Q: I have a hard time getting enough protein in my diet, so I supplement with a whey protein powder. Every time I drink it, though, I seem to get bloated. Why does that happen, and what can I do about it?
Lower-cost whey protein often contains a lot of lactose. If you have lactose intolerance or sensitivity, that can trigger digestive issues like bloating or diarrhea.
Switching to a whey protein isolate often helps. If it doesn’t, I often tell people to go for plant protein options.
Watch Out for Additives
Some branded whey proteins also contain food additives, like artificial sweeteners, emulsifiers, and thickeners, which are used to make them taste better and increase shelf life.
If you're experiencing GI effects, artificial sweeteners could very well be the culprit. Many people exp