Is Your Protein Powder Causing Inflammation?

Is Your Protein Powder Causing Inflammation?

The other day, I had multiple people ask me, “does whey protein cause inflammation?” Great question.

Protein powders are one of the most popular items sold in the health-food world today. Unfortunately, 95% of the protein powder products on the market are toxic and actually cause major inflammation in the body.

In order to carry out everyday tasks—like making enzymes, hormones, and neurotransmitters—your body needs protein. Not just any protein will do. Many hormone and mood disorders are caused from lack of protein absorption in the body. Meaning, they are eating enough protein, but their body is not breaking it down properly.

When choosing a protein powder, there are 4 things to take into consideration:

  1. What type of protein it is

  2. How it was processed

  3. Where it was sourced from

  4. Added ingredients

Does whey protein cause inflammation?

The answer is, it depends.

There are different kinds of whey protein – some cause inflammation, some don’t.

Factory Farmed Whey Isolate:  Animal protein that comes from animals raised in conventional factory farms are very toxic. These animals are pumped full of  hormones and anti-biotics while eating genetically modified, pesticide filled grains. This causes massive amounts of toxic accumulation within the animal tissue and animal byproducts. Whey protein isolate is the most processed form of whey protein that is harder on the digestive tract thus causing inflammation. Many ‘mainstream’ whey protein isolate powders also contain artificial ingredients, and GMO corn and soybean oil thus again, causing major inflammation.

Whey protein causes inflammation if it becomes denatured in the processing, which MOST of them are. . If you consume whey, make sure it says NON-DENATURED on it.

Whey protein can also be extremely healing for most individuals.

If you are going to consume whey, make sure it is organic, grass fed, non- denatured whey protein:

Non-denatured, grass-fed whey protein concentrate (not isolate) from organic pastures is the highest quality protein source for most individuals.

  • This form of whey protein contains beta-glucans, lactoferrins, & immunoglobins that enhance immune function.
  • Non-denatured whey contains all the branch chain amino acids and optimal ratios of essential amino acids.
  • Non-denatured whey protein is one of the best food sources for boosting cellular anti-oxidants such as glutathione which is your body’s master antioxidant.

This is a powerful pure whey protein that I use!

What to Avoid in Protein Powder

Soy: Soy protein is an anti-nutrient that should be avoided for several reasons. Soy contains phytic acids that bind and pull major minerals such as calcium, magnesium, & zinc from the body. High processed soy consumption is linked with deficiencies in these major minerals. Soy also contains enzyme inhibitors that turn off natural enzymes needed to perform critical cell functions. Goitrogenic substances that block thyroid hormone are highly prevalent in soy foods as well.

Wheat: gluten-containing proteins (wheat, barley, rye, oat, kamut, & spelt) are highly allergenic and promote inflammatory reactions within the body.

Processing protein at high temperatures: Manufacturers most often process proteins at high temperatures. This processing highly denatures the amino acids. Denatured amino acids are acidic, inflammatory, and micro-nutrient deficient making them a dangerous product to consume.

Added ingredients: Many protein powders contain toxic added ingredients that do more harm to the body than good. Make sure your powder does not contain:

  • Artificial sweeteners (most do)
  • Preservatives
  • Food dyes
  • Ingredients you cannot pronounce or do not know what they are
  • Soy, corn, or canola oil

Look for powders that are sweetened with stevia or monk fruit.

Best Protein Options

Don’t get me wrong, I am huge fan of protein powder, and use them almost every morning for breakfast.

Protein supplements can be a great addition to a healthy diet. This is due to their ability to provide essential and branched-chain amino acids in a highly absorbable form.

Non-denatured, grass-fed whey protein concentrate (not isolate) from organic pastures is the highest quality protein source for most individuals.

  • This form of whey protein contains beta-glucans, lactoferrins, & immunoglobins that enhance immune function.
  • Non-denatured whey contains all the branch chain amino acids and optimal ratios of essential amino acids.
  • Non-denatured whey protein is one of the best food sources for boosting cellular anti-oxidants such as glutathione which is your body’s master antioxidant.

This is a powerful pure whey protein that I use!

Gelatin and Collagen

Added scoops of gelatin or collagen into your day can have amazing effects on your body. Gelatin and collagen are full of specific amino acids peptides that heal leaky gut, promote healthy skin (seeing as 70% of our skin is made of collagen), and support joints and bones. These amino acids are the building blocks for numerous functions in the body. The best part? Just 1 ingredient- collagen.

I love great lakes or Vital Proteins Collagen because it is super clean, coming from pasture-raised healthy cows.

If you want to really see results from collagen on your hair, skin, and gut, take this therapeutic collagen containing 5 different types. 

Fermented Plant Protein

My favorite protein lately has been a plant-based fermented protein. Many have stomach troubles with protein powders, and fermenting them takes that problem away because it makes it so easy to digest.

  • Fermentation removes anti-nutrients, like phytates and tannins, which bind to important minerals and interfere with your ability to thrive.
  • Fermentation pre-digests the food for you, making it easier to digest as you rebuild your inner ecosystem.
  • Fermentation enhances the levels of vitamins and antioxidants in food, making it more nutritious.

This protein also contains medicinal mushrooms, greens and vegetable extracts, and probiotics making it one powerhouse of a breakfast shake and incredibly nutritious to your body.

The best vegetarian proteins are from brown rice, peas, & hemp. Pea protein is considered the most hypo-allergenic protein which is especially important for individuals with chronic food allergies and leaky gut When mixed with a high-quality pea or hemp protein they form a complete protein source with all essential and branched-chain amino acids.

Bone Broth Protein 

I love this protein because I can get my bone broth in for breakfast! High-quality protein with amino acids that the body easily absorbs- creating beautiful hair, skin, and muscles! Bone broth is a true superfood! Bone Broth Protein Powder is a must!

This is the quality, third-party tested, bone broth protein powder I use 

Guidelines for using protein powders

  • Choose quality protein that is organic, processed correctly, and has few added ingredients.
  • Rotate protein powders throughout the week so your body does not develop and intolerance to one kind.
  • Too much protein without fat can deplete calcium leading to bone weakness, eye issue, and immune problems.
  • Always consume your protein with healthy fat like brain octane oil
  • Does whey protein cause inflammation? Not if you avoid denatured whey protein isolate with added artificial ingredients.

Is Your Protein Powder Causing Inflammation-

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One Comment

  • Donna

    I just thought you’d like to know that our current laws allow farmers to purchase cows from non-grass fed herds and include them into a grass-fed herd, and then start feeding them grass only, permitting them legally to call them grass-fed cows. Grass-fed products do not remove the risk of mad cows and other serious issues from cows fed badly. I’m furious! We need to get on top of the industry and FDA, so that they do not play with words in an intentional deceptive way to the consumer.

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