Why can't you people digest cheap whey protein?

[ibobland08]

I have heard time and time again on internet forums on fitness websites that "cheap whey protein makes you bloated".  I don't bloat from cheap whey protein, nor have I ever met anyone in person who does.  Yet it seems everyone on these internet forums can't digest it.  The question is what is in it that makes it hard for you to digest?  How on earth can you digest ice cream and a lot of the other junk we eat on CBL and CN?  I'm not trying to be a jerk, I am just curious.

[Intensity Junkie]

Cheap... usually means lesser ingredients. Meaning not just protein, but first usually cheap means Concentrate which tends to have more lactose aka bloat is possible. Next we have cheap sweeteners, which though people don't realize it causes bloat in a lot of people. Some people if they actually paid attention would taste a small metallic taste when they have certain sweeteners in protein because they body is not a fan.

[Chase102798]

I agree with IJ. Honestly, man, I had myself convinced that bloating and 20 minute bathroom trips were normal if you were taking protein supplements. For me, it wasn't just cheap protein but added fiber like Inulin, Gum blends, other fillers and certain artificial sweeteners etc etc. I ate a breakstone cottage cheese from my friend's house this weekend and it was the digestive support style with added fiber etc and I was all bloated the next morning. For me, natural whole food fiber OK, added fiber supplements not OK.

If you aren't like this then God bless you man. It isn't fun. I use pure products like PF proteins or isopure and I'm OK. It just can't have anything in it but protein. So, for me it isn't the lactose (I'm fine with milk and dairy) it is all the extra stuff that I can't pronounce.

[ibobland08]

Funny story I myself had problems with going to the bathroom all the time and I had really bad gas all y the time.  I actually thought that it might have been the cheap whey.  Turns out I was one of those people who ate 1.5+ g/lb of protein.  I then discovered CBL and one of Kiefer's articles (I think Protein 2.0) that said that excessive protein can cause digestive issues.  I knocked down to 1.3 g/lb and all my digestive ailments went away.  Plus I saved money; out of all the macronutrients, protein by far seems to be the most expensive.

Not saying this is your problem, just sharing how much the ultra-high protein consumption advocated by muscle mags are, in my opnion, bad.

[Chase102798]

Yeah. I hear you. I usually stay about 1.0 per lb BW or a little less. I have never adjusted the amount more per day, I just adjusted the brand I was using. PF has been giving me consistent strength/weight improvement without the unfortunate side effects so I just stay with them.

Actually years ago I used to use Muscle Milk cause it was one of the few that didn't seem to bother me too much. Then they changed the formula and added 5g of fiber and that was the end of that. Of course, I shoot for a healthy amount of fiber in my diet, but for me it has to come from veggies, fruit, and a distant third being whole grain since it doesn't work much for CBL. Also, a long time ago I used MHP probolic protein for a period of time and that didn't bother me too much either, but I lost some weight and strength which I can only assume was from the large percentage of soy in it. Don't know that for sure though.

[stephenhdmrs]

I sometimes have problems with certain wheys.  Not sure why though.  I know now which one's do/don't agree with me.  It's just a slight upset stomach and it passes.  But i'd rather not deal with it.

With regards to junk - I try to eat "whole made junk."  Only the best.  Haagen dasz ice cream/ben and jerry's.  Ice cream should only have 5 ingredients.  And pastries and stuff.  I make a lot of my pastries so I can control the quality of ingredients.  No one seems to have the quality I look for/am willing to pay extra for.

Just my .02

[ibobland08]

With regards to junk - I try to eat "whole made junk."  Only the best.  Haagen dasz ice cream/ben and jerry's. 

This is the greatest qoute ever!

[Jeremy]

I have an iron gut and can eat anything without any GI issues.

That being said, I am still very selective of the foods I eat.  I want to be able to confirm the source of my beef and chicken, and find the cows my butter comes from, etc.  I am the same with my protein.  Just because I can consume unlimited amounts of cheap protein doesn't mean I will... besides, I can find very high quality protein and still pay less than I would for that garbage at GNC.