If you've been diagnosed with whey protein intolerance, you will need to avoid all foods and beverages that contain whey. Whey is found in more places than you might suspect. Whey protein is derived from cow's milk and is used in various food products to increase the amount of protein. If you have a known whey protein intolerance, you need to read the labels of all packaged foods before consuming the product.
About
Whey protein intolerance is not the same condition as a whey allergy. Whey is a protein found in the liquid portion of milk. When milk curdles, the hard portion of the milk is curd, which primarily contains casein proteins. Whey proteins constitute the remaining fluid of the milk. Whey protein intolerance is the inability to digest the protein in the gastrointestinal system. A whey protein allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to the protein. An allergic reaction causes the body to react to the protein as if it were a harmful substance. Whey protein intolerance does not cause any long-term damage, while a whey allergy can lead to life-threatening symptoms.
Symptoms
Symptoms from whey protein intolerance are all related to the digestive tract. According to the PIC Foundation, common symptoms include blood or mucus in the stool, gas, anal rash, eczema, sleeplessness, dehydration, low blood pressure, abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea and nausea. If you develop symptoms, such as facial swelling, shortness of breath or an increase in your heart rate, call 911, because these are signs of an allergic reaction.
Avoidance
The only solution to preventing whey protein intolerance symptoms is avoidance of all food and beverages that contain this protein. Whey is found in yogurt, milk, milk solids, buttermilk, curds, butter, cottage cheese, chocolate, candy, custard, ice cream, nougat, coffee creamers, pudding, sauces, malted milk and creamed foods. Certain ingredients that may contain whey include sodium caseinate, lactoglobulin, lactose and lactalbumin, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Even if you only have intolerance to whey, you should avoid all dairy products because of the potential of cross-contamination.
Substitution
Once all dairy products are removed from you diet, you can implement dairy substitutes, such as rice milk, soy milk or coconut milk. These beverages are dairy-free and are commonly fortified with vitamin D and calcium to ensure you receive the recommended amount of these nutrients. Talk with a dietician to create a dairy-free diet that is well-balanced.
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