Looking for protein powder that’s easy on the stomach?
Written by Jack Schrupp and reviewed by Ella McGonagle, M.S. Nutrition
drink wholesome makes protein powder that’s easy on the stomach. It is additive-free, dairy-free, and made with real foods, not protein isolates – 99% of supplements fail to meet at least one of these criteria. This makes it perfect for people with gut issues and sensitive stomachs, as well as for people just looking to boost their protein intake without the processing and added junk. If you suffer from Candidiasis, Crohn’s, diverticulitis, gastritis, gastroparesis, GERD, leaky gut, IBS, IBD, SIBO, ulcerative colitis, or any other digestive disease, order samples to see if our protein powder is right for you.
“If you have a sensitive gut, you need simple ingredients.”
-Brittany Carpenter, MS, RDN/LDN
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drink wholesome makes protein powder that’s easy on the stomach.
What does ‘easy on the stomach’ mean?
Does protein powder upset your stomach?
What protein powder is easy on the stomach?
Why drink wholesome?
What does ‘easy on the stomach’ mean?
If a food is easy on the stomach, then it is easy to digest. This means that it passes through your digestive tract (the pathway through your body that allows you to break down food and absorb nutrients) without causing side effects. People with sensitive stomachs and gut issues are always looking for foods that are easy on the stomach, either as a way to manage symptoms, or get nutrients. Knowing what foods are easy on the stomach is especially important if you have trouble digesting certain forms of fats, carbohydrates, and protein. Common foods that are really easy to digest include white bread, white rice, bananas, and eggs.
Does protein powder upset your stomach?
The average protein powder is not easy on the stomach, and can cause bloating, diarrhea, and a host of other uncomfortable gastrointestinal (GI) side effects. So, if your protein powder makes you fart, run to the bathroom, or gives you a stomach ache, you are not alone; millions of Americans have the same problem! Below, you will find a detailed explanation as to why most protein powders are not easy on the stomach. This information should help you identify and eliminate the root cause of your gut issues.
What protein powder is easy on the stomach?
First of all, dairy-based proteins like whey and casein, which are byproducts of cheese and yogurt production, are not easy on the stomach (more about this later). If you are using whey or casein protein, and are unhappy with how it makes you feel, then it is time to try a different type of protein powder. If you are not currently using whey or casein protein, however, and are still experiencing uncomfortable side effects, you are going to need to take a close look at the ingredient list. Many of the gastrointestinal (GI) side effects associated with protein powders are not caused by the protein itself, but by added ingredients. Keep reading to learn more.
Why drink wholesome?
drink wholesome is additive-free.
One of the reasons why we make protein powder that’s easy on the stomach is that we do not use food additives. In contrast, most other protein powders contain food additives such as emulsifiers, thickeners, artificial sweeteners, and flavors. Even in small quantities, these added ingredients can cause gastrointestinal (GI) issues, including bloating, cramps, constipation, diarrhea, and flatulence, particularly for individuals with digestive problems.
Because they do not look like real, natural foods, additives are only partially broken down during digestion. This can result in one of two outcomes: either the intestines absorb excess water, leading to diarrhea, or the additives feed your gut bacteria, which generate gas. Excessive gas in the gastrointestinal tract can provoke uncomfortable symptoms like bloating, flatulence, stomach pain, and may even cause 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 real problem with consuming additives, however, stems from their potential long-term consequences. Regardless of whether you have existing gut problems or not, consistently eating food additives can disrupt regulatory pathways in your intestines. This increases the likelihood of developing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and systemic inflammatory disorders. Additionally, food additives, particularly artificial sweeteners, can disturb the delicate balance of your gut microbiome, impacting your digestion and the absorption of nutrients.
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 protein powder that’s easy on the stomach is that we do not use dairy-based proteins. Many protein powders, on the other hand, are made with whey and/or casein protein, which are derived from the manufacturing of cheese and yogurt. These dairy-based proteins have a reputation for provoking digestive issues, especially among the one-third of adults who suffer from lactose intolerance. People with lactose intolerance lack the enzymes necessary to completely break down lactose, the sugar found in dairy products. As mentioned earlier, the incomplete digestion of food can lead to undesirable gastrointestinal symptoms.
drink wholesome is made with real foods.
A final reason why we make protein powder that’s easy on the stomach is that we use real food proteins, not protein concentrates or isolates. Nearly all other protein powders use one or both of these protein sources, which are essentially foods stripped of everything except the protein. Instead of being labeled as “peas” or “whey,” they are listed as “pea protein” or “whey protein.”
The manufacturing of protein concentrates and isolates involves extensive mechanical and chemical processing. In some cases, chemical solvents such as hexane are used to extract the protein from its natural source. Consequently, what you add to your protein shake does not look like real food.
Your digestive system is designed to handle minimally-processed or unprocessed whole foods, not artificial substitutes. Consuming anything other than real food can result in unfavorable side effects. While the long-term effects of consuming processed ingredients like protein isolates are still being investigated, emerging research suggests that they have the potential to disrupt the balance of the gut microbiome.
Aside from its role in digestion, the gut serves as a protective barrier against harmful pathogens, contributes to educating the immune system, and influences various physiological processes. Disturbances in the gut microbiome have been strongly linked to the development of numerous chronic illnesses. Given this connection, I strongly advise against consuming protein powders made with protein concentrates and isolates.
Instead of using protein concentrates or isolates, we use egg whites and almonds to make gut-friendly protein powders. The process of transforming egg whites into protein powder is simple: the whites are pasteurized and dried. Similarly, almonds undergo minimal processing, including roasting, pressing (to reduce oil content), and grinding. These minimally-processed ingredients combine to create protein powders that are easily digested. Unlike protein isolates and concentrates, real foods contain enzymes and digestive aids that facilitate efficient digestion.
For individuals without allergies or sensitivities to eggs, our egg white protein is an outstanding option for supporting gut health. With their low fiber and FODMAP content, as well as their natural alkalinity, egg whites are gentle on the digestive system. Our satisfied customers consistently provide positive feedback, reporting fewer digestive issues when consuming our egg white protein powder compared to other protein supplements.
For those who follow a vegan lifestyle or cannot consume eggs, our vegan almond protein powder serves as an excellent alternative. Almonds possess prebiotic effects, nourishing the diversity and composition of the gut microbiome. They can also contribute to healthy and regular bowel movements.
In conclusion, our protein powders undergo minimal processing to prioritize the well-being of your gut.
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“Having tried my fair share of protein blends. This one is definitely at the top of my preferences. Digest easily as well as tastes and mixes great.” – Safe
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drink wholesome makes protein powders that are easy on the stomach.
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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.