, tofu, non-meat proteins other than beans?

    I was going to say I hadn't try tofu since we figured this out but I just realized that would be a lie. There was some in a dish I had the other day, and I don't remember being sick afterwards. Thanks for the suggestion.

    You're welcome. Also, these lists may give you some more ideas. I know some you have tried with no luck, but a couple of the others may prove to work in your favor. There are quite a few good sources to read up on non-meat proteins.
    http://www.health.com/health/gallery/thumbnails/0,,20718479,00.html
    http://www.nomeatathlete.com/vegetarian-protein/
    http://greatist.com/health/complete-vegetarian-proteins

    Hope those give you some ideas to try!
  • RaeLB
    RaeLB Posts: 1,216 Member
    GenRoberts wrote: »
    RaeLB wrote: »
    There are different types of proteins found in food. You can get enough essential amino acids from plant sources: whole grains, spinach, broccoli, green beans, soy, seeds, chickpeas, etc. If those foods don't bother you, stick with them.

    That's a good idea. My doctor and I had been concentrating on meat products, but I should really start evaluating the plant sources more too. I'm not a picky eater, and if chickpeas didn't upset my body I'd eat a bucket full of them.

    There is no reason you should have to eat foods that make you feel ill if there are alternatives. You can get everything you need from plants. Keep experimenting.

    Tempeh, seitan, tofu, quinoa, seeds, green veggies, brown rice, buckwheat, oats, avocado...
  • Genrgenr
    Genrgenr Posts: 21 Member
    drewschenk wrote: »
    Sounds like you are on the right track, I think a rating scale is an excellent idea. For nutrition calorie intake is the most important factor. Managing your macro intake (fat/protein/carb) definitely helps improve the results but is nowhere near as important as calorie intake. Your body can take what it gets from various foods and make what it needs. However, if your trying to build muscle there is an advantage to the concentration of amino acids available from eating chicken but it's not the only way your body can get it done. Definitely focus your diet on things that do not agitate you much, if you always feel like crap you will not want to eat healthy or workout hard and you'll just lose more progress than you gained.

    I find I end up eating a lot of carbs because I'm hungry and scared to eat certain things. I need to pay more attention to that. Thanks for the suggestion, I'm going to try and figure out the least offenders. During the process I have also learned a lot about protein in foods. There are foods I never would have guessed were high in protein, and ones I thought were high have very little traces.
  • michellesz
    michellesz Posts: 429 Member
    Not sure if I missed it mentioned but curious if you have a reaction to eating eggs. Good source of protein there. So sorry to hear of this. Good ideas above to try as well.
  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
    Not an expert. I like these ideas, @xcalygrl "What about quiona, tempeh, tofu, non-meat proteins other than beans?"
    @ClubSilencio also has a great idea to take a protein digesting enzyme with.

    I find texture is really important. Like moon cheese compared to a regular block of cheese. Or a souffle instead of scrambled. People with weight loss surgery like me have individual tolerances and we have to find what works compared to what doesn't. For instance, I have the most difficult time with soft breads but toasted, I am fine. The change is texture is enough to make it digestible.

    I think it is critical that you tackle this like a scientist and try quantities, what you were eating with (lots of veggies might help too by spreading the protein out for digestion, or maybe not. Try it), and the texture of the food.

    Since your options are lots of little meals with a little protein versus one big session, and you are still in testing stage, I'd go with lots of little meals with little bits of protein, keeping track of what works. Once you are settled on what works, you can try slowly increasing the protein on your designated meal and eat other things the rest of the time.

    http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/pancreas-function-tests
  • michellesz
    michellesz Posts: 429 Member
    Not sure if I missed it above. Do you have any reactions after eating eggs. Good source of protein. Sorry to hear of this too. Great advice given to try.
  • Genrgenr
    Genrgenr Posts: 21 Member
    jgnatca wrote: »
    Not an expert. I like these ideas, @xcalygrl "What about quiona, tempeh, tofu, non-meat proteins other than beans?"
    @ClubSilencio also has a great idea to take a protein digesting enzyme with.

    I find texture is really important. Like moon cheese compared to a regular block of cheese. Or a souffle instead of scrambled. People with weight loss surgery like me have individual tolerances and we have to find what works compared to what doesn't. For instance, I have the most difficult time with soft breads but toasted, I am fine. The change is texture is enough to make it digestible.

    I think it is critical that you tackle this like a scientist and try quantities, what you were eating with (lots of veggies might help too by spreading the protein out for digestion, or maybe not. Try it), and the texture of the food.

    Since your options are lots of little meals with a little protein versus one big session, and you are still in testing stage, I'd go with lots of little meals with little bits of protein, keeping track of what works. Once you are settled on what works, you can try slowly increasing the protein on your designated meal and eat other things the rest of the time.

    http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/pancreas-function-tests

    Noone has ever brought to my attention the texture of the foods. Thanks! I'll keep an eye on that too. I never would have thought it would make a difference. Interesting.
  • Genrgenr
    Genrgenr Posts: 21 Member
    michellesz wrote: »
    Not sure if I missed it above. Do you have any reactions after eating eggs. Good source of protein. Sorry to hear of this too. Great advice given to try.

    I do have problems with eggs which sucks because I love them. I could eat them every meal if I could.
  • TheLittleRedHairedGirl
    TheLittleRedHairedGirl Posts: 154 Member
    GenRoberts wrote: »
    TheLittleRedHairedGirl wrote: »
    This may seem stupid, but have you tried different types of protein powders?

    oh yes... no good. I have used soy and whey but I haven't tried Hydrolysate. I hear it's the highest quality of protein, and that scared me. With that being said, I also hear it's the easiest to digest. I just have to get my courage up.

    Before you commit yourself to buying a lot of it see if there's a sample packet that you can try first. There's also pea protein.
  • stealthq
    stealthq Posts: 4,298 Member
    Just reiterating trying digestive enzymes. There should be one out there that will help enough to let you eat at least some things that you can't now.
  • DaddieCat
    DaddieCat Posts: 3,643 Member
    Just a thought, but if it's the protein that's the problem, how is varying up the source going to help?

    Not asking to be snarky,but generally curious. Since all proteins are made of aminos, the source will have different qualities and quantities, but still the same or similar aminos. I don't actually know the mechanism of protein intolerance, but it stands to reason that, provided it's the protein that actually caused the problem and not the source, that simply changing the source would have little effect since the aminos would be the same.

    Am I drastically mistaken?


  • stealthq
    stealthq Posts: 4,298 Member
    edited February 2016
    Not knowledgeable on protein intolerance specifically, but I've got a decent background with immunological function.

    Based on a quick Google (yes, I know) and a visit to Medscape, protein intolerance is an immunological reaction (whether non-immunological reaction plays a role in protein intolerance is disputed). It is the conformation of the protein (or parts of the protein) that makes the antigen. If you completely denature the protein before it hits the GI tract in OP's case, she would likely not have any reaction at all.

    An interesting read on the pathology: emedicine.medscape.com/article/931548-overview#a5

    ETA: Reading on, there's little info on how to go about dealing with protein intolerance as an adult. Medscape mentions nearly all cases are infants and children, most grow out of it, and there are some adult cases - and then just about everything they discuss afterwards is only pediatric. Must be frustrating for OP.
  • Lizzy622
    Lizzy622 Posts: 3,705 Member
    Have you tried seitan? It is wheat protein.
  • Need2Exerc1se
    Need2Exerc1se Posts: 13,575 Member
    GenRoberts wrote: »
    belfle wrote: »
    Have you always been this way? is one of the specialists a nutritionist that specializes in digestive disorders?

    They thought for a long time it was my gallbladder. Ultrasound after ultrasound after ultrasound and there was nothing wrong with it. I would get referred to another specialist, and they would send me for another ultra sound... I kept telling the specialists that I would get ill about 45 mins to an hour after I eat, but not after every meal. No one would listen to me. I saw numerous nutritionists, and they kept telling me I probably was eating greasy foods. I assume it's because I am a big lady. I started keeping track what I was eating to show them I wasn't eating bad foods, but I always got the impression they thought I was leaving things off the list.

    Finally I booked myself an allergy test (unrelated: I thought I had a pineapple sensitivity), and told him about to sickness after foods. He immediately said I had a protein intolerance. Numerous tests after that, it was concluded I wasn't allergic to the food, just intolerant to the protein in it. They said there is nothing anyone can really do. I can't get rid of it, and I need protein. I just need to figure out how to get it, without being really sick. We are currently in the process of trying to find a scale. For example 1-10... Fish 3.... Heavy cream 9.

    That was it? No referral to a dietician to work out a diet? No amino acid supplement suggested, even for the short term? Have you been tested for an eosinophilic disorder?
  • drachfit
    drachfit Posts: 217 Member
    protein is a group of essential nutrients for the human body. you cannot survive without adequate protein intake. if someone was "intolerant" to any of the 7 essential amino acids (proteins), they would die very soon after being born.

    perhaps you should see a doctor to figure out what it is about the fish and chicken that gives you actual pain. perhaps you always cook them in say peanut oil, but are mildly allergic to peanuts. or something like that.
  • stealthq
    stealthq Posts: 4,298 Member
    drachfit wrote: »
    protein is a group of essential nutrients for the human body. you cannot survive without adequate protein intake. if someone was "intolerant" to any of the 7 essential amino acids (proteins), they would die very soon after being born.

    perhaps you should see a doctor to figure out what it is about the fish and chicken that gives you actual pain. perhaps you always cook them in say peanut oil, but are mildly allergic to peanuts. or something like that.

    Amino acids are not proteins, they are the building blocks of proteins. It is the intact or partially intact protein that is the problem.

    OP can most certainly be protein intolerant since it is a medical diagnosis.

    The name is a bit misleading, because it does not mean she is intolerant to all proteins. She has an allergic/inflammatory reaction to certain proteins or groups of proteins. According to the link I posted, dairy and soy proteins are the most common culprits, but I have to wonder if that is because most diagnoses are infants whose diets are almost exclusively formula.
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