What Is the Best Protein Powder for Migraine Sufferers?
Are you looking for the best protein powder for migraine sufferers? Discover how to supplement your protein intake without causing migraines.
Protein Powder for Migraine Sufferers
Can Protein Powder Cause Migraines?
Migraines are a type of headache characterized by a severe throbbing or pulsing pain on one side of the head.
They are typically accompanied by symptoms such as sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and even vomiting.
The exact cause of migraines is unknown, but they are thought to be related to temporary changes in the chemicals, nerves, and blood vessels in the brain.
Around half of all people who experience migraines also have a close relative with the condition, which suggests that genetics might also play a role.
Triggers such as stress, lack of sleep, and certain foods and drinks can also trigger migraines in some people.
If follows that making lifestyle changes such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule, reducing stress, and avoiding dietary triggers can also help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.
Protein powder might cause migraines for some individuals.
Although protein powder migraines are by no means a common side effect, anecdotal evidence suggests that they do happen.
And if you suspect that protein powder is causing your migraines, you should consult a healthcare provider.
He or she can help you identify the specific triggers.
What Is the Best Protein Powder for Migraine Sufferers?
There are several reasons why protein shakes and powders might cause migraines, including:
- Caffeine: Caffeine is a common migraine trigger, so you should avoid chocolate, coffee, and matcha-flavored protein powders.
- Artificial sweeteners: For some susceptible individuals, artificial sweeteners like sucralose can cause migraines.
- Dairy: Protein supplements made with whey or casein can trigger migraines in individuals with IgG-mediated sensitivities or lactose intolerance.
- Food additives: Certain food additives might indirectly contribute to migraines.
Regularly eating emulsifiers, thickeners, flavorings, and other food additives can alter the composition and function of your gut microbiome.
Over time, this can lead to gut dysbiosis, which might contribute to migraines through its impact on the gut-brain axis.
Specifically, gut dysbiosis might promote neuroinflammation, modulate pain signaling, and influence metabolic pathways relevant to migraine susceptibility.
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 could not find an ingredient in nature or make it at home, it is probably a food additive.
And while we are on the topic of gut health, it is worth adding that migraine sufferers might also want to avoid protein concentrates and isolates.
Most protein supplements are made from one or both of these ultra-processed protein sources, 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 you break them down.
You therefore do not digest them in the same way that you do whole foods, which could affect your gut health.
Specifically, studies have shown that regularly eating protein concentrates and isolates can disrupt your gut microbiome and cause the formation of toxic byproducts in your gut.
Prioritizing whole food protein sources when buying protein supplements is therefore not a bad idea for migraine sufferers.
Drink Wholesome Is the Best Protein Powder for Migraine Sufferers
Finding a protein powder free from food additives 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.
We make the best protein powder for migraine sufferers 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 gut-related health issues with our Protein Powder than with any other type of protein supplement.
Order Samples to see for yourself.
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.
Featured Protein Powders
Collagen Protein Powder
$64.99
Egg White Protein Powder
$64.99
Vegan Almond Protein Powder
$64.99