whey protein & gas? - Alternative Medicine Message Board

livinTX · 02-13-2009, 11:54 AM

Lately, I have been increasing my weight lifting regime and have started drinking 1-2 whey protein shakes a day. (I need to gain weight; I weigh 100 lb. and am 5'4", I have a feeling breastfeeding is keeping my weight low despite eating quite a bit. And I'm also fairly active, chasing around my 14 month old toddler, taking her for walks to the park, etc. But I really can't afford to lose any more weight. I am looking too thin. My doc has tested my thyroid, liver, kidneys and says it is likely the breastfeeding and recommended drinking some protein shakes each day.)

But since I've become drinking whey protein shakes (Syntha-6, I had to spend a lot of money to find a drink that wasn't too disgusting that I could tolerate), I have been having (sorry, TMI!) horrid gas. My poor husband about chokes when he comes home from work and strikes matches everywhere. Is it the whey protein causing the gas or is it the fact that I mix the shakes with milk (I do not have a milk interolance that I'm aware of and used to drink a lot of Slimfast without a problem) or is it something else in the shakes? I have also noticed this effect after eating protein bars such as Power Bar. What is causing the gas? Any way to alleviate it? In public, this gas is really embarrassing!

Harry · 03-13-2009, 09:29 AM

I think you need to take a digestive enzyme supplement. Gas is usually produced by poor digestion of the foods you intake.

jfoote · 03-17-2009, 04:30 PM

If you take more whey protein than your body can handle, it can cause gas. It might help if you cutback the amount of protein you use in half and then mix it in a oatmeal fruit smoothie using water instead of milk. This should help dramatically. Also, if you mix in a healthy oil it will take longer for the whey to absorb, which would be a good thing in your situation.

One other thing you could try is to change to a high quality whey product. If you take a high quality product in the correct amounts you should not have any problems.