Allergic to my Protein Powder

Well I have been kinda itchy the last week or so and within the last day or so I have developed welts & hives. Have been trying to figure out what has made me so itchy, and I came to the conclusion it's the protein powder. I'm using the stuff GNC sells, "Gold Standard" Whey Protein Isolates" I read the ingredients and I am totally clueless what ingredient in it is making me allergic to it, but all I know is I have to run out to the store tomorrow and find a replacement. In fact last year I had allergy testing and the only thing I was found to be allergic to is "mold, dust mites & cats".
I'm 2 1/2 weeks post-op and can't skip a day without my protein shakes(ugh!)

Has anyone else have a similiar reaction and can you tell me what you used instead, I know there is alot of different kinds out there.


Thanks,

Laura

Protein "supplements / powder" are unnatural, concentrated, substances that were intended to be used in a limited quantity and not as a part of ones daily diet. There are many types of protein powders on the market and it is best to invest in several and rotate or mix them together to lessen the possible side effects. But please educate yourself on the long term possible bad side effects of processed soy products (via the internet) before you go down that path. Especially the effect that soy may have on the thyroid. There is casein (slower acting than whey), egg, soy, hemp, rice and pea.

Whey Protein Side Effects

While whey protein is a natural food substance, it is not 100 percent risk free. There are some minor whey protein side effects you should be aware of:

Allergic Reaction

Whey protein is derived from milk. In addition, some unrefined forms of whey protein contain higher levels of lactose. Consequently, the product may cause negative reactions in people who are allergic to dairy products and those who suffer from lactose intolerance. If you experience any of the following symptoms after consuming whey protein, contact your doctor immediately:

• Rash or hives
• Itching
• Swelling of the lips, mouth, or throat
• Wheezing or difficulty breathing
• Excessive coughing
• Diarrhea or blood in the stool (especially in infants)
• Vomiting

Excessive Consumption

In studying whey protein side effects, doctors have found that some individuals, who consume excessive amounts of the substance, may experience the following symptoms:

• Increased stool frequency
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Headaches
• Thirst
• Bloating
• Cramps

Other Side Effects

Kidney Problems: If whey protein is taken over the long-term there is a risk of developing kidney disorders, including kidney stones. However, it is important to note that there isn't substantiated research that links excessive, long-term whey protein consumption with deteriorating kidney function. Regardless, many experts still insist that there is a risk, and caution individuals to consume whey protein in moderation. Liver Problems: In some cases whey protein has been found to cause liver damage related to ketosis. Ketosis is characterized by elevated levels of ketones in the blood and is considered very dangerous since it causes stress on the liver that might lead to liver damage.

Joint Problems: Long-term consumption of whey protein can also result in insufficient calcium deposits to the bones, which can lead to osteoporosis and other joint problems.

 Try JRobb Egg White protein or their whey protein. They use stevia to sweeten their product. Good luck!!

I went to their website but was not able to find a product called "Protein Ultimate"... searching on line I'm not sure if I'm finding the same stuff.  I too believe that I'm alergic to the Unjury because I am breaking out in with itchy skin primarily on my calves and the top of one hand...   Can you provide any more information like off the label itself?

 Sounds like me my first few weeks post op! I was itching and my feet were swelling. Found out I was allergic to UNJURY. It had yellow dye and red dye in it which did me in. I then switched to Protein Ulitmate from Ann's Health Food Store. It is wonderful. I only do chocolate and cookies and cream, and I only use water. I have been using that now for 1 1/2 years. It works great, and it doesn't have that nasty aftertaste that most do. 

Good luck on finding one that fits you.

Lisa

Laura,

Did you find any protein powders that seem to work?  I came home from the hospital and started with hives a couple days later.  We thought it was my anti-nausea patch.  I stopped all new meds and still got the hives.  The only new item was my protein powder.  I drank a different kind of protein shake before surgery and not too many of them.  I'm going to check out the contents of my old powder and see if maybe it doesn't have whey.  I've tried three different whey powders and all three gave me hives.  I'd love to know if you found something that seems to work.  I've read negative things about soy proteins so I purchased an egg white protein.  I haven't tried it yet.  My reaction looks like I've been attacked by a big cat.  The raised "scratches" will appear on my arms, legs, chest, or face (mostly after I walk or exercise).  I guess the toxins raise to the surface from the increased blood movement in the body after exercise.

Linda, I am not the OP, but I had the same problem with protein powder & bar allergies. I have only found 1 I'm not allergic to: Syntrax Matrix. I'm not sure what is different regarding the fillers or the process, but it's the only one that doesn't give me hives and make my throat swell shut.

I tried the soy protein & the egg white proteins, both were nasty tasting and I still got hives with chocolate soy protein powder, not the egg white, but that made me want to vomit, so I went back to the whey protein powder but only use the cookies & cream one and that seems to work...bottom line, I think i'm allergic to the COCOA.