Protein Powders & Body Functions

Whether or not your whey is having a direct nerve impact on your intestinal motility (rate of matter moving thru your gut) depends on the type of whey you are using. If you are using the isolate, its comprised of small peptides, often with single amino acids added to it to boost "anabolic effects". This is typically glutamine or arginine. About 35-40% of the amino acids in whey are readily converted to glucose and half again of that number are also excitatory - they bind to, and activate the neural receptors in gut that induce motility. In those who are susceptible (sensitive) to these amino acids, it can induce very fast emptying of the gut. So you have these competing effects. The short peptides are easily absorbed. However, if they induce very fast motility (intestinal spasms). absorption may be less than expected. To slow down absorption and keep those glucose forming aminos from causing a sudden surge in insulin, add a little rice bran or oat bran (not whole or steel cut oats) and 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil. That will slow down the movement and help you absorb your whey isolate more fully. If you have the whey complete or whey concentrates, you can still add the bran, but you are also using a whey preparation that automatically is slower in absorption. The addition of the the bran thickens the consistancy, not a bad idea. Helpful in terms of enhancing the benefits of lactalbumins with respect to immune health. Hope this makes sense. Oh, and protein does put a demand on the system for more water. So whey does have an impact on thirst and water volume processes by kidneys.