In today’s time, the wisest decision you can make for yourself is to do keyword research regarding what you consume. Your body is undoubtedly your best friend and not only requires but also deserves your utmost care. Scientists and experts think that the food you eat plays just as much of a significant role in your immunity system as the physical activity you perform. With that being said, before we further dive into the depths of the topic, it is essential to understand the fundamentals of both; whey protein and gluten. For this reason, I am going to walk you through all that you need to know about the product you are about to consume or buy. All that I ask of you is to sit back and read till the end, you will not be disappointed. If anything, after reading this article, the chances that you would have to surf the web for further details are rather slim. On that note, let’s get started!
If you are someone who takes a keen interest in nutritious discussions, you are sure to know that a gluten-free diet is the new cool thing. Celebrities locally as well as across the borders are seen proudly flaunting their new diet and the positive impacts it has made on their lifestyle as a whole. Therefore, not only is it a popular trend but also a present-day beneficial finding. By that, it is only fair if we are aware of the presence of the culprit in our day-to-day products of use.
What is whey protein?
To put it simply, whey protein is a compilation of diverse kinds of protein that is found in whey. Whey is the white liquid part of the milk. Conventionally, it is separated during the production and manufacturing of cheese as a byproduct. Whereas, the rest of the product in milk (during the making of cheese) takes up the shape of a semi–solid mixture. Whey comprises only a rough percentage of 20% whey. The rest is occupied by the secondary protein namely casein. You may come across containers of whey protein in the form of a powder at your local grocery store. To reach this stage, whey protein goes through several stages beginning with cheese production and the last stage being that of adding flavors or artificial sweeteners. On its own, whey protein is not something one would prefer eating justifying the addition of sweeteners. Notwithstanding that, some of the additives it may contain can prove to be harmful to human health. To refrain from getting caught in any unpleasant health-related situations, make sure you read the ingredients before buying a product (whey protein).
What is the purpose of using whey protein?
You may think of whey protein as the cherry on top of a cake, it’s not a necessity but makes the cake more delicious. Similarly, whey protein is not a crucial part of our day-to-day routine but if you’re looking for a way to provide additional strength to your body, whey protein is just what you need. If your diet lacks a sufficient amount of protein that is the requirement of a human body, you may add whey protein to your diet to fill the gap left in between.
The target population of whey protein powder is commonly athletes. This is the reason that aside from their healthful diet, they consume all protein and iron-rich foods they can get their hands on. Shakes and smoothies are considered to be the two best ways to incorporate whey protein powder in one’s meals. If you can’t get your finger on what is going to help give you a wake-up call in the morning and assure a buzzing day, this is nature’s way of telling you to give the additional supplement a chance.
What is gluten? And what are its side effects?
Ironically, gluten is a family of several proteins. Habitually, it is found in surplus amounts in grains of different sorts, particularly wheat.
Overall, gluten has an unlikable status amongst other reputable foods or ingredients of consumption. You must have come across several products that have a label of ‘gluten free’ in a manner that is supposed to make the ware more worthy in the eyes of the buyer. You may find this to be oddly unfair to the protein, nevertheless, you will be convinced otherwise once you are aware of its vicious ways (mind the exaggeration).
To say the least, researchers have proven that gluten has no additional health benefits nor does it provide any source of vitamins or proteins. On top of that, gluten also triggers a health condition known as celiac disease. However, only a small amount of the total public is affected by it, the side effects it has are grave. Suffering from celiac disease means one cannot eat gluten in any form because it attacks and brings harm to the small intestine. The immune system in turn attacks the intestine and further damages its walls. Common symptoms of celiac disease include the following;
- Stomach ache
- Diarrhea
- Prolonged nausea
- Abrupt weight loss
- Vomiting
- Fatigue and exhaustion
- Pain in the joints
- Heartburning or acidity
- Bone or joint pain
- Anemia (in severe cases of celiac disease)
Is whey protein gluten-free?
Now that we have gone through the above given detailed prospects about the two essentials in the topic of debate, let’s buckle down to finding the answer to what we’ve all been waiting for. Is whey protein gluten-free? Yes, whey protein is, as a matter of fact, gluten-free. If you are someone who is on a gluten-free diet, whey protein should be a point of no issue for you. On the contrary, it is a common belief amongst people that gluten-free diets in one way or another lack an adequate quantity of proteins and other minerals that fall under the category of our dietary requirements. In that scenario, you may feel as if your health is suffering adversely in comparison to people who do not swear by a gluten-free diet. If that is the case, whey proteins are one of the many commodities you can incorporate in your meals.
At the same time, it is not a said rule that whey protein is to be free of gluten in all forms. Rarely, if so, it may contain gluten in the form of additives such as preservatives or sweeteners. Henceforth, it may disrupt your meal plan or cause you unease (if you suffer from celiac disease). Unfortunately, there is a no less challenging way to ensure that there are no hidden health obstacles for you other than having a quick through of the ingredients. Flavored whey protein should be where most of your suspicion falls. If you come across, per se, chocolate-flavored whey protein at the grocery store, get us away from the isle as possible!
What do I do if I accidentally ate gluten including whey protein?
First and foremost, you ought to relax, gluten is not the end of the world, unlike what you might find on the internet (don’t always believe what you read). If you had a shake containing whey protein, the quantity is certain to be minimal, therefore even if you are a celiac, there is nothing to worry about. Besides, I’ve got your back on this one!
Now that you have calmed down, if you are experiencing slight symptoms, drink plenty of water. Keeping yourself hydrated should be your topmost priority at the moment. Avoid eating any more food so the symptoms do not worsen.
Ring up your regular doctor. I know, you must have already thought of this, but if you are still unsure as to whether you should press the dial button, YOU CERTAINLY SHOULD! No advice over the internet is as valuable as what an expert has to say who is also well aware of your health condition and body type. All you need to do is follow the instructions and advice of your nutritionist and you’ll be good to go in no time.
Lastly, to avoid such a circumstance from taking root again, re-check all the processed foods you use for the culprit group of proteins (gluten). If you come across anything, you already know what to do.
For the ones who are in a hurry
Naturally, whey protein is gluten-free as it is prepared from milk during the process of cheese manufacturing. Even so, just to be on the extra-safe side, read through the ingredients before you buy the powdered source of protein. A stitch in time saves nine!
Whey protein-containing add-ons may contain gluten or may be contaminated with it if its manufacturing is done in a factory where gluten-added preservatives are prepared.
