Safe Protein Supplement for UCer?

I take/took protein supplements regularly for years for purposes of weightlifting and muscle growth. For a normal person I would say I took a very excessive amount. After being first diagnosed, and in a major flare, I cut it out fairly quickly.

I started back on a whey protein isolate supplement, and haven't noticed a difference after testing with it for several weeks (and still in a flare). Absolutely read the ingredients label on any product you consider. What I use has only 1 ingredient- whey protein isolate. It's a more broken down form, that's usually combined with other less-broken-down forms in other products- so this stuff is easier to digest. Again, check the ingredients- should only have that one. Which gets you no sweeteners (sugars or artificial ones), flavorings, etc., and is lactose-free (which is a big deal for some including me). So none of the extra stuff that can inflame or irritate. The specific product I use is "Nature's Best Isopure Unflavored (Zero Carb)", but any brand should do.

Two things to note- without all the sweeteners, flavorings, etc.- it does not taste good on its own. Some might call it terrible, though I acquired a taste for it and can just mix it with water (and glutamine, which isn't any better!). Second, it's a little more money than typical protein powders.

I don't know if it helps me get better, but it certainly doesn't hurt.

Hope that helps!

keylime,

Maybe your GI thought that your son would use regular milk to mix it in, and that was objectionable?

Like texasmax said, check the ingredients. Alot of the whey proteins are loaded with junk and sugar.

I've been doing my whey protein shakes twice a day - with almond milk - and it's been great. I like the Dr.Mercola's Pro-Optimal Whey Protein because his is all natural, no junk in it, comes flavored - chocolate is delicious - and comes with digestive enzymes in it already - which makes it so easy on the stomach. Also his comes from grass fed, no antibiotics or hormone fed cows.

Here again, as always, be your own best doctor.

 

My suggestion: do both, protein whey + L-glutamine.

That's what I do, I add L-Glutamine 15 grams of powder into my protein shake.

I have to agree with getting quality protein from a healthy diet, but being that he is almost 20, I don't have as much say in what he does/eats. Also, he'll be heading back to college in August and might be kind of limited in what he eats - he lives in a Frat house while at school and also eats out a lot, ugh!!

Raising kids with IBD is tough. Raising teenagers is tough. Add the two together....

Thanks for the feedback, everyone. I did go buy some Almond Milk so we can eliminate the cows milk issue (his sister with UC is lactose intolerant, but he has never been tested). I will look into the other products recommended.

Julie