Whey is a protein found in milk that can cause bowel complications if you have certain digestive conditions. The most common bowel problem from ingesting whey is diarrhea. Diarrhea is identified by frequent, loose stools that are watery in nature. Diarrhea can quickly cause your body to become dehydrated. If you notice that you become extremely thirsty, develop dry skin or become pale, call your doctor. The most common causes of bowel problems from consuming whey are lactose intolerance, milk intolerance or milk allergy.
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance causes diarrhea, bloating and gas within 30 minutes of consuming whey. Whey contains lactose, a sugar found in milk that causes digestive difficulty for some people. If you're lactose intolerant you will develop a sudden urge to have a bowel movement that will produce foul-smelling stools that float. The symptoms of lactose intolerance are caused by the inability to digest the sugar. The lactose goes undigested and interacts with bacteria when it enters the colon. If you notice blood in your stool, call your doctor immediately.
Milk Intolerance
Milk contains two types of proteins; whey and casein. Whey is commonly used to add protein to foods and beverages. Milk intolerance is the inability to digest whey, casein or both. Milk intolerance is more common in children that outgrow the condition by adulthood, according to DrHull.com. If you're milk intolerant, you will develop diarrhea, gas, bloating, stomach pain, cramping and nausea after consuming whey. Most symptoms from milk intolerance will cause digestive complications but will not affect other parts of your body.
Milk Allergy
A milk allergy causes bowel problems and other complications throughout the body. A milk allergy is different in nature compared to lactose or milk intolerance. A milk allergy is an overreaction of the immune system that causes the body to fight against the whey proteins, according to MayoClinic.com. Your body mistakes the whey proteins as a threat to the body and attacks them with antibodies. Antibodies are typically developed by the immune system to protect against disease and infection. Chemical reactions in the body cause inflammation in the digestive system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system and the skin within minutes of ingesting whey proteins.
Treatment
Most bowel problems caused by lactose intolerance, milk intolerance and a milk allergy do not cause any damage to the digestive system. The most effective treatment to prevent bowel symptoms from developing is to avoid the consumption of all products that contain whey proteins. Whey may be used in unlikely places, such as in salad dressings, ketchup and lunch meat.
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