Protein Powder Problem

I'm looking for a protein powder to add to my occasional smoothies and such. But the problem is, I've tried several and they make me violently sick to my stomach. A friend told me some people don't digest the protein well, or have a sensitivity to it when in concentrated form. Is there any truth in that? Does anyone know of a powder that is easier to digest/easier on the stomach? Google hasn't returned a lot of information for me. Any feedback is appreciated, thank you!
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Replies

  • shadow2soul
    shadow2soul Posts: 7,692 Member
    edited April 2016
    What kind have you tried?

    Here's some of the different types:
    Whey
    Whey Isolate
    Whey Concentrate
    Casein Protein
    Soy
    Wheat (usually vegan protein powders)

    You can read about the different types I listed here:
    http://www.proteinpowder.net/types-of-protein-powder/


  • LazSommer
    LazSommer Posts: 1,851 Member
    I had issues, GNC has one that's easier to digest, may be a gimmick but it saves me a lot of pain.
  • aub6689
    aub6689 Posts: 351 Member
    Have all the proteins you've consumed been whey?
  • Danimri84
    Danimri84 Posts: 262 Member
    I've tried Pure Protein, FitMiss Delight, another brand I can't remember, and even that stupid Juice Plus shake powder because my mom had some and it has a decent amount of protein.
  • Danimri84
    Danimri84 Posts: 262 Member
    aub6689 wrote: »
    Have all the proteins you've consumed been whey?

    I'm not sure, I know the first two I listed are whey, but I don't know about the other two.
  • Danimri84
    Danimri84 Posts: 262 Member
    What kind have you tried?

    Here's some of the different types:
    Whey
    Whey Isolate
    Whey Concentrate
    Casein Protein
    Soy
    Wheat (usually vegan protein powders)

    You can read about the different types I listed here:
    http://www.proteinpowder.net/types-of-protein-powder/


    Thanks for the link!
  • rileysowner
    rileysowner Posts: 8,329 Member
    I don't know about difficulty digesting protein, but some people has issues with some types of protein powder. If the protein powders you have been using are whey protein you need to try some other type, not just another whey protein. There is casein, egg, soy, peanut, hemp, and a bunch of other protein powders out there. You would be well advised if you want to use protein powder to try them out.
  • HealthierRayne
    HealthierRayne Posts: 268 Member
    I recommend trying a non-dairy protein - perhaps you are sensitive to dairy?

    I really like Vega Protein and Greens, its pea protein, sacha inchi (mountain peanut) protein, hemp seed protein, sprouted whole grain brown rice protein.
  • rainbowbow
    rainbowbow Posts: 7,490 Member
    No, the idea that some people can't digest protein (other than gluten) is a myth.

    The more likely reason is a lactose intolerance and having consumed whey.
  • shadow2soul
    shadow2soul Posts: 7,692 Member
    Danimri84 wrote: »
    I've tried Pure Protein, FitMiss Delight, another brand I can't remember, and even that stupid Juice Plus shake powder because my mom had some and it has a decent amount of protein.

    Juice Plus is soy powder.
  • Rit1603
    Rit1603 Posts: 122 Member
    I use plant based protein powder by sunwarrior check them out they are vegan plant base i have no problem digesting but it might depends from person to person . I use the classic plus unflavored
  • Danimri84
    Danimri84 Posts: 262 Member
    Thanks for all the info. I'll look into some other kinds. I don't think dairy or lactose sensitivity is the problem, since I regularly consume dairy, and have all my life, but it can't hurt to try a different kind. Thanks all!
  • StacyChrz
    StacyChrz Posts: 865 Member
    I also prefer plant based protein powders. Hemp, chia, pea proteins work really well for me. I have had good luck with Vega brand and Essential 10 (but the plant based not whey based option). I have been alternating these two lately. I have decided to stick with the Essential 10 because it has more fiber.
  • mhuntrn4
    mhuntrn4 Posts: 8 Member
    sometimes it helps to start w a small amount and work your way to the "full dose"
  • brb_2013
    brb_2013 Posts: 1,197 Member
    Danimri84 wrote: »
    Thanks for all the info. I'll look into some other kinds. I don't think dairy or lactose sensitivity is the problem, since I regularly consume dairy, and have all my life, but it can't hurt to try a different kind. Thanks all!

    I don't have a lactose issue but I DO have a whey issue. It also makes me feel like crap, but more in my intestines than my stomach. I have to varieties of vegan protein powder (can't recall both names, one is like "essential 10") I have issues with the flavors still but I mask it with other additives.
  • Roza42
    Roza42 Posts: 246 Member
    rainbowbow wrote: »
    No, the idea that some people can't digest protein (other than gluten) is a myth.

    The more likely reason is a lactose intolerance and having consumed whey.
    No. There are a lot of reasons that people can't tolerate certain proteins. I turn bright red within 20 minutes of consuming dairy, but when I was younger I would get hives sometimes a couple of hours later. That and whey doesn't contain lactose.
  • Danimri84
    Danimri84 Posts: 262 Member
    Danimri84 wrote: »
    I've tried Pure Protein, FitMiss Delight, another brand I can't remember, and even that stupid Juice Plus shake powder because my mom had some and it has a decent amount of protein.

    Juice Plus is soy powder.

    Had no idea, whatever it is, I was in the bathroom every 3 minutes and felt like someone was trying to pull my abdominal contents out of my belly button. Nasty stuff.
  • blondie_mfp
    blondie_mfp Posts: 62 Member
    Danimri84 wrote: »
    Thanks for all the info. I'll look into some other kinds. I don't think dairy or lactose sensitivity is the problem, since I regularly consume dairy, and have all my life, but it can't hurt to try a different kind. Thanks all!

    I'm the same way, I eat/drink dairy for practically every meal, but whey protein definitely does not agree with me. I planned on trying other, non-whey-based proteins, but I just haven't gotten around to it. good luck, I hope you find something that works for you!
  • SolotoCEO
    SolotoCEO Posts: 293 Member
    edited April 2016
    Have you tried a vegan protein powder? I'm not vegan but I have an issue with lactose and any whey product makes me ill. I would avoid whey, whey isolate, etc.
  • ronjsteele1
    ronjsteele1 Posts: 1,064 Member
    Soy and whey protein tend to be very allergenic for people. Pea protein is another option. I'm using both the Costco Vega Pea Protein and Greens or Natureade Pea Protein and have found both to be good in smoothies. My guess is, if you paid attention to other things you're eating (cheese, milk, etc) and watch your body carefully, you probably have a bad dairy allergy (look for things like runny noses, stomachaches, eczema or other rashes, bloating, gas, constipation, joint painetc.). Those are all symptoms of a dairy allergy (those are just a few, there are others) that will usually occur within 24hrs or less of eating the offending food (although they can go up to 72hrs).
  • rainbowbow
    rainbowbow Posts: 7,490 Member
    edited April 2016
    Roza42 wrote: »
    rainbowbow wrote: »
    No, the idea that some people can't digest protein (other than gluten) is a myth.

    The more likely reason is a lactose intolerance and having consumed whey.
    No. There are a lot of reasons that people can't tolerate certain proteins. I turn bright red within 20 minutes of consuming dairy, but when I was younger I would get hives sometimes a couple of hours later. That and whey doesn't contain lactose.

    whey absolutely contains lactose.

    Only isolated whey contains a low amount of lactose. I know because i'm lactose intolerant.

    And turning bright red? Are you talking about an allergy? We are talking about digestive issues. Proteins are made up of 22 amino acids. These amino acids are also found in all sorts of food from veggies, to nuts, to grains, legumes, fish, meats, etc. The idea that one could be intolerant to "protein" makes no sense because then you wouldn't be able to eat literally anything.

    For people who have lactose intolerance (which most people are, and the tolerance levels vary), common signs are gas, bloating, skin issues, and GI issues. I had problems with this for years drinking whey protein and eating protein bars. I could eat yogurt and certain cheeses with zero issues. I can even eat certain dairy foods in small amounts and never, ever, ever, thought my problem was dairy. I was wrong after eliminating it and re-introducing it, my symptoms were very clear.

    P.S. I'm a lifelong vegetarian, lactose intolerant, and previously was convinced my body "couldn't digest protein" because "i've never eaten meat my entire life". Nope, not true. I was really just having issues with lactose (which is a sugar commonly contained with "protein" supplements).


    To the OP, yes, try another kind. Like an isolated whey, a casein protein, a rice protein, a hemp protein, pea protein, even a soy protein might help. Alternatively, you can just eat higher protein foods without supplementing if these cause you problems.
  • Wicked_Seraph
    Wicked_Seraph Posts: 388 Member
    edited April 2016
    When you have a chance, take a look at the protein powder you have and see what the primary protein source is. Often people have trouble with whey; I avoid dairy, but I can't have soy-based powders, either, since I've developed an intolerance over the past few years.

    I use Orgain and it's great - it's based on pea-protein and another type of plant-based protein I can't recall off the top of my head. It blends very well (it's not gritty like a lot of plant-based protein powders), tastes great, and isn't unreasonable. I really like blending it with almond or cashew milk, myself. There's also a brand called Aloha that I really liked, but fair warning - it runs on a subscription system thing (although you can always set it to refill at a different date). I sorta preferred Aloha to Orgain, but Orgain is a bit less expensive and easier to find.

    Good luck! :)
  • blues4miles
    blues4miles Posts: 1,481 Member
    rainbowbow wrote: »
    Roza42 wrote: »
    rainbowbow wrote: »
    No, the idea that some people can't digest protein (other than gluten) is a myth.

    The more likely reason is a lactose intolerance and having consumed whey.
    No. There are a lot of reasons that people can't tolerate certain proteins. I turn bright red within 20 minutes of consuming dairy, but when I was younger I would get hives sometimes a couple of hours later. That and whey doesn't contain lactose.

    whey absolutely contains lactose.

    Only isolated whey contains a low amount of lactose. I know because i'm lactose intolerant.

    And turning bright red? Are you talking about an allergy? We are talking about digestive issues. Proteins are made up of 22 amino acids. These amino acids are also found in all sorts of food from veggies, to nuts, to grains, legumes, fish, meats, etc. The idea that one could be intolerant to "protein" makes no sense because then you wouldn't be able to eat literally anything.

    For people who have lactose intolerance (which most people are, and the tolerance levels vary), common signs are gas, bloating, skin issues, and GI issues. I had problems with this for years drinking whey protein and eating protein bars. I could eat yogurt and certain cheeses with zero issues. I can even eat certain dairy foods in small amounts and never, ever, ever, thought my problem was dairy. I was wrong after eliminating it and re-introducing it, my symptoms were very clear.

    P.S. I'm a lifelong vegetarian, lactose intolerant, and previously was convinced my body "couldn't digest protein" because "i've never eaten meat my entire life". Nope, not true. I was really just having issues with lactose (which is a sugar commonly contained with "protein" supplements).


    To the OP, yes, try another kind. Like an isolated whey, a casein protein, a rice protein, a hemp protein, pea protein, even a soy protein might help. Alternatively, you can just eat higher protein foods without supplementing if these cause you problems.

    I agree, try different types of protein.

    But I'm also lactose intolerant and tolerate whey just fine. Cheese is the worst for me though, so possibly it's not lactose so much as some other dairy thing that's in cheese. Just mean to say for the OP, they may tolerate dairy foods just fine but have an intolerance to whey.
  • Roza42
    Roza42 Posts: 246 Member

    whey absolutely contains lactose.

    Only isolated whey contains a low amount of lactose. I know because i'm lactose intolerant.

    My bad. The usda listed it incorrectly (protein beverage powder) https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/


    And turning bright red? Are you talking about an allergy?
    Yes I have an allergy. However, there are plenty of proteins that can cause people issues besides gluten. As far as gluten allergies go, it may be gluten or gliadin or any number of other proteins in wheat. Why can't people tolerate soy? It's usually the protein. Cow milk, soybean, and eggs are just the top three for protein intolerances.

    Finally the OP didn't mention gas, bloating, etc. Just that it made her sick to her stomach and was hard to digest. Back when I used to drink milk once in awhile, I quit because the last time I drank a milk based product I tossed it up on the sidewalk. I was only eating yogurt and cheeses.

    Protein powder, I like Sunwarrior's Warrior Blend Chocolate which is a mix of pea protein, hemp protein, and goji berry. It smells divine. I don't like the vanilla though. I also get Orgain Chocolate as it blends easier.


  • bogwoppt1
    bogwoppt1 Posts: 159 Member
    I recommend trying a non-dairy protein - perhaps you are sensitive to dairy?

    I really like Vega Protein and Greens, its pea protein, sacha inchi (mountain peanut) protein, hemp seed protein, sprouted whole grain brown rice protein.

    I use this one too, or their choc a lot smoothie powder. Both are easy on the stomach and whey/soy free.

  • CharlieBeansmomTracey
    CharlieBeansmomTracey Posts: 7,682 Member
    there is also hemp protein,beef protein powder(yes it exists),rice and egg protein powders out there.
  • blues4miles
    blues4miles Posts: 1,481 Member
    Roza42 wrote: »
    whey absolutely contains lactose.

    Only isolated whey contains a low amount of lactose. I know because i'm lactose intolerant.

    My bad. The usda listed it incorrectly (protein beverage powder) https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/

    Looks like all the whey I consume is isolated whey. In the ingredients listed (even where they break down the isolated whey) they don't list lactose at all. So I guess that's why I tolerate it just fine.
  • PurpleOrchid531
    PurpleOrchid531 Posts: 28 Member
    Soy protein really bothers my GI system but I can tolerate whey. I think you're just going to have to try one type for a while and see how you feel.
  • Countryboy_83
    Countryboy_83 Posts: 946 Member
    Danimri84 wrote: »
    I'm looking for a protein powder to add to my occasional smoothies and such. But the problem is, I've tried several and they make me violently sick to my stomach. A friend told me some people don't digest the protein well, or have a sensitivity to it when in concentrated form. Is there any truth in that? Does anyone know of a powder that is easier to digest/easier on the stomach? Google hasn't returned a lot of information for me. Any feedback is appreciated, thank you!

    I've tried a lot. Try musclepharm
  • AlyM725
    AlyM725 Posts: 158 Member
    I wonder if the protein powder had artificial sweeteners. Some artificial sweeteners upset my stomach terribly. Especially acesulfame potassium.