How To Stop Feeling Sick After Protein Shake
Are you wondering how to stop feeling sick after drinking a protein shake? Here are 10+ tips to reduce symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
Stop Feeling Sick After Drinking a Protein Shake
Why Do Protein Shakes Make Me Feel Sick?
If you just drank a protein shake and feel sick to your stomach, you have come to the right place.
This article will help you understand why your protein upset your stomach and help you manage your symptoms.
Many protein shakes contain ingredients that can cause painful side effects and even long-term digestive health problems.
Among these ingredients are food additives, dairy-based proteins, and protein concentrates and isolates.
Avoid Food Additives
Food additives like artificial sweeteners, emulsifiers, thickeners, and flavorings tend to be hard to break down and absorb.
As a result, they can cause digestive issues like bloating, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
Regularly eating additives can also alter the composition and function of your gut microbiome.
This can lead to gut dysbiosis, or an imbalance in gut bacteria, which is linked to a number of chronic digestive issues.
In short, it is a good idea to steer clear of food additives whenever possible.
Here is a list of the most common food additives in protein supplements:
- acacia fiber
- acacia gum
- acesulfame potassium
- artificial flavors
- ascorbic acid
- aspartame
- calcium carbonate
- carrageenan
- cellulose gum
- dextrin
- dicalcium phosphate
- dipotassium phosphate
- erythritol
- gellan gum
- guar gum
- gum arabic
- inulin
- locust bean gum
- maltitol
- maltodextrin
- mono- and diglycerides
- ‘natural’ flavors
- rice bran extract
- rice dextrin
- rice hulls
- rosemary extract
- silica
- silicon dioxide
- sodium alginate
- soluble corn fiber
- sorbitol
- soy lecithin
- sucralose
- sunflower lecithin
- tocopherols
- tricalcium phosphate
- xanthan gum
- xylitol
- zinc oxide
Basically, if you cannot find it nature or make it in your home kitchen, it is probably a food additive.
Avoid Dairy-Based Proteins
Dairy-based proteins like whey and casein, although not an issue for everyone, can cause stomach issues like bloating and diarrhea.
This is in part because they contain lactose, a sugar most adults cannot fully digest.
Keep in mind that you may be sensitive to dairy-based protein even if you are not lactose intolerant.
This is particularly true for casein protein, which forms a gel-like substance in your stomach that slows down digestion.
Avoid Protein Concentrates and Isolates
Most protein supplements are made from protein concentrates and isolates, which have been mechanically and/or chemically stripped of everything but the protein.
This includes the enzymes, fiber, and other natural digestive aids that help your gut break them down.
You therefore do not digest them in the same way that it does whole foods, which can affect your gut health.
In fact, studies show that regularly eating protein concentrates and isolates can disrupt your gut microbiome and cause the formation of toxic byproducts in your gut.
So, pending further research, it is recommended that you stick to protein powders made from whole food protein sources.

Drink Wholesome Will Not Make You Feel Sick
Finding a protein powder free from food additives, dairy-based proteins, and protein concentrates and isolates is hard.
In fact, 99% of protein supplements contain one or more of these problematic ingredients, which is why we created Drink Wholesome.
Our protein powder will not make you feel sick because we use a short list of simple ingredients.
Our Ingredients

egg whites

coconut

vanilla

monk fruit
NOT Our Ingredients
acacia gum
acesulfame potassium
artificial flavors
carrageenan
erythritol
guar gum
inulin
maltodextrin
'natural' flavors
silica
soy lecithin
sucralose
xanthan gum
xylitol
Note that instead of using protein concentrates or isolates, we use whole food protein sources like egg whites and almonds, which are easier to digest and absorb.
It follows that our customers experience fewer digestive issues with our Protein Powder than with any other type of protein supplement.
Order Samples to see for yourself.
How Do I Relieve Stomach Pain from a Protein Shake?
The first thing you should do if your protein shake makes you feel sick is stop drinking it.
As you just learned, it is likely that one or more of the ingredients in your protein supplement is upsetting your stomach.
The next course of action is dealing with your symptoms.
Most symptoms will go away after a few hours, but there are a few steps you can take to make yourself more comfortable.
How to Reduce Nausea:
- Drink lots of water. The body needs water to efficiently digest and absorb nutrients from foods and beverages. Dehydration makes digestion difficult, which increases the likelihood of an upset stomach.
- Sit or stand. People with an upset stomach should avoid lying down or going to bed.
- Eat ginger. Ginger may help reduce nausea.
How to Reduce Bloating and Gas:
- Exercise. Physical exercise can help you pass gas and reduce bloating.
- Drink peppermint tea. This easy home remedy also has a long history of reducing bloating and gas.
How to Deal With Diarrhea:
- Drink water, broth, or sports drinks. Staying well hydrated and getting lots of electrolytes is important if you have diarrhea.
- Eat plain foods. There is no particular food or food group that can reduce diarrhea, but bananas, white rice, applesauce, and toast are all safe things to eat.
How to Get Rid of Constipation:
- Drink warm water. Drinking lots of water, especially warm or hot water, can help you poop.
- Exercise. Movement can stimulate the muscles in your digestive system.
- Eat more fiber. Fiber increases the size of your stool, which helps it move through your digestive tract. It also softens your stool, making it easier to pass.
- Drink coffee. Caffeine can stimulate the muscles in your digestive system.
Depending on the nature and severity of your symptoms, these tips and tricks may help you feel better.
Please keep in mind that every stomach is different, however, and what works for one person might not work for someone else.
It is also important to note that most gastrointestinal symptoms just need time to subside, so if nothing seems to help, take deep breaths, meditate if you know how, and do your best to relax.
Now that you know how to stop feeling sick after protein shake, you can also spend your time waiting looking for a new protein powder.
Reviews
Gabriella
3 weeks ago
Verified Purchase As someone who has struggled with chronic conditions for 10+ years, getting in nutrient-dense foods is big part of how I care for my body. Finding options that are tasty and convenient is difficult. And I am always trying to eat enough in order to maintain my weight. Providers consistently recommend smoothies/shakes. I have tried so many over the years and each time the GI symptoms are intense or the flavor is awful! Since finding Drink Wholesome, I have finally been able to incorporate higher protein smoothies and shakes without the digestive upset. As a result, I have been able to maintain my weight more easily and even gain some beneficial weight. digestive issues
Gayle
2 months ago
Verified Purchase Drink Wholesome is really the best handful of ingredients protein powder that didnt give me any stomach issues at all. Anyone who has had bloat, etc should try this protein powder. I’ve been making smoothies since April 2025 and no problems at all. bloating
Matt
2 months ago
Verified Purchase After trying so many protein options and trying to live well with IBS on the go and staying fit and healthy in my 50s, I can honestly say what you are doing at Drink Wholesome is great. Keep up the great work, keep it simple and clean, and keep it positive like you have been. It’s refreshing and it works. Thank you. IBS
Frequently asked questions
Who is Drink Wholesome for?
Drink Wholesome is the best protein powder for sensitive stomachs. Because it’s made from a short list of simple ingredients, it’s also a great option for anyone who wants to avoid artificial and ultra-processed ingredients – including kids, seniors, and moms.
Why is Drink Wholesome easy to digest?
No Dairy
Drink Wholesome is made without whey and casein, which contain lactose, a sugar most people can’t fully digest. Dairy-based proteins, especially casein, also form a gel-like substance in your stomach, which can upset sensitive stomachs.
No Additives
Drink Wholesome is made without food additives. Regularly eating artificial sweeteners, emulsifiers, thickeners, and other additives can cause digestive issues and even long-term gut health problems.
Whole Food Protein
Drink Wholesome is made from whole food protein sources like almonds and egg whites. Unlike ultra-processed protein concentrates and isolates, which have been stripped of fiber, enzymes, and other natural digestive aids, whole foods are easy to break down and absorb.
Collagen vs egg white vs almond protein powder?
We make three types of Protein Powder for sensitive stomachs: Collagen Protein Powder, Egg White Protein Powder, and Vegan Almond Protein Powder. As long as you eat a balanced diet (get protein from a variety of sources), any type of protein powder can help you meet your protein needs. So just pick the type that best suits your personal preferences.
Ask our dietitian.
If you’re wondering which of our products is best for you, ask our registered dietitian. He’ll reply via email within 24 hours.
High Protein Blueberry Pancakes
PREP TIME
5 min
COOK TIME
5 min
SERVES
2
Ingredients
- ¼ cup Drink Wholesome
- ⅓ cup flour
- 2 egg whites
- ¼ cup plant milk
- 1 tbsp nut butter
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 cup blueberries
Instructions
In a blender, combine the egg whites, milk, ¼ cup blueberries, and almond butter. Pour the mixture into a small mixing bowl and add the protein powder and flour. Whisk until smooth. Pour ⅓ cup batter onto a heated and greased (or non-stick) pan to form pancakes. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes. This recipe makes 4-5 pancakes. Then, in a small saucepan, heat ¾ cup blueberries and the maple syrup over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes. Plate the pancakes and spoon blueberry jam on top.







