My Crohnstipated Life

According to Dr. Jonny, new research published in the Journal of Dairy Science suggests that compounds in whey protein may reduce some of the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease. The present study investigated the effects of whey protein on various markers of inflammation associated with IBD.

Whey is one of the two proteins found in milk and is a product of the cheese making process. The other protein found in milk- casein- is separated out to make cheese and the remaining liquid whey goes is filtered, dried and processed into whey protein powder, a very digestible protein that provides all the essential amino acids. “Whey protein contains bioactive proteins and peptides such as lactoferrin and, in the case of whey protein obtained from the cheese-making process, glycomacropeptide that can be beneficial in preventing colitis”, the researchers said.

The researchers reasoned that whey protein might be beneficial for IBD because of its high concentration of two amino acids– threonine and cysteine—which have been found to be necessary for the production of mucin. “Mucin is the mucous like substance that allows the gut to better protect itself“, explained Joseph Brasco, MD, a gastroenterologist and nutrition expert from the Center for Colon and Digestive Disorders in Huntsville, Alabama, and my go-to source for all things having to do with digestive health.

“The standard treatment for these diseases has been drug therapy”, Dr. Brasco told me, “with the intent of modifying the immune response in order to slow down the progression of the disease. What’s so interesting about this study is that they are trying to alter and improve the gut itself through nutrition. I’m encouraged by the fact that researchers are beginning to think that the immune system itself might be responding to abnormalities in the gut and that correcting those abnormalities might be a first order of business, one in which nutrition plays a huge part”.

But while encouraged by the decidedly nutritional approach of the researchers, Dr. Brasco stated that it was far too early to recommend that all patients with IBD start scarfing down whey protein drinks by the gallon. “This is a mouse study”, he cautioned, “and we really don’t know about dosing. Nor do we know if the amounts given to the animals in this study is in any way comparable to the amount of whey protein a human might reasonably consume.”

What I can tell you from my years of Whey Protein consumption is that it’s definitely not for everyone.  But for those of us who can stomach it, it’s defiantly beneficial.  Just remember that not all protein powders are created equal and that many, many companies use fillers and impurities in their blends.  Be sure to purchase from a well known company and do your research.  Dedicated Woman was created for me, a Crohn’s suffer, so I trust my product.  We get thousands of compliments and DO’s are now treating their patients with our product.  So, go ahead, orders yours today and give it a shot!