Best Protein Powder for Sensitive Stomachs

Adding a high quality protein powder to your daily routine has numerous benefits, such as aiding in exercise recovery, building muscle, and supporting a healthy metabolism. But with so many different types of protein powders on the market, it can be difficult to know which one to choose.

This is especially true if you have a sensitive stomach or have had trouble digesting protein powder in the past. This may make you hesitant to try something new or try protein powder again. If this sounds familiar, knowing the root cause of your sensitivity is a good place to start.

What Causes a Sensitive Stomach?

There are a few top common signs that you may have a sensitive stomach, including:

• Gas
• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Indigestion
• Heartburn
• Abdominal discomfort
• Reflux

These symptoms can be caused by many factors, such as:

• Food sensitivities or intolerances
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Crohn’s disease
• Colitis

If you suffer from any of these symptoms, you may notice that your stomach is sensitive to many foods, including certain protein powders.

Choosing a protein powder that is easier to digest can help improve your symptoms. The right protein powder for you, should not cause pain or discomfort. Additionally, choosing the right product will help it be absorbed most effectively to give you the biggest benefit, even if you have a food sensitivity.

Food Sensitivity vs. Food Allergy

When it comes to having a food sensitivity, there is a major difference between a food sensitivity and a true food allergy:

Food Sensitivity:

A food sensitivity is when you have trouble digesting a particular food. Consuming this food may cause digestive symptoms such as gas, abdominal pain, or diarrhea.

Many times, you can tolerate food you’re sensitive to in smaller quantities. Most of the time, it is not necessary to completely avoid the ingredient.

One of the most common reasons for a protein powder sensitivity is due to the lactose (milk sugar) present in whey-based protein.

Because of this, a natural whey-based protein powder that is lower in lactose, may be suitable for those with sensitivities.

Food Allergy:

A food allergy is an adverse response to a food protein, which is triggered by the immune system. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include digestive problems, hives, swollen airways, dizziness, or rapid pulse.

If you have a true food allergy to whey protein powder, you will need to completely avoid the allergen in your diet and look for an alternative.

If you have experienced any of the above allergic reactions, consult with your medical provider immediately to get an allergy test.

Best Protein Powder for Sensitive Stomachs

There are many types of protein powder out there, such as whey, casein, soy, pea, brown rice, or hemp-based. In terms of sensitivity, the most common sensitivity from protein powders may be based on the amount of lactose present.

The best protein powder is a whey-based powder made from milk, but one that is lower in lactose. Whey protein is a high-quality complete protein that contains all of the essential amino acids (protein building-blocks) we need for health.

Whey has also been shown in the research to be superior to other proteins in terms of muscle growth. It has also been seen in a randomized study to be more satiating than other proteins, such as casein.

While whey protein concentrate does contain lactose, it is minimally processed and contains a wide array of beneficial nutrients. And because the lactose content is very minimal, those with sensitive stomachs are more likely able to comfortably consume it.

Additional Tips to Avoid an Upset Stomach

Consult with your doctor

Always consult with your doctor first if you’re experiencing digestive issues. A comprehensive medical evaluation can determine what is underlying so it can be properly addressed and treated.

If you do have a lactose sensitivity, taking lactase enzymes, the enzyme that digests lactose, can also help.

Keep a food journal

If you suspect a food sensitivity, keeping a daily food journal to track your symptoms can help. Through the process of elimination, it can help you figure out if certain foods are triggering symptoms.

Determine how much you can tolerate

Individual sensitivity to foods can vary. Many times, you are able to still consume that ingredient in moderation.

By slowly increasing the amount you have and tracking it, you can determine how much you can comfortably tolerate. This is often more than you may think.

Unnecessarily restricting healthy foods is not helpful, so gaining this level of understanding is key.

Bottom Line

Even with a sensitive stomach, you can find a protein powder that works for you. A natural whey-based protein powder is easily digestible and suitable for those with sensitive stomachs.

In this way, you can meet your health and fitness goals while feeling amazing at the same time.

Always check with your medical provider first if you’re concerned about your digestion, to determine what is best for you.

Kade Brittain Author Bio

Kade Brittain has a B.S. in Psychology from the University of California, San Diego. He has over 12 years of experience in the Dietary Supplement and Manufacturing industries both on the operations end and customer education. He’s authored hundreds of articles, recipes, and press releases as the Operations Manager and now General Manager of Wisdom Proteins Inc. (Well Wisdom) over the last 9 years. His wide variety of industry experience has been turned to customer education which he will continue to do for as long as possible.

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