Protein powder should not cause bloating in healthy adults. If you develop bloating after ingesting protein powder, talk with your doctor about possible causes. Bloating typically results from excessive gas, which can lead to pain, cramping and the feeling of fullness. Protein powders are made from either soy beans or milk. If you have a food sensitivity or allergy, bloating will be a typical symptom. If the protein powder is milk-based, it will contain lactose, which can cause bloating if you're lactose intolerant.
Food Sensitivity
Food sensitivities, also referred to as intolerances, are caused by a malfunction in the digestive system. Every time you eat something, your small intestines produce specific enzymes that break down the proteins and sugars in the food. If you're unable to process the proteins in soy or milk, you will develop common symptoms associated with food sensitivities. Common food intolerance symptoms include bloating, gas, diarrhea, stomach pain, abdominal cramping and nausea. Food sensitivities mainly affect your digestive system and will not cause symptoms to develop in other places in your body.
Food Allergy
Soy and milk are two of the most common food allergies, according to MayoClinic.com. Dairy-based protein used for protein powder is whey protein. Whey protein is made by separating the curd from the liquid portion of the milk and then extracting the proteins. If you have an allergy to either soy or milk, your immune system mistakes the proteins as threatening substances and attempts to fight them off with various chemicals. These chemicals cause inflammation in soft tissue, such as in the digestive system. A food allergy will not only cause bloating, but can also affect your lungs, sinuses and skin.
Lactose Intolerance
If the protein powder is made from milk and you're lactose intolerant, you will most likely develop bloating, gas and diarrhea within 30 minutes of ingesting the protein powder. Lactose is a sugar found in milk that some people have a difficult time digesting. Lactose intolerance is caused by a lack of lactase, the enzyme needed to break down lactose into galactose and glucose. Without the presence of lactase, the body is unable to digest the sugar, allowing it to enter the large intestine undigested. In the colon the lactose interacts with bacteria, which causes gas, bloating and diarrhea, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
Consideration
If the bloating is accompanied by sharp pain, facial swelling or shortness of breath, call your doctor immediately. You may have an allergy to another ingredient used in the protein powder. A gastroenterologist is the most qualified medical professional to diagnose your symptoms.
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