The potential risks of whey protein should not be taken lightly. It is true that when consumed in large amounts, whey protein can cause stomach aches and cramps. But the real danger lies in the inflammation it can cause in the body. When too much histamine is released into soft tissue, blood vessels dilate, increasing blood flow, irritation, and inflammation.
This can lead to muscle atrophy, delayed healing after injury, and extreme pain or discomfort in affected areas. It can also open the door to cancer, heart attacks, and strokes. Digestive issues such as diarrhea, gas, stomach cramps, and bloating can also occur when consuming whey protein. This is because undigested lactose passes through the small intestine.
From a nutritional standpoint, whey protein is very unique and has no natural equivalent. Knowing the impact that whey protein can have on your health and the most common side effects of whey protein can help you better understand if you should continue to consume it. If you have a whey allergy, you may not experience a noticeable allergic reaction the first time you eat buttermilk. Depending on the type of whey protein you're consuming, there may or may not be enough lactose to trigger a noticeable reaction.
You should also be sure to read the list of ingredients on the whey protein powders you are going to buy. In addition, lactose levels will vary between brands, so you may have to experiment with different types of whey isolate products to find the best brand for your specific sensitivity threshold. If you consume whey protein, it is important to increase your intake of water and fiber to counteract it. Also, if you're taking any medications, check your portions and make sure your whey protein is safe to consume.
According to experts, consuming whey protein immediately after a workout could be especially beneficial, as it contains a high concentration of leucine, an amino acid that is quickly absorbed by the body. If you experience stomach problems after consuming whey protein, you should consider switching to whey protein isolate. While there's a chance that you won't have an allergy to whey protein itself, it's possible that there's another ingredient in the whey protein powder that's causing the allergic reaction. Some people are so sensitive to whey protein that they experience serious reactions, such as developing rashes or hives on their skin when they come into contact with it.
