What is the best protein powder for digestive issues?


drink wholesome is the best protein powder for digestive issues because it is made with a short list of simple ingredients. Order samples to see if our easy to digest protein powder is right for you.

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drink wholesome is the best protein powder for digestive issues?.

Written by Jack Schrupp & endorsed by Baylee Reller, RDN

Why are protein powders so hard to digest? 


Many protein powders are hard to digest, and if protein shakes upset your stomach, you are not alone. Every day, thousands of Americans experience gastrointestinal (GI) side effects after drinking protein shakes. 

There are two main reasons why protein powder causes digestive issues. The first reason has to do with the type of protein. Dairy-based proteins like whey and casein, which are the most common types of protein used in protein powder, are notorious for causing side effects.

The second reason why protein powder causes digestive issues has nothing to do with protein. If you read the ingredient list on the average protein supplement, you will notice that it contains a number of added ingredients. These ingredients, known as food additives, can upset your stomach and cause long-term gut damage. 

best-protein-powder-for-digestive-issues

What is the best protein powder for digestive issues?


If you suffer from a digestive disease, or have trouble digesting food on a regular basis, you need to be careful about which protein powder you choose. As a rule of thumb, look for a short list of simple ingredients, the shorter the better. More ingredients generally means more side effects.

As long as it is dairy-free and you are not allergic to it, any type of protein can help you boost your protein intake. Some types of protein may agree with your stomach more than others, but the real thing to worry about is food additives like emulsifiers, stabilizers, thickeners, sweeteners, and flavors. Keep reading to learn more.

best-vegan-protein-powder-for-digestive-issues

Why drink wholesome


drink wholesome is additive-free.

One of the reasons why we make the best protein powder for digestive issues is that we do not use food additives. Even in small amounts, additives can trigger a range of unpleasant symptoms, including abdominal bloating, constipation, diarrhea, excessive gas, and stomach pain.

These symptoms occur because additives look nothing like naturally occurring real foods, and are therefore hard to digest. This leads to one of two outcomes: either water is drawn into your intestines, resulting in diarrhea, or the additives feed your gut bacteria, which produce gas. The accumulation of gas can lead to bloating, flatulence, stomach pain, and even hinder the passage of food through your colon, ultimately resulting in constipation.

Here is a list of the most common food additives in protein powder:

acacia gum, acesulfame potassium, artificial flavors, aspartame, carrageenan, cellulose gum, dextrin, dextrose, erythritol, gellan gum, guar gum, gum arabic, inulin, locust bean gum, “natural” flavors, maltodextrin, rice syrup solids, soy lecithin, silica, sucralose, sunflower lecithin, xanthan gum, xylitol

The long-term consequences of eating food additives are even more concerning. Over time, additives disrupt crucial regulatory pathways within the intestines, contributing to the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and other systemic inflammatory disorders. Ongoing research indicates that food additives, especially artificial sweeteners, also have the potential to disturb the delicate balance of the gut microbiome—the complex community of microorganisms responsible for food digestion. This can, in turn, significantly impact your long-term gut health.

the alternative:

Protein Matrix Comprised of (Whey Protein Concentrate,  Whey Protein Isolate, Calcium Caseinate, Micellar Casein, Milk Protein Isolate, Egg Albumen, Glutamine Peptides), Polydextrose, Sunflower Creamer (Sunflower Oil, Corn Syrup Solids,  Sodium Caseinate, Mono- and Diglycerides, Dipotassium Phosphate, Tricalcium Phosphate, Soy Lecithin, Tocopherols), Natural and Artificial Flavor, MCT Powder (Medium Chain Triglycerides, Nonfat Dry Milk, Disodium Phosphate, Silicon Dioxide), Lecithin, Cellulose Gum, Salt, Yellow 5, Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium, Papain, Bromelain

drink wholesome is dairy-free.

Another reason why we make the best protein powder for people with digestive issues is that we do not use dairy-based proteins. As you just learned, whey and casein, which are byproducts of the production of cheese and yogurt, are known for causing digestive discomfort. This is especially relevant for individuals with lactose intolerance, as they lack the enzymes needed to fully break down lactose, the sugar in dairy. As mentioned earlier, undigested food can result in a variety of undesirable effects.

vegan vanilla protein powder serving suggestion
vanilla protein powder lifestyle image 1

drink wholesome is made with real foods.

A final reason why we make the best protein powder for people with digestive issues is that we use real food protein sources, not protein concentrates or isolates. Virtually all other protein powders are made with one or both of these protein sources.

Now, the issue with protein concentrates or isolates is that they have been stripped down to just the protein, making them look very little like real food. Your digestive system is designed to break down real, minimally or unprocessed foods, not protein concentrates and isolates. For this reason, refined ingredients like these throw off the balance of your gut microbiota. An imbalanced gut microbiome is the last thing you want if you have pre-existing digestive issues.

vegan chocolate protein powder lifestyle image 1
chocolate protein powder 14 servings serving suggestion

Instead of using protein concentrates or isolates, we make the best protein powder for digestive issues with egg whites and almonds. These minimally-processed alternatives to protein concentrates and isolates are not only easy on your digestive system, but also beneficial for your gut health.

In contrast to protein isolates and concentrates, whole food protein sources like egg whites and almonds contain enzymes and digestive aids that make them easy to break down. Additionally, egg whites are low in fiber and FODMAPs, help balance the pH levels in your gut, and support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Our satisfied customers have reported fewer digestive issues when using our egg white protein powder than with any other protein supplements.

For those who follow a vegan diet or have dietary restrictions that exclude eggs, our vegan almond protein powder stands as an exceptional plant-based alternative. Almonds have prebiotic properties, improving the diversity of your gut microbiome. They also promote regular and healthy bowel movements. In essence, by using simple ingredients, we have created protein powders that will not upset your stomach. 

★★★★★

easy to digest

“This is the only protein powder that doesn’t give me digestive issues. I love this product, the chocolate flavor tastes great and mixes well. ” – Emilio

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This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. drink wholesome is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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Finding the Ideal Protein Powder for Digestive Health

When it comes to selecting the best protein powder for digestive issues, it’s crucial to choose an option that not only meets your protein needs but also promotes gastrointestinal comfort. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the benefits of two excellent choices: egg white protein powder and almond protein powder, both of which stand out as top contenders for individuals seeking digestive-friendly protein supplements.

The Importance of Digestive-Friendly Protein Powders

Before delving into the specifics of egg white protein powder and almond protein powder, let’s first understand why it’s essential to prioritize digestive-friendly options.

Digestive issues can be a common concern when consuming protein powders. Some protein sources can be hard on the stomach, leading to discomfort, bloating, gas, or even constipation. Choosing a protein powder that is gentle on your digestive system can help you avoid these problems while still reaping the benefits of increased protein intake.

Benefits of Egg White Protein Powder

Egg white protein powder is gaining recognition as an excellent choice for individuals with digestive issues. Here are some of the key advantages:

  1. High Digestibility: Egg white protein is highly digestible, meaning it is broken down efficiently in the digestive system. This can help prevent discomfort and bloating often associated with other protein sources.
  2. Low in Fat: Egg white protein powder is naturally low in fat, making it a suitable option for those with digestive sensitivities to high-fat content.
  3. Low FODMAP: It is also low in FODMAPs (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols), making it a viable choice for individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other digestive conditions aggravated by high FODMAP foods.
  4. Minimal Additives: High-quality egg white protein powders typically contain minimal additives and are made from pure egg whites, reducing the likelihood of artificial ingredients causing digestive discomfort.
  5. Rich Amino Acid Profile: Egg white protein provides all essential amino acids required by the body for various functions, including muscle repair and growth.

Benefits of Almond Protein Powder

Almond protein powder is another digestive-friendly option with several advantages:

  1. Moderate Fiber Content: Almond protein powder retains some dietary fiber, which supports healthy digestion and regular bowel movements without causing excessive bulk in the digestive tract.
  2. Plant-Based: It is a plant-based protein source, making it suitable for vegans and individuals with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance.
  3. Rich Nutrient Profile: Almond protein powder offers essential nutrients, including healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to overall digestive health and well-being.
  4. Hydration Support: Almonds naturally contain water, and when used in the form of almond protein powder, they help maintain proper hydration, which is crucial for preventing digestive discomfort.
  5. Prebiotic Properties: Almonds have prebiotic properties, meaning they enhance the diversity of your gut microbiome, supporting a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract.

Choosing the Right Protein Powder for Your Digestive Health

When selecting a protein powder that promotes digestive health, consider the following factors:

  1. Dietary Preferences: Determine whether you have any dietary preferences or restrictions, such as veganism or lactose intolerance, which can guide your choice between egg white protein and almond protein powder.
  2. Digestive Sensitivities: If you have specific digestive sensitivities, such as lactose intolerance or IBS, opt for a protein powder with characteristics that align with your needs, like low FODMAP content or minimal additives.
  3. Fiber Content: Consider your daily fiber intake and whether you need additional fiber from your protein powder to support digestive regularity.
  4. Hydration: Ensure you stay adequately hydrated when consuming protein powder to support healthy digestion. Proper fluid intake is essential.
  5. Quality Matters: Choose a reputable brand known for producing high-quality protein powders with minimal additives and pure ingredients.

Conclusion

When it comes to selecting the best protein powder for digestive issues, options like egg white protein powder and almond protein powder shine as top choices. These protein sources offer numerous benefits, including high digestibility, low FODMAP content, and minimal additives, making them suitable for individuals with digestive sensitivities.

Whether you prefer egg white protein for its efficient digestibility or almond protein for its plant-based, nutrient-rich profile, you can find a protein powder that supports your digestive health while helping you meet your protein intake goals. Remember to prioritize hydration and choose products from reputable brands to ensure a positive digestive experience. Ultimately, the right protein powder can enhance your overall well-being and allow you to enjoy the benefits of increased protein intake without digestive discomfort.

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