While whey protein is a very common component of many protein powder formulations, it contains lactose, the sugar in milk that causes digestive issues in a significant portion of the population. Fortunately, you can supplement your protein intake with lactose free protein powder, and various plant-based proteins that offer the right amino acids for muscle building and general health.
Eating ice cream on a hot day sounds like a great idea unless you are one of the 30 to 50 million Americans who suffer from lactose sensitivity. While not fatal, this condition can be problematic when striving to maintain a healthy diet, requiring you to look for alternative ways to consume all the nutrients your body needs. In this article, you’ll learn more about lactose free protein powder, a great alternative to get all the protein your body needs to stay healthy and build lean muscle.
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Lactose sensitivity in the human population
Lactose sensitivity can occur in any human being at any age. It happens when too little of an enzyme called lactase is produced in the small intestine. Without a sufficient amount of lactase, the body cannot process the sugar found in milk called lactose; this causes uncomfortable symptoms like diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, gas, and bloating.
If you are lactose intolerant, the best way to avoid these bothersome symptoms may be to refrain from consuming dairy-rich foods and drinks like milk, butter, cheese, and yogurt. One way to do this is to check the labels and read the list of ingredients in any food or product you are purchasing. If you start experiencing any of the symptoms listed above after consumption – typically around 30 minutes – then it could be that product contained some form of dairy, and you should avoid it.
Protein is important for a healthy diet
Protein is an integral part of a healthy diet. Protein is responsible for creating and maintaining every cell in our bodies. It is made up of amino acids and is considered a macronutrient that does many great things in our body, including building muscles and keeping bones, cartilage, skin, hair, and nails healthy. Alongside building and repairing tissue, protein helps with digestion and hormone regulation. For fitness enthusiasts, protein is vital to building lean muscle, curbing hunger, and helping with weight management.
This may be why protein powders are a popular supplement in their workouts and meals. By increasing their protein intake, fitness enthusiasts can build muscle to achieve that lean, muscular body better. Unfortunately, if you are lactose intolerant, you might struggle to find a protein powder that is right for you, as not all protein powders are the same.
Not all protein powders are the same
A quick search on the internet or a visit to your local store will present many options to meet your protein powder needs. You’re likely to find protein powders in almost any imaginable flavor and listing ingredients you may have never heard of, leaving you wondering which is the best. That said, choosing the best protein powder for you comes down to the fitness and health goals you have set for yourself. Protein powders can be derived from animal and plant proteins, each category providing you with various options – the most popular likely being protein powders derived from whey protein.
Whey protein is prominent because it is known as a complete protein, easily digested, and is associated with successful weight management. Unfortunately, whey is rich in dairy, which is problematic for people with lactose sensitivity. The solution for them is to find a lactose free protein powder.
The solution:
Lactose free protein powder
The best lactose free protein powder is a plant-based protein powder. Plant-based protein powders are typically made from rice, pea, hemp, and soy. These types of protein powders are great for individuals who want a protein shake but are either vegetarian, vegan, or simply require a lactose free protein powder due to lactose intolerance. Choosing a suitable plant-based protein powder once again comes down to your goals. Each plant-based powder type contains varying levels of protein, amino acids, fats, and omega-3s, so be sure to assess your goals and decide what nutrients and minerals are most important to you. One of the best natural, plant-based protein powders available on the market comes from HealthyTruth.
HealthyTruth features a series of protein powders called Go Powder Blends. From flavored to unflavored, these plant-based protein powders are clean and all-natural. The Go Powder Blends series also encompasses many needs, including powders that provide a pre-workout energy boost and those aimed at helping the body recover. According to Bruce Namenson, founder of HealthyTruth, “You will not find a cleaner product. I think people may mistake an ultra-clean product and one that claims to be natural. We’re certified organic, certified gluten-free, and certified kosher. All of that stuff makes a big difference in the quality of the product.” In addition, HealthyTruth Go Powder Blends are lactose free protein powders which makes them suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance.
Final word
Lactose sensitivity is a relatively common condition found in millions of Americans. Lactose intolerance necessitates avoiding most, if not all, dairy products to prevent the uncomfortable symptoms associated with the condition; however, there are alternatives to getting all the nutrients you need. For lactose-intolerant individuals seeking to incorporate protein powder into their diets, the best lactose free protein powder is a plant-based one. If a clean, plant-based, lactose free protein powder is what you’re looking for, you have plenty of options to help you achieve your health goals.
Further reading:
Today: What is whey protein? The benefits and dangers, according to a nutritionist
Harvard Health Publishing: The scoop on protein powder
Mayo Clinic: Guidance on selecting protein powders, shakes and bars
Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
Regarding Nutritional Supplements Or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
