Training & Nutrition - Can protein cause a upset stomach?

One way I've been losing weight is by consuming more protein and less carbs. It has worked so far. But every now and then I get a upset stomach. It usually hppens after I drink my protein shake for breakfast. The protein shake is GNC brand 100% chocolayte flavor Whey Protein mixed with skim milk. Lots of protein very little fat and carbs. Tastes good. But could this be causing my upset stomach? I ask because when this happens I eat more carbs the following day and there is no upset stomach. Could it be that even though I am losing weight using this method I need to consume more carbs? Perhaps I should go every other day switching between carbs and protein.

Any suggestions, answers are welcomed and needed.

Thanks.

Lumpy - Check for the content of phenylalanine you may be slightly sensitive to it. Secondly, can you hydrate. With out enough water these shakes will cause you stomach pains. Lastly, if you can grind through it you will adjust and not have the same reaction. It takes about 2 weeks or so for it to be a non issue entirely.

As for is being caused from protien intake I would say you're safe on that count. For most people a mix of protien and carbs in a sensible serving is the ticket. Your shake already has those ratios built in. I wouldn't use those to replace more than 3 meals a day and would be eating 6 smalls versus 3. My $.02. I can tell you where to get more info if you're interested.

It could well be from the lactose (milk sugar)from the milk you add.Many people are sensitive to this causing upset stomock and bloating.I have never had problems with unflavored whey (or othr protien sources)and I drink lots of it every day.

It could be protein. If you body is not used to large amounts of protein it has a funny way of telling you. (bad gas comes to mind). Protein isn't easily digested by the body even in the whey format. However purchasing high quality protein (whey based) will aid in the digestion etc...

It takes time but your body wll get used to it

I agree you do not want to go overboard on the protein unless you are utilizing it to rebuild muscle tissue.If you want to restrict carbs somewhat to lose weight then answer is to increase protein within reason and add a little good fats.For your whey shake you might use a blender and water and add a little high fiber fruit(apple,pear etc.) maybe a scoop of raw oatmeal and a little flax oil.Dietary fats while high in calories are actually harder to convert to body fat than carbs because the body tries to mobilize the fat and store the carbs.

Originally posted by RWTD
It could well be from the lactose (milk sugar)from the milk you add.Many people are sensitive to this causing upset stomock and bloating.I have never had problems with unflavored whey (or othr protien sources)and I drink lots of it every day.

I'll bet it's the milk. Especially on an empty stomach.... blech. I used to have the same problem.

we switched to soy milk. It sounds gross but get the chocolate (we use vanilla) - you can't tell the difference - it's kinda like a milkshake without the high fat. And it doesn't upset my stomach!

i've recently started heading down the vegetarian route and I've started drinking quite a bit of soy milk. I personally like it a lot, but a lot of people don't care much for it. Vanilla and Chocolate soy milk are a little easier on the pallate, but if you want somethign that tastes more like milk, go to a local health food store and look for rice milk, that's supposed to be pretty close to regular milk.

I love soymilk! Just like to mention there are many varities out there, my brand of choice is Silk, in the refrigerated section of the grocery store. I would suggest doing some experimenting some are not as good tasting and nutritiously. I find alot that the cartons that sit out in the stores sometimes go bad. Also someone mentioned rice milk those are good, I like carob flavored. However I have found that some brands don't have as much calcium in them. Be sure to check out how much calcium is in the milk, they all differ quite a bit!