Hi guys,

Have any of you experienced stomach aches as a consequence of drinking protein shakes? I've been getting stomach aches for the last week or so and the only real difference in my diet is the whey protein powder, so I'm wondering if that's the culprit. I don't like stomach aches and I haven't been able to do my cardio with the pain in my tummy.

Maybe you have some level of dairy intolerance? Have you tried any of the soy protein powders? I don't personally use protein powder so I'm probably not of much help, hope you find something that works for you.

Yeah - try different varieties. They also use different things to sweeten (some with splenda, I've seen some with Stevia, etc) that can irritate your stomach.

I use Designer whey, and haven't had any problems.

Also, what are you mixing it with? If its regular milk, you might have increased your dairy intake to a point that some sort of dairy intolerance is surfacing. You might try soy or almond milk to cut the dairy exposure, since you're already getting dairy with the whey.

Hmmm. I can't imagine I have a dairy intolerance...I eat (have eaten) lots of icecream and cheese without incident. I mix with a cup of milk and usually a bit of yogurt, so I guess it's worth a shot. I really dislike soy milk though--can you promise me that I won't be able to taste it through the cocoa powder?

Thanks for the suggestions.

Here is what you do.

Go buy 8th continent lt vanilla soy (unless you have an aversion to artificial sweeteners...then go buy Silk lt. vanilla soy). Mix that with your protein powder (are you using unsweetened/natural? Or are you using a chocolate flavored one?). If using chocolate flavored, add a tsp of extra cocoa powder (15 cals, and antioxidants!). Blend with ice. You will not taste anything other than chocolatey goodness.

Alrighty, I'll give that a shot. I'm going to skip the protein powder altogether for a few days, to make sure that the tummy aches are related to the protein, and then I'll try it with soy.

I use the chocolate kind and add cocoa powder. I think "chocolatey goodness" is a bit of an overstatement--and I add 2tbs!--but we take what we can get, right?

Ok, but wait! I just went to check the kind of sweetener in my powder and it claims to be free of artificial sweetners AND lactose. Now what? Perhaps its not the protein at all. Oy vey!

I find the soy powders dreadful and also avoid soy due to thyroid issues. But the taste part is a personal like/dislike.

I get terrible stomach cramps from any product that has malitol or sorbitol in it. I had some MetRX at the gym last Saturday and had an upset stomach for the rest of the day. I should learn to read the label first!

Check the sweeteners- they may be your culprit.

Mel

Perhaps try this as a shake replacement for a few days:

http://www.hphood.com/products/prodDetail.aspx?id=577

3 cups will give you 24g of protein at 270 calories and most of the lactose has been removed. Plus it's quick and easy.

Baff, I also eat i/c and cheese and milk, yet killed myself with my protein smoothies. It was just TOO MUCH milk for me, I reached my threshold as someone here mentioned. I have designer whey chocolate as well, and my recipe does not get any simpler.. I make it with 3 scoops designer whey, 3c water, 1/2 bag frozen strawberries. That's it! I blend and it makes 2, 20 oz servings. I have one for b'fast and one for lunch or a snack depending on the day. It tastes great - like a strawberry milkshake. I do not taste the chocolate or the pp, but yet them being there keeps the strawberry from being too sweet, so to speak.

I get horrible stomach aches from whey protein. I experimented with no sweeteners to artificial sweetners and nothing changed. I am certainly not lactose intolerant. I tried the soy but the taste was horrible, but no upset stomach. I started taking 2 gas-x 30 minutes before I drank my shake and it helped a lot. I now only drink 1/2 scoop. I have read before, I think on bodybuilding.com that several people have noticed bad gas from whey protein.
Terrie

Lactose intolerant here - especially after the first pint of ice cream
Designer Whey is my favorite, haven't experienced any problems/pain from using it. Today, I picked up Whole Foods brand whey protein powder and have fingers crossed that I'll like it. Any soy protein powders I've tried have been the same: Blecccchhhh!!!

Hope you find one that is agreeable; they are such a booster. Please do investigate the sweeteners in the ingredients. As Mel suggests, perhaps you also have a sensitivity to one of the "tols."

Jean