Why Low Sodium Protein Powders?

As the name suggests, low sodium protein powders 1are products containing high amounts or levels of protein. On the other hand, they have low sodium content. It makes the item unique. 

Generally, most protein powders available in the market have a significantly high sodium content. It can be because of the substantial quantity of salt or dilute salt solution utilized as an extracting substance or agent. They help take out and obtain the protein from various sources such as plants, meat, or peas. 

The salt solution may remain with the extracted protein at the end of the extraction process. In other words, complete removal may not become possible. Then, the protein powder would have a considerably high sodium content. It, in turn, makes the product unhealthy if used for an extended period. Otherwise, it can lead to several health complications such as high blood pressure and heart strokes.  

However, such issues do not occur with low sodium protein powders. The products get prepared and manufactured uniquely. It lowers or eliminates the problem of high sodium or salt content. Hence, it makes the protein powder healthier and better in numerous aspects. 

In most cases, protein powders with protein extracted from peas and chickpeas have low sodium content. In some instances, they can contain about 10 mg of the mineral. Then, the product would have less than 1% of the daily recommended value.

What are the Various Benefits Associated With Low Sodium Protein Powders?

Low Sodium protein powders have significant benefits that enhance the health of their users. A few desirable effects of the product consist of the following:

  • Weight Management

Low sodium protein powders can help an individual feel satiated for extended periods. It, in turn, allows them to eat less and in small portions throughout the day. In other words, it enables less frequent eating and snacking. Thus, it can aid a person in losing weight and maintaining their health. 

The lowered weight also results in other health benefits. They include low cholesterol levels, low blood pressure, and reduced chances of cardiovascular disease2

  • Muscle Growth

Like all its counterparts, low sodium protein powders help build muscles and the body. They aid in strengthening the various muscle groups and increasing their size and width. In addition to that, they facilitate strenuous and rigorous exercises such as weightlifting. 

Using low sodium protein powders as shakes can help a person gain the benefits of the protein component and remain hydrated. Moreover, it aids in improving the taste of the mixture. 

  • Tissue and Muscle Recovery

Low sodium protein powders can help considerably to repair and restore damaged tissues and muscles. They speed up the recovery process, enabling the soreness to get reduced or eliminated in a short time. 

Low sodium protein powders can improve the protein synthesis and performance of the muscles. They can also reduce further damage. Overall, the products allow for the sustenance of appropriate muscle health. 

  • Stomach-Friendly

Low sodium protein powders go through minimal processing. It implies that the products do not put any strain or pressure on the stomach. The reduced exposure to mechanical and chemical processing steps also ensures they become easy to eat and digest. 

  • Reduced Side Effects

Low sodium protein powders have minimal to no side effects. It includes issues related to the gastrointestinal system, heart, blood pressure, etc. 

For instance, the product does not result in the gas formation or constipation. On top of that, the low sodium content ensures the blood pressure does not increase beyond recommended and safe limits and results in cardiac attacks. 

Are All Low Sodium Protein Powders Healthy?

All low sodium protein powders may seem healthy owing to their low sodium content. However, the other constituents and ingredients in the product mix also play a significant role. A few substances can lead to undesirable effects and consequences. Thus, it is essential to check the composition before purchasing a low sodium protein powder. 

A few of these ingredients an individual needs to avoid when selecting a low sodium protein powder consist of the following:

  • Food Additives

Almost all protein powders contain food additives. The substances are not necessarily damaging to health. However, it is the case when they get consumed in small quantities. If their amount piles up, the food additives can prove detrimental in one way or the other. For instance, they can lead to gastrointestinal issues. 

Some food additives are exceedingly arduous to digest and can sit in the digestive tract longer than they should. In such cases, the gut bacteria get more time and access to nutrients, allowing them to grow. In turn, they produce gas that can result in nausea, bloating and cramps. In addition, constipation is another common consequence of excessive food additives in low sodium protein powders. 

On top of that, food additives can lead to systemic inflammatory disorders and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the long run. Thus, it is best to select low sodium protein powders having minimal to no additives. 

  • Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners make low sodium protein powders taste good. However, they have similar problems as food additives. They cannot get digested easily and thus, turn into food for gut bacteria. 

Artificial sweeteners such as xylitol draw water into the stomach and lead to diarrhea. Furthermore, they can alter the gastric tract composition, resulting in severe inflammations and gastrointestinal problems.3

  • Dairy

Some low sodium protein powders get made from dairy by-products such as casein and whey. They can lead to digestive and gastric issues in people having irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and lactose intolerance. 

  • Protein Isolates and Concentrates

Protein isolates and concentrates are substances that have significantly high protein content and get processed through chemical and mechanical methods. Sometimes, chemical solvents such as hexane get added and utilized to separate the protein portion from the extraction sources. Thus, the final product obtained is an imitation, unlike the original substance. 

Hence, protein isolates and concentrates become arduous to digest, especially for people having sensitive stomachs. 

  1. Delaney, R. A. M., J. K. Donnelly, and A. C. O’Sullivan. “Manufacture of Undenatured Whey Protein Concentrates by Ultrafiltration and Spray Drying: 1. Low-Protein Powders.” Irish Journal of Agricultural Research (1972): 181-192. ↩︎
  2. Dickhout, Annemiek, and Rory R. Koenen. “Extracellular vesicles as biomarkers in cardiovascular disease; chances and risks.” Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine 5 (2018): 113. ↩︎
  3. Anand, A. C., V. K. Sashindran, and Latika Mohan. “Gastrointestinal problems at high altitude.” Tropical Gastroenterology 27.4 (2006): 147. ↩︎

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Icy Health Editorial Team

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