Is it OK to take Whey protein isolate?

Options
Sable43
Sable43 Member Posts: 91
edited June 2014 in Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment

I had been reading (on other sites of course) that Whey protein isolate was a good source of protein for BC patients. But now I'm concerned for the protein powder I purchased has soy lecithin in it. I got it from the Vitamin Shoppe. Admittedly I've hardly been drinking it all (not crazy about the taste), but am trying to get rid of this belly pudge and decided to begin drinking a shake daily. There's so many discrepancies it seems; either soy is good for you (in moderation) or it isn't if you're a BC patient. I've just had my second round of chemo. and really want to do the right thing. Can't help but feel my diet and lack of exercise contributed to my disease although I know that this can happen to any woman who even led a healthy lifestyle.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Husband11
    Husband11 Member Posts: 2,264
    edited September 2009

    Soy lecithin does not contain the phytoestrogens that a hormone receptor positive BC patient is told to avoid.  Lecithin is a different component of the soy.  The quantity of it in the whey powder is also low.  Some on here say to avoid soy lecithin for other reasons as they believe it contains more contaminents and pesticides.  Not sure on that.  I'd like to hear that from a credible source.  Anyone have some evidence to offer?  Soy lecithin in prevalent in many processed foods.  Its used as an emulsifier.  Its also (was? is?) touted to have cardiovascular benefits.  Not sure of that either.  But, it is not an estrogen mimic.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sable43
    Sable43 Member Posts: 91
    edited October 2009

    Timothy,

    Thanks so much for the info. provided. I didn't even hear about possible contaminants and pesticides that might be linked.I just want to know if the positives outweigh the negatives; and if it's worthy to continue drinking it as a protein source. I have read on other sites that whey protein isolate can aid in slowing the growth of cancer cells; but then I'm not certain how reputable the claims are nor do I want to contribute to the madness by spreading what could be rumors. I feel bad for grasping at what could be straws; but I just want to get better like everyone else. And I figure one way to go about it was to improve my diet.

    Again I'm grateful for your feedback Timothy. If anyone else has anything to add; I'm open to your suggestions and am willing to "listen" to your opinions,

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Husband11
    Husband11 Member Posts: 2,264
    edited October 2009

    I think its good to not get in a rut and rely too much on a single food source for protein.  You could have whey, fresh fish, chicken breast, egg whites (if fat is a concern), low fat cottage cheese, turkey breast, canned tuna, canned salmon.  Just about every food source out there someone can point out some fear they have over it.

    On the subject of whey, try different brands.  They often taste quite different from each other.  Plain vanilla I find the most pallitable and neutral tasting.  Some have bodybuilding additives like creatine and glutamine that are probably unwanted by you.   They use different artificial sweetners as well and that might be affecting your perception of their taste.  The better and more expensive whey's use whey isolate as opposed to whey concentrate.  The isolate is purer whey, less carbs and cholesterol.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Rosemary44
    Rosemary44 Member Posts: 2,660
    edited October 2009

    There is a whey protein powder out there somewhere that doesn't have soy lecithin, nor any thing else you might not want such as growth hormones.  I've been trying to remember the name of the company.  If I find it again, I'll post it here.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • wallycat
    wallycat Member Posts: 3,227
    edited October 2009

    Unless you have celiac/sprue (gluten allergies), it should be OK.

    Soy as a whole food is OK.

    I would much rather see people sticking to whole foods and not fill up on processed (torn apart) foods.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Rosemary44
    Rosemary44 Member Posts: 2,660
    edited October 2009

    I found one that is organic without soy lecithin or growth hormones. It isn't the same one I use to take.  I can't remember the name of that company.  Anyway, this one is organic which would be better:

    http://www.defensenutrition.com/lpg/organic-whey-protein/organic%20whey.html

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sable43
    Sable43 Member Posts: 91
    edited October 2009

    Thanks everyone for your posts. Info., opinions, and suggestions all appreciated. We're here to help each other right?

    God bless!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • London-Virginia
    London-Virginia Member Posts: 851
    edited October 2009

    It is not really accurate to make a blanket statement that soy is ok - it isn't necesarilly the cvase for er+ people, and I agree, it is better to eat whole foods and not package food, but that is a  separate issue.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories