Looking for the best protein powder for men over 50? Discover how to safely meet your dietary protein needs as a man over 50.

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Protein powder and men over 50

Is protein powder good for men over 50?

The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight for most adults. This is the amount men need to meet their basic nutritional needs, however, not the actual amount you should eat every day.

The actual amount of protein you need depends on factors such age, weight, and activity level.

Men who participate in regular, intense exercise, for example, may need twice as much protein as the RDA suggests.

Moreover, men over 50 experience decreases in skeletal muscle mass and strength every year. In order to curb these changes, they may need to increase their dietary protein intake.

Research shows that eating more protein can slow muscle loss in older men.

Again, exactly how much more protein you need will depend on a number of factors, but current research shows that men over 50 should aim to eat 1.2-1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of bodyweight per day.

For many men, this translates to well over 100 grams of protein per day.

Eating this much protein can be challenging, especially if you have a busy schedule or dietary restrictions, which is where protein powder can help.

Protein power can be easily added to smoothies, oatmeal, and other recipes for an easy protein boost.

That said, not all protein powders are created equal.

What is the best protein powder for men over 50?

Many protein powders are made with ingredients known to cause painful side effects and long term health problems. Among these ingredients are food additives, dairy-based proteins, and protein concentrates and isolates. 

Avoid food additives

Regularly eating emulsifiers, thickeners, and other additives can not only upset your stomach, but also alter the composition of your gut microbiome – the collection of microorganisms living in your gut.

This can lead to gut dysbiosis, which contributes to wide range of chronic diseases, including obesity, type 1 diabetes, and colorectal cancer.

It is worth mentioning that with aging already comes a decrease in microbial diversity and shifts in the composition of the gut microbiome, so it would be unfortunate to accelerate these changes by regularly consuming protein powder.

Here is a list of the most common food additives in protein supplements:

• acacia fiber
• acacia gum
• acesulfame potassium
• artificial flavors
• ascorbic acid
• aspartame
• calcium carbonate
• carrageenan
• cellulose gum
• dextrin
• dicalcium phosphate
• dipotassium phosphate
• erythritol
• gellan gum
• guar gum
• gum arabic
• inulin
• locust bean gum
• maltitol
• maltodextrin
• mono- and diglycerides
• ‘natural’ flavors
• rice bran extract
• rice dextrin
• rice hulls
• rosemary extract
• silica
• silicon dioxide
• sodium alginate
• soluble corn fiber
• sorbitol
• soy lecithin
• sucralose
• sunflower lecithin
• tocopherols
• tricalcium phosphate
• xanthan gum
• xylitol
• zinc oxide

Avoid dairy-based proteins

Dairy-based proteins like whey and casein, although not an issue for all men, can cause side effects like bloating and diarrhea. This is in part because they contain lactose, a sugar most men cannot fully digest.

Avoid protein concentrates and isolates

Most protein powders are made from protein concentrates and isolates, which have been mechanically and or chemically stripped of everything but the protein, including the enzymes, fiber, and other natural digestive aids that help you break them down.

As a result, they can cause digestive issues and possibly even disruptions to your gut microbiome, which, again, is something men over 50 should be concerned about. 

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Drink Wholesome is the best protein powder for men over 50.

Finding a protein powder free from food additives, dairy-based proteins, and protein concentrates and isolates is hard.

In fact, 99% of protein supplements contain one or more of these problematic ingredients, which is why we created Drink Wholesome.

We make the best protein powder for men over 50 because we use a short list of simple ingredients free from food additives, dairy-based proteins, and protein concentrates and isolates.

Our ingredients

egg whites

coconut

vanilla

monk fruit

NOT our ingredients

• acacia gum

• acesulfame potassium

• artificial flavors

• carrageenan

• erythritol

• guar gum

• inulin

• maltodextrin

• 'natural' flavors

• silica

• soy lecithin

• sucralose

• xanthan gum

• xylitol

Note that instead of using protein concentrates or isolates, we use whole food protein sources like collagen, egg whites, and almonds, which are easier to digest and absorb.

It follows that men over 50 experience fewer digestive issues with our protein powder than with any other type of protein supplement. Order samples to see for yourself.

The post The Best Protein Powder For Men Over 50 appeared first on drink wholesome.

Looking for a non bloating protein powder? Discover why protein powder can cause bloating and how to avoid this common side effect.

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Protein powder and bloating

What is bloating?

Bloating happens when the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is filled with gas. It is often accompanied by symptoms such as stomach pain and excessive gas. 

Bloating usually goes away after a few hours, but for some people, it is a recurring problem. For them, it may be linked to a food intolerance or digestive condition.

To put it simply, when you eat foods or ingredients that are hard to digest, you give the bacteria that live in your gut more time to eat (ferment) that food.

The fermentation that occurs in your gut is similar to the fermentation used to make Champagne. The only difference is that instead of making delightful bubbles, gut fermentation produces painful gas.

Does protein powder cause bloating?

One of the most common side effects of protein powder is bloating. It usually occurs shortly after consuming protein powder and can last for hours.

Fortunately, protein powder bloating is easy to avoid. Keep reading to learn more.

Why does protein powder cause bloating?

In order to avoid protein powder bloating, it is crucial to understand the possible underlying causes. Here are a few of the most common ones:

• Dairy-based proteins (whey and casein)
• Food additives (gums, lecithin, etc.)
• Sugar substitutes (artificial sweeteners, sugar alcohols, etc.)
• Leaky gut syndrome: a condition where the intestinal lining becomes permeable
• Gut dysbiosis: a condition characterized an imbalance in gut bacteria
• Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO): a condition characterized by an excess growth of gut bacteria

If you think that you suffer from a condition such as leaky gut syndrome or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), consult with a registered dietitian. He or she can evaluate your symptoms, create a personalized nutrition plan, and provide ongoing testing and support.

Also, note that everyone’s digestive system is unique, and what triggers bloating for one person may not necessarily trigger it for someone else. 

What is the best non bloating protein powder?

A non-bloating protein powder is one that is formulated to minimize digestive issues, particularly bloating.

Although some protein sources are technically easier to digest than others, what causes protein powder bloating is rarely protein itself.

Instead, bloating is usually caused by added ingredients, lactose, or how the protein is processed.

It follows that among the ingredients to avoid are food additives, dairy-based proteins, and protein concentrates and isolates. 

Avoid food additives

Emulsifiers, thickeners, and other additives are so processed that they are hard to digest. It follows that they feed your gut bacteria, which release gas as they eat. As you just learned, too much intestinal gas can cause bloating.

Regularly eating food additives can also alter the composition of your gut microbiome – the collection of microorganisms living in your gut.

This can lead to gut dysbiosis, or an imbalance in gut bacteria, which is linked to the development of chronic stomach issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which may make you more susceptible to bloating.

Here is a list of the most common food additives in protein supplements:

• acacia fiber
• acacia gum
• acesulfame potassium
• artificial flavors
• ascorbic acid
• aspartame
• calcium carbonate
• carrageenan
• cellulose gum
• dextrin
• dicalcium phosphate
• dipotassium phosphate
• erythritol
• gellan gum
• guar gum
• gum arabic
• inulin
• locust bean gum
• maltitol
• maltodextrin
• mono- and diglycerides
• ‘natural’ flavors
• rice bran extract
• rice dextrin
• rice hulls
• rosemary extract
• silica
• silicon dioxide
• sodium alginate
• soluble corn fiber
• sorbitol
• soy lecithin
• sucralose
• sunflower lecithin
• tocopherols
• tricalcium phosphate
• xanthan gum
• xylitol
• zinc oxide

Avoid dairy-based proteins

Dairy-based proteins like whey and casein, although not an issue for everyone, can cause stomach issues like bloating and diarrhea. This is in part because they contain lactose, a sugar most adults cannot fully digest.

Avoid protein concentrates and isolates

Most protein supplements are made from protein concentrates and isolates, which have been mechanically and or chemically stripped of everything but the protein, including the enzymes, fiber, and other natural digestive aids that help you break them down.

As a result, they can upset your stomach and possibly even disrupt your gut microbiome. This is something anyone, especially someone with pre-existing stomach issues, should take very seriously. 

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Drink Wholesome is the best no bloat protein powder.

Finding a protein powder free from food additives, dairy-based proteins, and protein concentrates and isolates is hard.

In fact, 99% of protein supplements contain one or more of these problematic ingredients, which is why we created Drink Wholesome.

We make the best non bloating protein powder because we use a short list of simple ingredients.

Our ingredients

egg whites

coconut

vanilla

monk fruit

NOT our ingredients

• acacia gum

• acesulfame potassium

• artificial flavors

• carrageenan

• erythritol

• guar gum

• inulin

• maltodextrin

• 'natural' flavors

• silica

• soy lecithin

• sucralose

• xanthan gum

• xylitol

Note that instead of using protein concentrates or isolates, we use whole food protein sources like collagen, egg whites, and almonds, which are easier to digest and absorb.

It follows that our customers experience fewer stomach issues with our no bloat protein powder than with any other type of protein supplement. Order samples to see for yourself. 

The post The Best Non Bloating Protein Powder appeared first on drink wholesome.

Looking for the best soy-free lactose-free protein powder? Discover how to safely meet your protein needs without soy or lactose.

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Protein powder without soy or lactose

Why use soy-free protein powder? 

Here are the top 3 reasons why you should use soy-free protein powder:

1. Soy contains isoflavones, a type of estrogen similar to human estrogen. Isoflavones can bind to estrogen receptors in the body and cause weak estrogenic or anti-estrogenic activity, which may increase the risk of chronic diseases like breast cancer.
2. Soy is the leading source of protein for animal feed and second only to beef when it comes to driving global deforestation and soil erosion.
3. Soy is among the most genetically modified (GM) crops on the planet. Over 90 percent of soybeans grown on US farms, for example, are genetically engineered to withstand an herbicide called Roundup. US-grown GM soybeans therefore contain high residues of glyphosate, which is the primary ingredient in Roundup and a probable human carcinogen.

To summarize, soybeans are cheap, protein-rich legumes, but they are also a common allergen, associated with adverse side effects, and the epitome of a genetically modified crop with detrimental impacts on the environment and human health.

Why use lactose-free protein powder?

Here are the top reasons why you use lactose-free protein powder:

1. Lactose is notorious for causing digestive issues like bloating and diarrhea because most people do not have the enzymes needed to fully break it down.
2. Dairy is known to cause acne because it indirectly stimulates insulin production, which regulates sebum production. Sebum is an oily, waxy substance that can clog your pores and cause pimples. 
3. Dairy production can have a profoundly negative impact on the environment. Dairy cows and their manure produce enormous amounts of greenhouse gas emissions, manure and fertilizers pollutes local water resources, and feed production leads to the loss of ecologically important areas such as prairies, wetlands, and forests.

In summary, dairy is cheap, protein-rich, and delicious, but it can upset your stomach, cause you to break out, and harm the environment.

What is the best lactose and soy-free protein powder?

It goes without saying that soy and lactose-free protein powder must be free from dairy based proteins like whey and casein, soy-based proteins, and ingredients derived from milk and soy beans like sodium caseinate and soy lecithin.

It is worth mentioning that many protein powders contain lecithin, but do not specify if it is soy lecithin.

An easy way to find out is to check if soy is listed as an allergen. If it is, your protein powder probably contains soy lecithin.

It is also important to acknowledge that lactose-free does not mean dairy-free. A lactose-free food does not contain any lactose, but may still contain dairy.

Some whey protein isolates, for example, are lactose-free, but not dairy-free.

If you are looking to avoid lactose and soy for reasons related to digestive health, then you also want to avoid food additives and protein concentrates and isolates.

Avoid food additives

Regularly eating emulsifiers, thickeners, sugar substitutes, and other additives can not only upset your stomach, but also alter the composition of your gut microbiome – the collection of microorganisms living in your gut.

This can lead to gut dysbiosis, or an imbalance in gut bacteria, which is linked to a number of chronic digestive issues and chronic diseases like obesity and type 1 diabetes.

Here is a list of the most common food additives in protein supplements:

• acacia fiber
• acacia gum
• acesulfame potassium
• artificial flavors
• ascorbic acid
• aspartame
• calcium carbonate
• carrageenan
• cellulose gum
• dextrin
• dicalcium phosphate
• dipotassium phosphate
• erythritol
• gellan gum
• guar gum
• gum arabic
• inulin
• locust bean gum
• maltitol
• maltodextrin
• mono- and diglycerides
• ‘natural’ flavors
• rice bran extract
• rice dextrin
• rice hulls
• rosemary extract
• silica
• silicon dioxide
• sodium alginate
• soluble corn fiber
• sorbitol
• soy lecithin
• sucralose
• sunflower lecithin
• tocopherols
• tricalcium phosphate
• xanthan gum
• xylitol
• zinc oxide

Avoid protein concentrates and isolates

Most protein powders are made from protein concentrates and isolates, which have been mechanically and or chemically stripped of everything but the protein, including the enzymes, fiber, and other natural digestive aids that help you break them down.

As a result, they can cause digestive issues and possibly even disruptions to the gut microbiome, which, as you just learned, can have a serious impact on your digestive and overall health.

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Drink Wholesome is the best lactose-free soy-free protein powder.

Finding a protein powder free from soy and dairy is hard enough. Finding a protein powder that is also free from food additives and protein concentrates and isolates is almost impossible, which is why we created Drink Wholesome.

We make the best soy-free lactose-free protein powder from a short list of simple ingredients.

Our ingredients

egg whites

coconut

vanilla

monk fruit

NOT our ingredients

• acacia gum

• acesulfame potassium

• artificial flavors

• carrageenan

• erythritol

• guar gum

• inulin

• maltodextrin

• 'natural' flavors

• silica

• soy lecithin

• sucralose

• xanthan gum

• xylitol

Note that instead of using protein concentrates or isolates, we use whole food protein sources like collagen, egg whites, and almonds, which are easier to digest and absorb.

It follows that our customers experience fewer digestive issues with our soy and lactose-free protein powder than with any other type of protein supplement. Order samples to see for yourself.

The post The Best Soy-Free Lactose-Free Protein Powder appeared first on drink wholesome.

Looking for the best casein-free protein powder? Learn how to meet your dietary protein needs without casein.

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Protein powder and casein

Which protein powders are casein-free?

Casein is a type of protein found in milk and dairy products. It makes up about 80% of the total protein in cow’s milk, with the other 20% being whey protein.

Casein is known for its slow digestion rate, which makes it a popular choice in supplements designed for muscle recovery, especially overnight, as it provides a steady release of amino acids.

That said, casein contains lactose, a sugar most adults cannot full digest.

For this reason, it is notorious for causing digestive issues like bloating and diarrhea.

Many protein powders are made with a blend of whey and casein protein. In order to know a particular protein powder contains casein, you have to check the ingredient list.

Note that some protein powders contain sodium caseinate, which is a derivative of casein.

Sodium caseinate is commonly used as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and thickener.

To be safe, you can always use a protein powder labeled “dairy-free” or “vegan.”

These labels guarantee that the product does not contain any dairy.

Manufacturers are also required to include allergen statements on their packaging. If a protein powder contains dairy, which is a common allergen, it will appear on the ingredient list. It might say something like “Contains: Milk.”

It is worth adding that “non dairy” does not mean “dairy-free.”

It just means that “milk” is not an ingredient. Unlike dairy-free protein powders, non dairy protein powders can contain milk derivatives like caseinate, milk solids, and casein.

Why should I use a casein-free protein powder?

Although it is affordable and nutritious, casein has a number of drawbacks. Here are the top reasons why you should avoid casein:

1. Casein can cause digestive issues. Whey and casein contain lactose, a sugar that most adults cannot digest. If you are lactose intolerant, they can cause digestive symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, and stomach pain. Dairy-based proteins like casein also undergo extensive mechanical and often chemical processing, stripping them of everything but the protein, including the enzymes, fiber, and other natural digestive aids that help you break them down. As a result, they may cause disruptions to your gut microbiome.
2. Casein can cause acne. Dairy consumption stimulates the production of insulin and insulin-like growth factor, both of which have been linked to acne development.
3. Casein is not sustainable. Casein is a byproduct of cheese and yogurt production, so turning it into protein powder can reduce waste. That said, it is also part of the industrial dairy industry, which emits enormous amounts of greenhouse gas emissions, pollutes local water resources, and leads to the loss of ecologically important areas such as prairies, wetlands, and forests

In summary, casein protein powder is a poor choice choice for individuals with sensitive stomachs, acne-prone skin, and certain moral values.

Is dairy-free protein powder as good for you?

Some people claim that whey and casein are better for you than other protein sources, but this could not be farther from the truth.

While whey and casein are complete and highly bioavailable proteins, they do not offer any nutritional advantages for people getting their protein from a variety of sources.

A balanced diet will give you all the amino acids your body needs, which is why studies indicate that plant and dairy proteins yield similar results in body composition and muscle strength when part of a balanced diet.

In summary, although casein is a high quality source of protein, it is no better for you than any other protein source. Do not be fooled by clever marketing.

What is the best casein-free protein powder?

Any type of casein-free protein (egg white, hemp, pea, etc.) can help you meet your daily protein needs goal, but not all casein-free protein powders are created equal.

Many casein-free protein powder​s contain ingredients that can cause painful side effects long term health problems.

Among these ingredients are most food additives.

Avoid food additives

Regularly eating emulsifiers, thickeners, and other additives can alter the composition of your gut microbiome – the collection of microorganisms living in your gut.

This can lead to gut dysbiosis, or an imbalance in gut bacteria, which contributes to a wide range of chronic diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), type 1 diabetes, and colorectal cancer.

Here is a list of the most common food additives in protein supplements:

• acacia fiber
• acacia gum
• acesulfame potassium
• artificial flavors
• ascorbic acid
• aspartame
• calcium carbonate
• carrageenan
• cellulose gum
• dextrin
• dicalcium phosphate
• dipotassium phosphate
• erythritol
• gellan gum
• guar gum
• gum arabic
• inulin
• locust bean gum
• maltitol
• maltodextrin
• mono- and diglycerides
• ‘natural’ flavors
• rice bran extract
• rice dextrin
• rice hulls
• rosemary extract
• silica
• silicon dioxide
• sodium alginate
• soluble corn fiber
• sorbitol
• soy lecithin
• sucralose
• sunflower lecithin
• tocopherols
• tricalcium phosphate
• xanthan gum
• xylitol
• zinc oxide

By avoiding ingredients like these, you can ensure that your protein powder is a healthy addition to your diet.

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Drink Wholesome is the best casein-free protein powder.

Finding a protein supplement free from dairy-based proteins and food additives is hard.

In fact, 99% of protein supplements contain one or both of these problematic ingredients, which is why we created drink wholesome.

Our ingredients

egg whites

coconut

vanilla

monk fruit

NOT our ingredients

• acacia gum

• acesulfame potassium

• artificial flavors

• carrageenan

• erythritol

• guar gum

• inulin

• maltodextrin

• 'natural' flavors

• silica

• soy lecithin

• sucralose

• xanthan gum

• xylitol

We make the best protein powder without casein because we use a short list of simple ingredients free from food additives and protein concentrates and isolates.

Note that instead of using protein concentrates or isolates, we use whole food protein sources like egg whites, which are easier to digest and absorb.

It follows that our customers experience fewer digestive issues with our protein powder​ than with any other type of protein supplement. Order samples to see for yourself.

The post The Best Casein Free Protein Powder appeared first on drink wholesome.

Looking for the best low oxalate protein powder​? Discover how to safely meet your protein needs on a low oxalate diet.

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Protein powder and oxalates

Which types of protein powder are low in oxalates? 

For individuals at risk of kidney stones or seeking to reduce their oxalate intake, choosing a low oxalate protein powder​ is important.

Here are the types of protein powders that are low in oxalates:

1. Egg white protein powder: Egg whites are low in oxalates. They are also low in purines, which can contribute to the formation of certain types of kidney stones, specifically uric acid stones.
2. Collagen protein powder: Collagen is also low in oxalates and purines.
3. Whey protein powder: Whey is low in oxalates and purines. It also contains calcium, which can help bind to oxalates in the digestive system, preventing their absorption and reducing the risk of calcium oxalate stone formation. 

As long as you are eating a balanced diet, the type of low oxalate protein powder you use does not really matter. Just pick the one that you like or tolerate the best.

Keep in mind that many people have a hard time digesting whey protein because it contains lactose.

In case you were wondering, most protein powders contain moderate amounts of oxalates, but soy and nut-based protein powders tend to be higher in oxalates, so they should be limited or avoided by those prone to developing kidney stones.

It is also important to note that added ingredients can contribute to oxalate levels in protein powders.

Cocoa and peanuts, for example, are high oxalate ingredients to look out for.

If you are managing oxalate intake due to kidney stone risk, you should thus avoid chocolate and peanut butter-flavored protein powders.

What is the best low oxalate protein powder​

Not all low oxalate protein powder​s are created equal, and just because a protein powder is low in oxalates does not mean that it is good for you.

Many low oxalate protein powder​s contain ingredients that can cause painful side effects and even substantially impact the risk and development of kidney stones. 

Among these ingredients are food additives and protein concentrates and isolates. 

Avoid food additives

Regularly eating emulsifiers, thickeners, and other additives can alter the composition of your gut microbiome – the collection of microorganisms living in your gut.

This can lead to gut dysbiosis, or an imbalance in gut bacteria, which may contribute to the development of kidney stones. 

Emerging studies suggest that this occurs through mechanisms such as the modulation of urinary metabolites, changes in intestinal oxalate metabolism, and systemic inflammatory response.

Here is a list of the most common food additives in protein supplements:

• acacia fiber
• acacia gum
• acesulfame potassium
• artificial flavors
• ascorbic acid
• aspartame
• calcium carbonate
• carrageenan
• cellulose gum
• dextrin
• dicalcium phosphate
• dipotassium phosphate
• erythritol
• gellan gum
• guar gum
• gum arabic
• inulin
• locust bean gum
• maltitol
• maltodextrin
• mono- and diglycerides
• ‘natural’ flavors
• rice bran extract
• rice dextrin
• rice hulls
• rosemary extract
• silica
• silicon dioxide
• sodium alginate
• soluble corn fiber
• sorbitol
• soy lecithin
• sucralose
• sunflower lecithin
• tocopherols
• tricalcium phosphate
• xanthan gum
• xylitol
• zinc oxide

Avoid protein concentrates and isolates

Most protein supplements are made from protein concentrates and isolates, which have been mechanically and or chemically stripped of everything but the protein, including the enzymes, fiber, and other natural digestive aids that help you break them down.

As a result, they can cause digestive issues and possibly even disruptions to your gut microbiome. Once again, this is something someone who gets kidney stones should take very seriously. 

Shop Now

Shop Now

drink wholesome is the best low oxalate protein powder​.

Finding a protein supplement free from food additives and protein concentrates/isolates is hard.

In fact, 99% of protein supplements contain one or both of these problematic ingredients, which is why we created drink wholesome.

Our ingredients

egg whites

coconut

vanilla

monk fruit

NOT our ingredients

• acacia gum

• acesulfame potassium

• artificial flavors

• carrageenan

• erythritol

• guar gum

• inulin

• maltodextrin

• 'natural' flavors

• silica

• soy lecithin

• sucralose

• xanthan gum

• xylitol

We make the best low oxalate protein powder because we use a short list of simple ingredients free from food additives and protein concentrates and isolates.

Note that instead of using protein concentrates or isolates, we use whole food protein sources like egg whites, which are easier to digest and absorb.

It follows that our customers experience fewer digestive issues with our low oxalate protein powder​ than with any other type of protein supplement. Order samples to see for yourself.

The post The Best Low Oxalate Protein Powder appeared first on drink wholesome.

Looking for the best low purine protein powder​? Learn how to meet your dietary protein needs on a low purine diet.

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Protein powder and purines

Does protein powder contain purines​?

Purines are organic compounds found in many foods, including some protein powders.

When your body breaks purines down, it creates uric acid. High levels of uric acid can lead to gout, a form of arthritis characterized by painful inflammation in joints.

The goal of a low purine diet is to reduce uric acid production and manage and reduce the risk of gout by limiting foods high in purines.

Foods high in purines include high-protein foods including meat, seafood, soy, and legumes.

Although avoiding meat, seafood, soy, and legumes can help you reduce the amount of purines you eat, it can also make it hard to meet your daily protein needs.

This is where protein powder can help.

Protein powder can easily be added to smoothies, oatmeal, and other recipes to help you fill in nutritional gaps. Not all protein powders are low in purines, however.

Animal-based protein powders like whey, casein, and beef protein isolate, for example, contain lots of purines.

Plant-based protein sources like soy and peas contain moderate amounts of purines and are not a good choice for individuals with gout either. 

The most common types of low purine protein powder are egg white, hemp, and nut-based protein powders. 

That said, not all low purine protein powders are created equal.

What is the best low purine protein powder​?

As long as you are eating a balanced diet, any type of low purine protein powder​ can help you safely meet your daily protein needs.

Low purine protein powders often contain added ingredients that can cause painful side effects, including gout flares, however.

Among these ingredients are food additives and protein concentrates and isolates.

Avoid food additives

Many low purine protein powder​s are made with a cocktail of emulsifiers, thickeners, and other food additives.

Regularly food additives can not only upset your stomach, but also alter the composition of your gut microbiome – the collection of microorganisms living in your gut.

This can lead to gut dysbiosis, or an imbalance in gut bacteria, which is associated with the onset and progression of gout.

Basically, changes to the composition of your gut microbiome can result in the synthesis of purine-metabolizing enzymes and the release of inflammatory cytokines, both which have been linked to the development of gout. 

Here is a list of the most common food additives in protein supplements:

• acacia fiber
• acacia gum
• acesulfame potassium
• artificial flavors
• ascorbic acid
• aspartame
• calcium carbonate
• carrageenan
• cellulose gum
• dextrin
• dicalcium phosphate
• dipotassium phosphate
• erythritol
• gellan gum
• guar gum
• gum arabic
• inulin
• locust bean gum
• maltitol
• maltodextrin
• mono- and diglycerides
• ‘natural’ flavors
• rice bran extract
• rice dextrin
• rice hulls
• rosemary extract
• silica
• silicon dioxide
• sodium alginate
• soluble corn fiber
• sorbitol
• soy lecithin
• sucralose
• sunflower lecithin
• tocopherols
• tricalcium phosphate
• xanthan gum
• xylitol
• zinc oxide

Avoid protein concentrates and isolates

Most protein supplements are made from protein concentrates and isolates, which have been mechanically and or chemically stripped of everything but the protein, including the enzymes, fiber, and other natural digestive aids that help you break them down.

As a result, they can cause digestion problems and possibly even disruptions to your gut microbiome. As you just learned, this is something someone with gout should take very seriously. 

Shop Now

Shop Now

Drink Wholesome is the best low purine protein powder​.

Finding a protein supplement free from food additives, dairy-based proteins, and protein concentrates and isolates is hard.

In fact, 99% of protein supplements contain one or more of these problematic ingredients, which is why we created Drink Wholesome.

We make the best low purine protein powder​ because we use a short list of simple ingredients free from food additives and protein concentrates and isolates.

Our ingredients

egg whites

coconut

vanilla

monk fruit

NOT our ingredients

• acacia gum

• acesulfame potassium

• artificial flavors

• carrageenan

• erythritol

• guar gum

• inulin

• maltodextrin

• 'natural' flavors

• silica

• soy lecithin

• sucralose

• xanthan gum

• xylitol

Note that instead of using protein concentrates or isolates, we use low purine protein sources like collagen, egg whites, and almonds, which are easier to digest and absorb.

Whole food protein sources also have unique digestion benefits: collagen can reduce bloating and improve digestion symptoms, egg whites can help restore your mucosal intestinal barrier, and almonds can improve the composition of your gut microbiome.

It follows that our customers experience fewer digestion problems with our low purine protein powder​ than with any other type of protein supplement. Order samples to see for yourself.

The post The Best Low Purine Protein Powder​ appeared first on drink wholesome.

Looking for the best low salt protein powder? Learn how to meet your dietary protein needs on a low salt diet.

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Protein powder and salt

In case you were wondering, salt (also known as sodium chloride) is a naturally occurring compound. Sodium, on the other hand, is a mineral, and one of the constituents of salt. 

Although this is an important distinction, for the purposes of this article, I am going to use the words “salt” and “sodium” interchangeably. 

Which protein powders are low salt?

---

Many protein supplements contain lots of salt. Popular brands like Orgain and Transparent Labs contain over 300 mg of sodium per serving.

The reason why many protein shakes and powders contain so much salt is because they contain plant protein concentrates and/or isolates, which are made using a dilute salt solution.

Salt from the solution stays with protein, making it surprisingly high in sodium. 

If you are on a low salt diet, I highly recommend nut-based protein supplements.

Unlike plant-based protein sources like peas, rice, and soy, nuts are not processed using salt. As a result, they are much lower in sodium.

One serving of our almond-based protein powder, for instance, contains 0 mg of sodium, making it a low salt vegan protein powder.

If you cannot eat nuts, you may want to consider a protein supplement made with animal-based protein.

Animal-based proteins tend to contain a moderate amount of salt, but some options are relatively low in sodium.

Our collagen-based protein powder, for instance, contains fewer than 100 mg of sodium per serving, or less than 5% of the Daily Recommended Value for someone on a low salt diet. 

If you are using protein powder, as opposed to a ready-to-drink protein shake, keep in mind that what you mix it with can add a considerable amount of salt.

1 serving of cow’s milk or plant-milk, for instance, will add over 100 mg of sodium to your shake. If this is a concern, I recommend that you mix your protein powder with water.

What are the benefits of using low salt protein powder? 

Depending on who you are, reducing the amount of salt in your diet may improve your overall health.

Here are a few of the potential benefits of using low salt protein powder:

1. Blood pressure management: Lower salt intake is linked to better control of blood pressure, reducing the risk of hypertension and related cardiovascular diseases.
2. Heart health: A diet low in salt helps to reduce strain on the heart and blood vessels, lowering the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
3. Kidney health: Reducing salt intake lessens the burden on the kidneys, helping to prevent kidney stones and chronic kidney disease.
4. Water retention: Lower salt levels in the body can help decrease bloating and water retention, leading to a more comfortable life.

In short, adding a low salt protein powder to your diet can help you fill in nutrition gaps while also limiting your sodium intake, which can have several health benefits depending on who you are. 

When limiting sodium intake, you should try to consume less than 2,000 milligrams per day, which is roughly the equivalent of one teaspoon of salt. 

Given that you may use a protein powder often, if not every day, it is especially important to be mindful of how much sodium is in 1 serving.

You can find the sodium content of a protein powder by looking at the nutrition label on the product packaging.

This is generally found on the back or side of the product and lists various nutritional information, including the amount of sodium per serving.

What is the best low salt protein powder? 

Protein powder made from hemp or nuts (almonds, walnuts, etc.) contains little to no salt, making it the perfect addition to a low salt diet.

That said, not all low salt protein powders are created equal.

Many low salt protein powders contain ingredients that can cause painful side effects and long term health problems. Among these ingredients are food additives, dairy-based proteins, and protein concentrates and isolates.

Avoid food additives

Regularly eating emulsifiers, thickeners, and other additives can not only upset your stomach, but also alter the composition of your gut microbiome – the collection of microorganisms living in your gut.

This can lead to gut dysbiosis, or an imbalance in gut bacteria, which is linked to chronic inflammation and the development of several diseases, including heart disease and high blood pressure. 

It follows that if you are on a low salt diet due to a medical condition, you may want to think twice before regularly putting food additives into your body.

Here is a list of the most common food additives in protein supplements:

• acacia fiber
• acacia gum
• acesulfame potassium
• artificial flavors
• ascorbic acid
• aspartame
• calcium carbonate
• carrageenan
• cellulose gum
• dextrin
• dicalcium phosphate
• dipotassium phosphate
• erythritol
• gellan gum
• guar gum
• gum arabic
• inulin
• locust bean gum
• maltitol
• maltodextrin
• mono- and diglycerides
• ‘natural’ flavors
• rice bran extract
• rice dextrin
• rice hulls
• rosemary extract
• silica
• silicon dioxide
• sodium alginate
• soluble corn fiber
• sorbitol
• soy lecithin
• sucralose
• sunflower lecithin
• tocopherols
• tricalcium phosphate
• xanthan gum
• xylitol
• zinc oxide

Avoid dairy-based proteins

Dairy-based proteins like whey and casein, although not an issue for everyone, can cause side effects like bloating and diarrhea. This is in part because they contain lactose, a sugar most adults cannot fully digest.

Avoid protein concentrates and isolates

Most protein powders are made from protein concentrates and isolates, which have been mechanically and or chemically stripped of everything but the protein, including the enzymes, fiber, and other natural digestive aids that help you break them down.

As a result, they can cause digestive issues and possibly even disruptions to the gut microbiome, which, as you just learned, is a side effect you should take very seriously. 

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drink wholesome is the best low salt protein powder

Finding a protein powder free from food additives, dairy-based proteins, and protein concentrates and isolates is hard.

In fact, 99% of protein supplements contain one or more of these problematic ingredients, which is why we created drink wholesome.

We make the best low salt protein powder because we use a short list of simple ingredients free from food additives, dairy-based proteins, and protein concentrates and isolates.

Our ingredients

almonds

coconut

vanilla

monk fruit

NOT our ingredients

• acacia gum

• acesulfame potassium

• artificial flavors

• carrageenan

• erythritol

• guar gum

• inulin

• maltodextrin

• 'natural' flavors

• silica

• soy lecithin

• sucralose

• xanthan gum

• xylitol

Note that instead of using protein concentrates or isolates, we use whole food protein sources like almonds, which are easier to digest and absorb.

Whole food protein sources also have unique digestive benefits. For example, almonds can improve the composition of your gut microbiome.

It follows that our customers experience fewer digestive issues with our low salt protein powder than with any other type of protein supplement. Order samples to see for yourself. 

The post The Best Low Salt Protein Powder appeared first on drink wholesome.

Looking for the best protein powder for renal patients? Discover how to safely meet your protein needs with kidney disease.

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Protein powder and renal patients

Is protein powder good for renal patients?

Not only is protein an important nutrient that plays a crucial role in the overall health of the human body, but protein malnutrition is also common in renal patients.

It is therefore important that renal patients prioritize meeting their daily protein requirements.

It is possible for renal patients to consume too much protein, however, and doing so can lead to kidney damage.

When protein is digested, it is broken down into amino acids, which are used by the body to build and repair muscle tissues. Excess amino acids (those that are not used by the body) are excreted by the kidneys.

When you eat a diet high in protein, your kidneys have to work harder to filter out excess amino acids, which can lead to kidney damage over time if your kidney function is impaired.

A high protein diet can also increase the levels of urea – a waste product created when protein is broken down – in the blood.

High levels of urea and other nitrogenous waste products can cause kidney damage and increase the risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD) in individuals with impaired kidney function.

Individuals with kidney disease therefore need to be mindful of how much protein they eat.

When in doubt, you should always consult with your doctor or dietitian before making changes to your diet.

How much protein do renal patients need?

Whether renal patients need extra protein depends on the stage of kidney disease and whether they are undergoing dialysis.

Keep in mind that protein requirements also differ significantly based on individual kidney function and treatment plans.

• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) – Early to Moderate Stages: In the early to moderate stages of CKD, patients typically need to limit their protein intake as the kidneys are less effective at filtering waste products from protein metabolism at this time. The recommended protein intake for non-dialysis renal patients is 0.6 to 0.8 grams per kilogram of bodyweight per day with > 50% HBV proteins. HBV stands for high biological value, and refers to protein sources such as eggs, fish, poultry, meat and dairy.
• End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) – On Dialysis: For renal patients on dialysis, daily protein intake in the range of 1.0-1.2 grams per kilogram of bodyweight is recommended.

Renal patients on dialysis require more protein than those in earlier stages of CKD. Dialysis removes waste products from the blood, but it also removes protein and amino acids. To compensate for these losses and to prevent muscle wasting and malnutrition, renal patients need to consume more protein.

Is protein powder good for renal patients? 

First of all, people with kidney disease should use protein supplements in moderation.

Basically, the only time a protein supplement is needed is when daily protein requirements are not being met.

That said, renal patients undergoing dialysis often need help eating enough protein to compensate for losses due to dialysis. This is where protein supplements can come in handy. 

Adding the right protein powder to your diet can be an easy way to ensure that you are eating enough protein and curbing muscle wasting and malnutrition.

Protein powder can be incorporated into smoothies, oatmeal, and other recipes. It also makes it easy to measure exactly how much protein you are eating.

Not all protein powders are created equal, however, and some types of protein powder are better for renal patients than others. 

What is the best renal protein powder?

Research suggests that egg white protein powder and bovine collagen protein powder are among the best sources for renal patients, especially those undergoing dialysis treatment.

This is because dialysis patients have high protein needs, but need to limit phosphorus and potassium intakes.

Both collagen and egg white are low in phosphorus and potassium. In fact, egg whites are not only low in phosphorus, but can also lower phosphorus levels in the blood.

Egg whites do contain a moderate amount of sodium, however, so if this is a concern for you, then bovine collagen protein powder may be the best option for you.

Moreover, if you need to limit your potassium intake, it is recommended that you choose unflavored egg white or collagen protein powder.

Added ingredients tend to contribute phosphorus to a formula, so it may be best to keep it simple! 

All that said, the amount of egg whites or bovine collagen allowed in your diet is dependent on your individual nutritional status.

You should therefore consult with your medical practitioner before making any significant changes to your diet.

What protein powder ingredients should renal patients avoid? 

Many protein powders are made with added ingredients that can cause long term health problems for renal patients. Among these ingredients are food additives and protein concentrates and isolates. 

Avoid food additives

Regularly eating emulsifiers, thickeners, and other additives can alter the composition of your gut microbiome – the collection of microorganisms living in your gut.

This can lead to gut dysbiosis, or an imbalance in gut bacteria, which may contribute to the development of kidney disease. 

An imbalance in gut bacteria can result in the increased production of uremic toxins, which, in turn, can exacerbate local and systemic kidney inflammation.

Here is a list of the most common food additives in protein supplements:

• acacia fiber
• acacia gum
• acesulfame potassium
• artificial flavors
• ascorbic acid
• aspartame
• calcium carbonate
• carrageenan
• cellulose gum
• dextrin
• dicalcium phosphate
• dipotassium phosphate
• erythritol
• gellan gum
• guar gum
• gum arabic
• inulin
• locust bean gum
• maltitol
• maltodextrin
• mono- and diglycerides
• ‘natural’ flavors
• rice bran extract
• rice dextrin
• rice hulls
• rosemary extract
• silica
• silicon dioxide
• sodium alginate
• soluble corn fiber
• sorbitol
• soy lecithin
• sucralose
• sunflower lecithin
• tocopherols
• tricalcium phosphate
• xanthan gum
• xylitol
• zinc oxide

It is worth mentioning that protein supplements like NOVASOURCE and Nepro, which are made specifically for renal patients on dialysis, are full of food additives like these, not to mention corn syrup and seed oils.

Although these products were specifically designed to help meet the nutritional needs of people on dialysis, they are not something I would recommend feeding to a healthy person, let alone a renal patient.

Avoid protein concentrates and isolates

Most protein supplements are made from protein concentrates and isolates, which have been mechanically and or chemically stripped of everything but the protein, including the enzymes, fiber, and other natural digestive aids that help you break them down.

As a result, they can cause digestive issues and possibly even disruptions to your gut microbiome. This is something someone with impaired kidney function should take very seriously. 

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drink wholesome makes the best protein powder for renal patients

Finding a protein supplement free from food additives and protein concentrates/isolates is hard.

In fact, 99% of protein supplements contain one or both of these problematic ingredients, which is why we created drink wholesome.

Our ingredients

collagen

egg whites

NOT our ingredients

• acacia gum

• acesulfame potassium

• artificial flavors

• carrageenan

• erythritol

• guar gum

• inulin

• maltodextrin

• 'natural' flavors

• silica

• soy lecithin

• sucralose

• xanthan gum

• xylitol

We make the best protein powder for renal patients because we use a short list of simple ingredients free from food additives and protein concentrates and isolates.

Note that instead of using protein concentrates or isolates, we use whole food protein sources like egg whites, which are easier to digest and absorb.

It follows that our customers experience fewer digestive issues with our renal protein powder than with any other type of protein supplement. Order samples to see for yourself.

The post The Best Protein Powder For Renal Patients appeared first on drink wholesome.

Looking for the best sodium-free protein powder? Learn how to meet your dietary protein needs on a low sodium diet.

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Protein powder and sodium

Which protein powders are sodium-free?

What are the benefits of using protein powder without sodium? 

Depending on who you are, reducing the amount of sodium in your diet may improve your overall health.

Here are a few of the potential benefits of using no sodium protein powder:

1. Blood pressure management: Lower sodium intake is associated with better control of blood pressure, reducing the risk of hypertension and related cardiovascular diseases.
2. Heart health: A diet low in sodium helps to reduce the strain on the heart and blood vessels, lowering the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
3. Kidney health: Reducing sodium intake lessens the burden on the kidneys, helping to prevent kidney stones and chronic kidney conditions.
4. Water retention: Lower sodium levels can help decrease bloating and water retention, leading to a more comfortable and less swollen feeling.

In short, adding a sodium-free protein powder to your diet can help you fill in nutrition gaps while also limiting your sodium intake, which can have several health benefits depending on who you are. 

What is the best sodium-free protein powder? 

Protein powders made from hemp or nuts (almonds, walnuts, etc.) are virtually sodium-free, making them the perfect addition to a low sodium diet.

That said, not all sodium-free protein powders are created equal.

Many sodium-free protein powders are made with ingredients that can cause painful side effects and long term health problems. Among these ingredients are food additives, dairy-based proteins, and protein concentrates and isolates.

Avoid food additives

Regularly eating emulsifiers, thickeners, and other additives can not only upset your stomach, but also alter the composition of your gut microbiome – the collection of microorganisms living in your gut.

This can lead to gut dysbiosis, or an imbalance in gut bacteria, which is linked to chronic inflammation and the development of several diseases, including heart disease and high blood pressure. 

It follows that if you are on a low sodium diet due to a medical condition, you may want to think twice before regularly putting food additives into your body.

Here is a list of the most common food additives in protein supplements:

• acacia fiber
• acacia gum
• acesulfame potassium
• artificial flavors
• ascorbic acid
• aspartame
• calcium carbonate
• carrageenan
• cellulose gum
• dextrin
• dicalcium phosphate
• dipotassium phosphate
• erythritol
• gellan gum
• guar gum
• gum arabic
• inulin
• locust bean gum
• maltitol
• maltodextrin
• mono- and diglycerides
• ‘natural’ flavors
• rice bran extract
• rice dextrin
• rice hulls
• rosemary extract
• silica
• silicon dioxide
• sodium alginate
• soluble corn fiber
• sorbitol
• soy lecithin
• sucralose
• sunflower lecithin
• tocopherols
• tricalcium phosphate
• xanthan gum
• xylitol
• zinc oxide

Avoid dairy-based proteins

Dairy-based proteins like whey and casein, although not an issue for everyone, can cause side effects like bloating and diarrhea. This is in part because they contain lactose, a sugar most adults cannot fully digest.

Avoid protein concentrates and isolates

Most protein powders are made from protein concentrates and isolates, which have been mechanically and or chemically stripped of everything but the protein, including the enzymes, fiber, and other natural digestive aids that help you break them down. As a result, they can cause digestive issues and possibly even disruptions to your gut microbiome. 

Finding a protein powder free from food additives, dairy-based proteins, and protein concentrates and isolates is hard.

In fact, 99% of protein supplements contain one or more of these problematic ingredients, which is why we created drink wholesome. Keep reading to learn more about why we make the best no sodium protein powder.

Shop Now

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drink wholesome is the best sodium-free protein powder

We make the best protein powder without sodium because we use a short list of simple ingredients free from food additives, dairy-based proteins, and protein concentrates and isolates.

Our ingredients

egg whites

coconut

vanilla

monk fruit

NOT our ingredients

• acacia gum

• acesulfame potassium

• artificial flavors

• carrageenan

• erythritol

• guar gum

• inulin

• maltodextrin

• 'natural' flavors

• silica

• soy lecithin

• sucralose

• xanthan gum

• xylitol

Note that instead of using protein concentrates or isolates, we use whole food protein sources like collagen, egg whites, and almonds, which are easier to digest and absorb.

They also have unique digestive benefits: collagen can reduce bloating and improve digestive symptoms, egg whites can help restore your mucosal intestinal barrier, and almonds can improve the composition of your gut microbiome.

It follows that our customers experience fewer digestive issues with our sodium-free protein powder than with any other type of protein supplement. Order samples to see for yourself. 

What does sodium-free mean? 

“Sodium-free” means that a food contains less than 5 milligrams of sodium per serving.

Note that although the words “salt” and “sodium” are often used interchangeably, they do not mean the same thing.

Salt (also known as sodium chloride) is a naturally occurring compound. Sodium, on the other hand, is a mineral, and one of the constituents of salt. It helps your body maintain fluid and blood volume, and plays an important role in muscle and nerve function. 

Despite sodium’s importance, the amount needed by the body is actually relatively small, and most Americans consume far too much.

Americans eat, on average, about 3,400 milligrams of sodium per day, or 5+ teaspoons of salt, which is about 20 times as much as they need.

How do I know if I should be on a low sodium diet? 

Determining whether a low sodium diet is right for you involves several considerations.

First of all, medical conditions such as hypertension and kidney disease may necessitate a low sodium diet.

A family history of high blood pressure and/or heart disease is another reason to consider a low sodium diet.

Consulting a healthcare professional for personalized guidance is a must for determining if a low sodium diet aligns with your health goals and needs.

He or she can provide regular blood pressure monitoring and electrolyte panels to help you monitor your cardiovascular health and sodium levels.

Where can I find the sodium content of a food?

The post The Best Sodium Free Protein Powder appeared first on drink wholesome.

Looking for the best protein powder for elderly people? Discover how to help elderly people safely meet their protein needs.

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Protein powder and elderly people

Is protein powder good for elderly people?

Elderly people need a high protein diet to curb the loss of muscle (sarcopenia) that comes with aging.

For elderly people trying to rebuild muscle mass after illness, injury, or a long hospital stay, eating lots of protein is especially important.

Muscle loss can affect strength and bone health, which in turn affects agility, balance, and the ability to perform simple, everyday tasks.

Aging bodies also process protein less efficiently and therefore need more of it.

Even healthy elderly people need more protein than their younger selves, but one-third of elderly people do not consume enough protein due to reduced appetite, dental issues, impaired taste or swallowing, and/or limited financial resources.

When paired with an inactive lifestyle, low protein intake increases the risk deteriorating muscles, compromised mobility, and slower recovery from illness and injury.

It is thus safe to say that elderly people who consume more protein have better outcomes.

In fact, research confirms that protein supplementation can improve muscle mass and reduce the risk of sarcopenia in older adults.

How much protein do elderly people need?

The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for elderly people is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day.

For elderly people with acute or chronic diseases, the RDA can reach 1.2 to 1.5 grams per kilogram of body weight.

Even more protein, up to 2 grams per kilogram of body weight, could be needed for elderly people who are severely ill or malnourished.

Eating this much protein, even for someone without dietary restrictions, is challenging, however, which is where protein powder can help.

Adding a scoop of protein powder to a elderly person’s diet – whether in smoothies, oatmeal, or other recipes – is an easy way to boost his or her protein intake.

Note that research suggests protein supplements are most effective for older adults when consumed with a meal, as opposed to between meals, due to age-related changes in gastrointestinal mechanisms.

What is the best protein powder for elderly people?

Any type of protein powder (egg white, pea, whey, etc.) can help elderly people increase their protein intake.

In other words, as long as they are eating a balanced diet, there is no advantage to using one type of protein powder over another. Ingredients do matter, however.

Most protein powders are made with ingredients that can cause painful side effects and long term health problems.

Among these ingredients are food additives, dairy-based proteins, and protein concentrates and isolates.

Avoid food additives

Regularly eating emulsifiers, thickeners, sugar substitutes, and other additives can not only upset an elderly person’s stomach, but also alter the composition of his or her gut microbiome – the collection of microorganisms living in his or her gut.

This can lead to gut dysbiosis, or an imbalance in gut microbiota, which contributes to a wide range of chronic diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), obesity, type 1 diabetes, and colorectal cancer.

It is worth mentioning that with aging already comes a decrease in microbial diversity and shifts in the composition of the gut microbiome. It would be unfortunate to accelerate these changes by using a protein powder full of unhealthy additives.

Here is a list of the most common food additives in protein supplements:

• acacia fiber
• acacia gum
• acesulfame potassium
• artificial flavors
• ascorbic acid
• aspartame
• calcium carbonate
• carrageenan
• cellulose gum
• dextrin
• dicalcium phosphate
• dipotassium phosphate
• erythritol
• gellan gum
• guar gum
• gum arabic
• inulin
• locust bean gum
• maltitol
• maltodextrin
• mono- and diglycerides
• ‘natural’ flavors
• rice bran extract
• rice dextrin
• rice hulls
• rosemary extract
• silica
• silicon dioxide
• sodium alginate
• soluble corn fiber
• sorbitol
• soy lecithin
• sucralose
• sunflower lecithin
• tocopherols
• tricalcium phosphate
• xanthan gum
• xylitol
• zinc oxide

Avoid dairy-based proteins

Dairy-based proteins like whey and casein, although not an issue for everyone, can cause side effects like bloating and diarrhea. This is in part because they contain lactose, a sugar many elderly people cannot fully digest.

Avoid protein concentrates and isolates

Most protein powders are made from protein concentrates and isolates, which have been mechanically and or chemically stripped of everything but the protein, including the enzymes, fiber, and other natural digestive aids that help elderly people break them down. As a result, they can cause digestive issues and possibly even disruptions to the gut microbiome. 

Shop Now

Shop Now

drink wholesome is the best protein powder for elderly people

Finding a protein powder free from food additives, dairy-based proteins, and protein concentrates and isolates is hard.

In fact, 99% of protein supplements contain one or more of these problematic ingredients, which is why we created drink wholesome.

We make the best protein shakes for elderly people because we use a short list of simple ingredients free from food additives, dairy-based proteins, and protein concentrates and isolates.

Our ingredients

egg whites

coconut

vanilla

monk fruit

NOT our ingredients

• acacia gum

• acesulfame potassium

• artificial flavors

• carrageenan

• erythritol

• guar gum

• inulin

• maltodextrin

• 'natural' flavors

• silica

• soy lecithin

• sucralose

• xanthan gum

• xylitol

Note that instead of using protein concentrates or isolates, we use whole food protein sources like collagen, egg whites, and almonds, which are easier to digest and absorb.

It follows that elderly people experience fewer digestive issues with our protein powder than with any other type of protein supplement. Order samples to see for yourself.

What might elderly people struggle to eat enough protein?

Many elderly people face challenges when it comes to maintaining a balanced diet and eating enough protein. Here are a few reasons why this might be true:

• Digestive issues: Gastrointestinal problems, such as indigestion and impaired nutrient absorption are common in aging individuals. They can hinder the efficient breakdown and absorption of dietary protein, leading to reduced protein intake. Aging itself can also lead to functional changes in the digestive system, such as reduced stomach acid production and slower gastrointestinal motility, which may also impact how elderly people digest and absorb the food they eat.
• Difficulty chewing and swallowing: Dental problems such as tooth loss, gum disease, and oral pain can make it hard to chew solid protein sources. Elderly people may also experience difficulty swallowing due to age-related muscle weakness, neurological conditions, and structural changes in the throat and esophagus.
• Restricted mobility: Mobility issues, such as arthritis or frailty, may make it challenging for elderly people to stand for extended periods, handle kitchen tools, or safely cook. This limitation often results in a reliance on convenient foods that are easy to prepare, but low in protein compared to homemade meals. Moreover, the physical effort required to cook or shop for groceries may deter elderly people from prioritizing protein-rich foods.
• Side effects of medication: Elderly people often take multiple medications, which can alter appetite and impact nutrient absorption. Medication side effects can cause nausea, reduced appetite, and digestive issues, all of which can make it challenging for elderly people to eat enough protein. These side effects may result in decreased food intake overall or avoidance of protein-rich foods, contributing to protein deficiency and/or nutritional imbalances.
• Limited access to nutritious foods: Social isolation, financial constraints, and food insecurity can also contribute to nutrition concerns in the elderly population. This is especially a concern for elderly people who live in food deserts or have limited transportation options. The lack of access to protein-rich foods like lean meats, legumes, and dairy products can make it challenging for elderly people to get protein in their diets.
• Cognitive decline: Conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s can affect eating habits, meal preparation, and nutrition awareness in the elderly. This can lead to irregular eating patterns, forgetting meals, or difficulty recognizing hunger cues, all of which contribute to challenges in getting enough protein and other essential nutrients.

In short, it is important for elderly people or their caregivers to consider the possible ways in which aging can make eating enough protein challenging. It is also important to ensure that elderly people have easy and regular access to high quality protein sources. In some cases, the best option may be a protein supplement. 

How can protein powder help improve elderly nutrition?

Following the advice of a registered dietitian, here are some ways that protein powder can help address some of the common concerns associated with elderly nutrition:

Malnutrition

Protein powder is a tool that can help combat malnutrition, which is a huge concern among the elderly, especially those living alone or in long-term care facilities.

Malnutrition can lead to weight loss, sarcopenia (muscle loss), and increased risk of medical complications.

By adding a protein shake to the diet, or by incorporating protein powder in smoothies, oatmeal, and other recipes, elderly people can easily boost their calorie and protein intake. 

If you or someone you care for is struggling with malnutrition, try making this high-protein, high-calorie Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Shake:

Ingredients:

• 1 serving Chocolate Egg White Protein Powder
• 1 ripe banana
• 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter
• 1/2 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• 1 handful ice cubes

Instructions:

Add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. 

The beauty of protein powder is its versatility. A good protein powder for elderly women and men, especially an unflavored one, can be added to a number of recipes without changing the taste or texture.

Protein shakes made with protein powder can also be customized to suit personal needs and preferences, which is great news for elderly people dealing with food aversions.

Dehydration

Protein powder can help elderly people prevent dehydration, which is a common and widely overlooked concern. Dehydration can impair brain function, causing confusion, disorientation, and memory problems. A benefit of protein powder, especially a versatile one like collagen protein powder, is that it can be blended with hydrating ingredients like fruit and coconut water. 

Nutrient deficiencies

Protein powder can help prevent nutrient deficiencies. Vitamin D, vitamin B12, calcium, iron, and magnesium deficiencies are very common in the elderly, and can be curbed or prevented by adding a nutrient rich protein powder to the diet. 

Overall health

Protein powders can be used to meet the needs of elderly people living with chronic health conditions like diabetes and obesity. For example, eating enough protein helps with blood glucose management and improves satiety (fullness), both of which support weight loss efforts.

It is important to note that protein powder should not replace other protein sources; it should simply be used to fill in nutritional gaps. Given the many challenges that elderly face with their nutrition, however, protein powder can be one of the best tools optimizing nutrition.

The post The Best Protein Powder For Elderly appeared first on drink wholesome.

Looking for the best protein powder for breastfeeding and weight loss? Discover how to use protein powder to lose weight while breastfeeding.

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Protein powder and breastfeeding and weight loss

How much protein do breastfeeding moms need? 

As a breastfeeding mom, your body needs extra nutrients to support postpartum recovery and milk production. 

According to the American Pregnancy Association, you should consume around 71 grams of protein per day while breastfeeding.

This is about 30% more protein than what non-breastfeeding women need.

Should breastfeeding moms use protein powder?

Meeting your daily dietary protein needs while breastfeeding can be really hard, especially if you have dietary restrictions. This is where protein powder can help.

Adding a scoop of protein powder to your diet is an easy way to ensure you are eating enough protein for both you and your baby.

That said, protein powder should only be used to supplement your dietary protein intake and fill in nutritional gaps. It should not replace other forms of dietary protein.

Can protein powder promote weight loss while breastfeeding?

Eating more protein can help you lose weight for several reasons:

• Protein is the most satiating macronutrient, meaning it keeps you feeling full for longer than nutrients like fats and carbs. This can help prevent cravings and overeating.
• Protein increases thermogenesis, or your metabolic rate and energy expenditure. 
• Eating protein can help you build muscle. People with more muscle mass have faster metabolisms (burn more calories) because it takes more energy (calories) to maintain muscle than fat.

In short, a high-protein diet can help with weight loss as it helps increase satiety and metabolism.

Protein powder not only offers a quick and easy way to eat more protein, but also a convenient way to increase the percentage of your calories that come from protein.

Compared to most foods, even high protein foods, protein powder contains lots of protein by weight. 

Keep in mind that your calorie needs are higher while breastfeeding, so you should not drastically cut calories.

Instead, use protein powder to keep you feeling full so you avoid snacking and overeating.

What is the best protein powder for weight loss while breastfeeding?

Many protein powders are made with ingredients that can cause painful side effects and long term health problems for both mothers and infants. Among these ingredients are food additives and protein concentrates and isolates. 

Avoid food additives

Regularly eating emulsifiers, thickeners and other additives can not only upset your stomach, but also alter the composition of your gut microbiome – the collection of microorganisms living in your gut.

This can lead to gut dysbiosis, or an imbalance in gut bacteria, in the mother, which is, in turn, associated with poor infant gut health.

Poor infant gut health, in turn, increases the risk of metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes.

Here is a list of the most common food additives in protein supplements:

• acacia fiber
• acacia gum
• acesulfame potassium
• artificial flavors
• ascorbic acid
• aspartame
• calcium carbonate
• carrageenan
• cellulose gum
• dextrin
• dicalcium phosphate
• dipotassium phosphate
• erythritol
• gellan gum
• guar gum
• gum arabic
• inulin
• locust bean gum
• maltitol
• maltodextrin
• mono- and diglycerides
• ‘natural’ flavors
• rice bran extract
• rice dextrin
• rice hulls
• rosemary extract
• silica
• silicon dioxide
• sodium alginate
• soluble corn fiber
• sorbitol
• soy lecithin
• sucralose
• sunflower lecithin
• tocopherols
• tricalcium phosphate
• xanthan gum
• xylitol
• zinc oxide

Avoid protein concentrates and isolates

Most protein powders are made from protein concentrates and isolates, which have been mechanically and or chemically stripped of everything but the protein, including the enzymes, fiber, and other natural digestive aids that help you break them down. As a result, they can cause digestive issues and possibly even disruptions to your gut microbiome. 

Finding a protein powder free from food additives and protein concentrates and isolates is hard.

In fact, 99% of protein supplements contain one or more of these problematic ingredients, which is why we created drink wholesome. Keep reading to learn more about why we make the best protein powder for breastfeeding and weight loss.

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drink wholesome is the best protein powder for breastfeeding and weight loss

We make the best protein powder for weight loss while breastfeeding because we use a short list of simple ingredients free from food additives and protein concentrates and isolates.

Our ingredients

egg whites

coconut

vanilla

monk fruit

NOT our ingredients

• acacia gum

• acesulfame potassium

• artificial flavors

• carrageenan

• erythritol

• guar gum

• inulin

• maltodextrin

• 'natural' flavors

• silica

• soy lecithin

• sucralose

• xanthan gum

• xylitol

Note that instead of using protein concentrates or isolates, we use whole food protein sources like collagen, egg whites, and almonds, which are easier to digest and absorb.

They also have unique digestive benefits: collagen can reduce bloating and improve digestive symptoms, egg whites can help restore your mucosal intestinal barrier, and almonds can improve the composition of your gut microbiome.

It follows that our customers experience fewer digestive issues with our protein powder than with any other type of protein supplement. Order samples to see for yourself. 

The post The Best Protein Powder For Breastfeeding And Weight Loss appeared first on drink wholesome.

Looking for a protein powder that won’t upset your stomach? Discover why some protein powders are easier to digest than others.

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Protein powder and digestion

Can protein powder upset my stomach? 

If protein powers upset your stomach, you are not alone! The most common side effect of consuming protein powder is digestive issues like bloating, diarrhea, and stomach pain.

Exactly why a particular protein powder upsets your stomach is complicated.

It could due to the ingredients, the processing used to make it, or even individual food sensitivities.

Moreover, there are so many ingredients in the average protein powder that identifying the problem can be challenging and expensive, which is why I wrote this article. 

Below is a summary of the top reasons why protein powder can cause digestive issues.

Once you figure out what types of ingredients and processing to avoid, you will have a much easier time finding a protein powder that won’t upset your stomach.

Note that consulting with a registered dietitian is a great way to discover if underlying conditions or allergies are contributing to your upset stomach.

Now, without further ado, here is everything you need to know about protein powder and digestion.

Why does protein powder upset my stomach? 

Many protein powders are made with ingredients that can cause painful digestive issues and long term gut health problems. Among these ingredients are food additives, dairy-based proteins, and protein concentrates and isolates. 

Food additives

Emulsifiers, thickeners, and other additives are so processed they are hard to digest. It follows that they feed your gut bacteria, which release gas as they eat.

Too much intestinal gas can cause bloating, flatulence, stomach pain, and even constipation.

Partially digested food additives can also cause your colon to absorb too much water, leading to diarrhea.

Moreover, regularly eating food additives can alter the composition of your gut microbiome.

This can lead to gut dysbiosis, or an imbalance in gut bacteria, which is linked to the development of chronic digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Here is a list of the most common food additives in protein supplements:

• acacia fiber
• acacia gum
• acesulfame potassium
• artificial flavors
• ascorbic acid
• aspartame
• calcium carbonate
• carrageenan
• cellulose gum
• dextrin
• dicalcium phosphate
• dipotassium phosphate
• erythritol
• gellan gum
• guar gum
• gum arabic
• inulin
• locust bean gum
• maltitol
• maltodextrin
• mono- and diglycerides
• ‘natural’ flavors
• rice bran extract
• rice dextrin
• rice hulls
• rosemary extract
• silica
• silicon dioxide
• sodium alginate
• soluble corn fiber
• sorbitol
• soy lecithin
• sucralose
• sunflower lecithin
• tocopherols
• tricalcium phosphate
• xanthan gum
• xylitol
• zinc oxide

Dairy-based proteins

Dairy-based proteins like whey and casein, although not an issue for everyone, can cause stomach issues like bloating and diarrhea. This is usually because they contain lactose, a sugar most adults cannot fully digest.

Protein concentrates and isolates

Most protein supplements are made from protein concentrates and isolates, which have been mechanically and or chemically stripped of everything but the protein, including the enzymes, fiber, and other natural digestive aids that help you break them down.

As a result, they can upset your stomach and possibly even disrupt your gut microbiome. This is something anyone, especially someone with a sensitive stomach, should take very seriously. 

Finding a protein powder free from food additives, dairy-based proteins, and protein concentrates and isolates is hard.

In fact, 99% of protein supplements contain one or more of these problematic ingredients, which is why we created drink wholesome. I will talk about that later.

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Are some types of protein powder easier to digest than others? 

In case you were wondering, some types of dietary protein are easier to digest than others.

The most widely accepted way to measure these differences is by using the Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS), which takes into account both the amino acid profile of the protein and how easy it is to break down and absorb that protein.

Protein sources like eggs and dairy have a PDCAAS of 1.0, which is the highest possible score.

Most other protein sources score considerably lower, but that does not necessarily mean they are harder to digest.

For one thing, the PDCAAS is biased towards a dietary protein’s amino acid profile.

As a reminder:

• Amino acids are the building blocks of protein.
• There are 20 amino acids in the human body, 9 of which are essential, meaning we must get them from food.
• A dietary protein with all 9 essential amino acids is considered a complete protein.

Because eggs and dairy are complete proteins, they have a much higher potential PDCAAS than incomplete proteins like peas.

Given this inherent bias, some people choose to focus on ileal digestibility, which is a measurement of how well nutrients are absorbed by the small intestine, specifically at the end part known as the ileum.

Animal-based protein sources like eggs and dairy tend to have higher ileal digestibilities than plant-based protein sources like peas, which further reinforces the idea that they are easier to digest.

But here is where things get complicated. Digestion involves the entire digestive tract, which is made up of organs, microorganisms, enzymes, acids, and other compounds that work together to help you break down the food you eat. 

And the function and composition of the digestive tract can vary significantly from person to person – lactose intolerance is a good example of this – so foods that are easy to digest for one person may be hard to digest for someone else. 

It follows that protein digestion outside of a controlled laboratory environment is super complicated. Worrying about it is thus not worth your time and energy. 

Instead, what you should be concerned about is how much processing and how many additives were used to make your protein powder.

drink wholesome makes protein powder that won’t upset your stomach

We make the protein powder that won’t upset your stomach because we use a short list of simple ingredients free from food additives, dairy-based proteins, and protein concentrates and isolates.

Our ingredients

egg whites

coconut

vanilla

monk fruit

NOT our ingredients

• acacia gum

• acesulfame potassium

• artificial flavors

• carrageenan

• erythritol

• guar gum

• inulin

• maltodextrin

• 'natural' flavors

• silica

• soy lecithin

• sucralose

• xanthan gum

• xylitol

Note that instead of using protein concentrates or isolates, we use whole food protein sources like collagen, egg whites, and almonds, which are easier to digest and absorb.

They also have unique digestive benefits: collagen can reduce bloating and improve digestive symptoms, egg whites can help restore your mucosal intestinal barrier, and almonds can improve the composition of your gut microbiome.

It follows that our customers experience fewer stomach issues with our protein powder than with any other type of protein supplement. Order samples to see for yourself. 

Shop Now

Shop Now

The post The Best Protein Powder That Won’t Upset Your Stomach appeared first on drink wholesome.