This post may contain affiliate links of some products I personally love & recommend. Let’s dive in!
Although some forms of protein powder can be hard on the digestive system, there are healthy protein powder options that actually promote digestion and provide other health benefits. So what protein powder is best for a healthy gut? Keep reading to find out.
Reading Time: 5 minutes
What protein powder is best for a healthy gut? Keep reading to find out…
Over the past several years, protein powders have seemed to gain a poor reputation. Although some forms of protein powder can be hard on the digestive system, there are various healthy protein powder options that actually promote digestion and provide other health benefits.
In my work with autoimmunity and gut health, I’m frequently asked about the benefits (and consequences) of protein powder:
“Is protein powder healthy?”
“What protein powder is best?”
“Is protein powder safe for me?”
As with almost everything else, quality is key. Certain protein powders (as discussed below) are better for your body than others, especially when poor gut function or autoimmunity is at play.
WHY PROTEIN POWDER IS PART OF A HEALTHY DIET
In my professional opinion, protein powder can play an important role in most healthy, balanced diets- even when extenuating health circumstances are present. Protein plays an essential role in the body, as it’s responsible for building and maintaining muscle mass, providing energy, healing infections, and much more.
Despite its impressive workload, adequate protein is lacking in the average American diet. Enter: protein powder. High quality protein powder is an effective and delicious way to consume more protein on a daily basis. When it comes to the gut health and autoimmunity, protein powder can help:
- Heal the gut lining
- Provide essential vitamins and minerals
- Reduce inflammation
- Boost the immune system
That being said, choosing the right protein powder is often easier said than done.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE HEALTHIEST PROTEIN POWDER
When you walk into any grocery store or supplement shop, you’ll probably see protein powder galore. The options seem endless! However, finding the right option isn’t always such an easy task.
Choosing the right protein powder is key if you struggle with GI distress (bloating, gas, indigestion), are in the process of healing your gut, or have an autoimmune condition. I encourage you to stick to these tips when shopping for protein powder:
Skip the Whey
Not to state the obvious, but whey protein powder is made from dairy. If you’ve struggled with gut issues or autoimmunity for awhile, you’re probably familiar with the distress dairy can cause in your tummy. But, that’s not all. When the gut and immune systems aren’t up to par, dairy can cause overall inflammation in the body.
Quality Over Quantity
Don’t let labels that state “natural” or “organic” fool you. Most of the time, these marketing tactics aren’t anything more than false advertising. Instead, here’s what you should look for:
- Purity- Protein powders are NOT all created equally. Most plant based protein powders contain a high amount of heavy metals and contaminants. These products are usually the protein powders you can find in grocery stores and health food shops.
- Quality- Look for brands that willingly share their reports with full transparency. Your protein powder should be tested specifically for heavy metals and contain only non-GMO, organic ingredients. Actually, The Clean Label Project completed a study that revealed 130 types of toxins in over 134 different protein powders. This is something to especially be aware of in plant-based powders. Note: if you suffer from autoimmunity, it’s essential to avoid food sources of heavy metals.
Minimal Ingredients
Protein powders often have way too many ingredients, which isn’t ideal for those with leaky gut and autoimmune conditions. Most of these ingredients include binders, fillers, gums, prebiotics, and sweeteners. While these ingredients aren’t inherently bad, they frequently cause GI distress, like bloating and gas.
MY FAVORITE PROTEIN POWDERS
Following my checklist above, I’ve selected the healthiest protein powders that are approved for those with gut issues and autoimmune disease:
1. PurePaleo by Designs for Health
PurePaleo was made with autoimmune in mind. It’s ingredients include hydrolyzed beef bovine protein, which is easy to digest and high in protein. The plain flavor is a great option to add to smoothies, oatmeal, or baked goods!
2. InflammaCore by Ortho Molecular
InflammaCore is the best option for inflammatory conditions, imbalanced hormones, and meal replacement. You should not use this product with other ingredients or products. It’s best used as a meal replacement around mid-afternoon.
3. Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides
Hydrolyzed collagen peptides are great to use in addition to protein powder. Include one scoop a few times per week to boost gut integrity and improve hair, skin, and nails. My favorite hydrolyzed collagen peptides are OrthoMolecular Labs Collagen OR Perfect Brand Grass-Fed Collagen.
4. Perfect Protein
Perfect Protein is an excellent, new option that is highly regulated and lab tested for purity and heavy metals. The ingredients are plant based and vegan, including protein rich sources like, pumpkin seed, hemp seed, and sacha inchi. Bonus: you won’t find any binders or fillers.
5. Nuzest Clean Lean Protein
Nuzest Clean Lean Protein is my go-to, as it’s approved for those with gut dysfunction or autoimmunity. The ingredients are vegan and plant based. While Nuzest is still one of my favorites, they recently reformulated, resulting in a slightly different taste.
6. GI Replenish
GI Replenish is an awesome option for those with active, more severe IBD/IBS symptoms. It helps heal the gut lining, while providing an adequate source of protein. Plus, it tastes the best!
While there are many protein powder options available, it’s worth figuring out the right option for your body, needs, and goals. At the end of the day, you want to support your body, not harm it. Once you’ve chosen the right protein powder for you, download my FREE guide, Building a Better Smoothie to learn exactly how to incorporate your protein powder for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and/or snacks!
If you need more help figuring out what protein powder is best for you, I encourage you to work with a functional practitioner who can make this important decision with you!
READ THE LATEST BLOG POSTS:
Leave a Reply
The 5 Best Natural Sweeteners for Gut Health
check out our top tips!
before you dive in deep,
read more
Low Vitamin D Levels on a Blood Test
read more
Why Functional Medicine is the Healthcare of the Future
read more
food
Autoimmunity
functional medicine
"When it comes to balancing our body, healing the gut, reversing autoimmunity, and achieving optimal health—we are a lot like a car that won’t run right. In order to fix the problem once and for all instead of relying on jumper cables, we must get underneath the hood, run the diagnostics, and replace the battery so that it runs good as new."
-Nikki Yelton, RD
a note from nikki:
If you are ready to stop wasting precious time, get off the never-ending hamster wheel, and finally surrender trying to figure things out on your own—this is your moment.
You don’t have to settle for just getting by and hoping tomorrow is a better day. We both know you are a woman who deserves better and are made for so. much. more.
are you ready?
Ready to resolve your GI distress, reverse autoimmunity, and live your extraordinary life?
I AM READY!
check these out!
not ready to go yet?
read my MOST POPULAR HEALTH TIPS
favorite
tools & resources
browse
the shop
LISTEN TO THE
PODCAST
Hi Nikki,
I just found your site after having a Dietary Consult. I have not been tested for Fructose Intolerance but my Dietician recommended a protein powder with too many ingredients including fake sugar I am sensitive too. I struggle with CIC (Chronic Idiopathic Constipation) and attend PFT (pelvic floor therapy). I will go for 3 days without a bm. Which of the protein powders would be good to start? I didn’t know if I should avoid pea protein or try it. Thank you for the advice!
Ann
Hi Ann! Thanks for reaching out. I am really glad you are working with someone who can help you along, it sounds like you are making your health a priority which is awesome! I would start with something very minimal and basic. With all the options I listed above, the Pure Paleo or the Nuzest Clean Lean Protein (which is European pea) might be best to start with. It would also help to make sure your smoothie is nice and balanced with the right ratios of protein, fats, carbs, and fiber to help constipation as well. The recipe above can give you an idea of what that might look like. Let us know how you do!
Hi maybe you can recommended one for me. I have hashimotos. I’ve gone gluten free, dairy free, etc. I was doing just a bone broth protein powder but I’m now questioning if I have a histamine intolerance. Any recommendations?
Hi Lindsey!
Thanks for reaching out. I am glad you stumbled upon this article! So I can’t give personalized recommendations unless you are a client and I know more about your unique chemistry through testing but I will tell you it is very common to have SIBO with Hashimotos. This can cause higher histamine until the gut is healed the right way and this could be why you would experience bloating and some discomfort with the bone broth protein even though this is the golden recommendation for those with autoimmunity. This is where it is always great to personalize based on your unique body! With that being said, I find most women do very well on the plain Perfect protein linked in the article above OR the Nuzest Clean Lean Protein also mentioned above. I would suggest experimenting and see what works best for you body. Another thing that can really help is to cycle your protein. This might look like the bone broth protein 2-3 days a week and maybe the Nuzest on the other days.
I hope all this helps, let us know how you do!! 🙂
Which protein powder do you suggest for someone with SIBO, who is also looking to gain weight?
So I actually mention the Perfect protein in this article and that is usually my go to for anyone with SIBO. When it comes to gaining weight, making sure you have your protein with a balanced smoothie can really support healthy weight gain or loss (whichever way you need to go). I would suggest searching “smoothie” in the blog homepage search bar for an article I wrote that teaches you how to balance your smoothies the right way to ensure you are getting the amounts you need. I hope that helps, let me know how you do!